Betting Preview: Wrexham vs Preston North End
The spotlight falls on the Racecourse Ground this Monday night as Wrexham host Preston North End.
The hosts are fresh off a chaotic, morale-boosting 5–3 victory against Sheffield United, a result that snapped a five-game winless streak and reignited their play-off hopes. Conversely, Preston North End arrive in North Wales as one of the division’s most stubborn outfits, boasting a seven-match unbeaten run that highlights their defensive solidity and tactical discipline.
Wrexham Team News
Phil Parkinson will be without his captain and talisman James McClean, who is serving the second game of a suspension. His absence deprives Wrexham of crucial leadership and width on the left flank. The injury list is equally concerning, with key midfielder Lewis O’Brien ruled out alongside defender Lewis Brunt and Manchester City loanee Issa Kabore. Goalkeeper Davina Ward and midfielder Andy Cannon also remain long-term absentees.
However, there is a boost for the hosts with the return of wing-back Liberato Cacace, who is expected to slot straight back into the starting lineup.
Current Form: 13th in the table. Before their crazy 5–3 win, they had gone five games without a victory.
The Problem: Consistency. While they can score (led by Kieffer Moore, who has 10 goals), they are defensively porous, having conceded 3 goals in their last outing and showing vulnerability against quick transitions.
Preston Team News
Preston North End travel with their own mixed bag of personnel news but receive two massive boosts that could tip the scales in their favor.
Manager Paul Heckingbottom returns to the touchline after serving a three-match stadium ban, bringing vocal leadership back to the dugout. On the pitch, striker Milutin Osmajic is finally available for selection after completing a lengthy nine-match suspension, offering a fresh and physical attacking option alongside top scorer Daniel Jebbison.
Defensively, Liam Lindsay is expected to return after missing the Stoke draw with illness, likely replacing the injured Jack Whatmough or partnering Jordan Storey. However, wing-back Andrija Vukcevic has suffered a recurrence of an injury and is sidelined, while experienced heads Robbie Brady and Ben Whiteman remain out. Late fitness tests will be required for midfielder Teitur Thordarson and Everton loanee Lewis Dobbin, both of whom are carrying knocks.
Current Form: 5th in the table (Play-off spots). They are grinding out results, recently drawing 0–0 away at Stoke in a balanced game.
Away Record: They are solid on the road with a 4-5-2 record, meaning they avoid defeat in the vast majority of their away trips.
Boosts: Manager Paul Heckingbottom returns from suspension. Striker Milutin Osmajic is also available again after a long suspension, adding fresh legs to the attack alongside top scorer Jebbison.
Defense: They boast one of the better defenses in the league, which counters Wrexham’s chaotic attacking style perfectly.
Verdict
Given Preston’s impressive resilience and Wrexham’s significant list of absentees, the visitors are well-positioned to take something from this game. The return of their manager and a key striker adds an extra layer of threat to a team that is already difficult to beat. Backing Preston North End or Draw (Double Chance) offers the smartest path to profit, capitalizing on the likelihood of a tight, low-scoring affair where the visitors avoid defeat.