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Wrexham vs Middlesbrough Preview: Team News, Injuries, Form And Odds
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- Wrexham vs Middlesbrough Preview: Team News, Injuries, Form And Odds
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Wrexham host Middlesbrough at the Racecourse Ground today, with kick-off at 7.45pm, as Phil Parkinson's side seek a response after two straight defeats without scoring.
The visitors enter the midweek programme as Championship leaders, with 28 points from 13 matches. Wrexham have collected 14 points from the same number of games, leaving them 18th before Tuesday's fixtures.
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Injuries will restrict Parkinson's attacking options, while Middlesbrough head coach Kim Hellberg must balance a strong run of results with the demands of successive away trips.
Wrexham team news: Smith out, O'Hare doubtful
Sam Smith is unavailable after suffering a knee injury during Friday's 1-0 defeat at Sheffield United. Parkinson has confirmed the striker may need surgery.
Callum O'Hare remains doubtful after missing the Bramall Lane fixture. Josh Windass and Nathan Broadhead are also still sidelined, further reducing Wrexham's options in the final third.
Liberato Cacace is listed as unavailable with a calf injury, while Sebastian Revan remains a doubt with a hamstring problem.
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Parkinson has also indicated that Bailey Cadamarteri will get more playing time following Smith's setback, giving the younger forward a chance to increase his involvement.
There is better news defensively. Max Cleworth returned from injury as a half-time substitute against Sheffield United, increasing Parkinson's options alongside Joe Worrall, Callum Doyle and Dominic Hyam. Ben Sheaf and Matty James are also available midfield options, with George Dobson and Ben Whiteman providing alternatives.
Middlesbrough team news: Lankshear available as Hellberg considers changes
Will Lankshear is expected to be available after his withdrawal against Charlton Athletic was attributed to a cramp rather than a fresh injury. The striker's double in the 3-0 victory took him to 13 Championship goals, making him the central threat Wrexham must contain.
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Alfie Jones remains out with a calf injury, while Rokas Pukstas is recovering from a hamstring problem. Hellberg suggested on Tuesday that Pukstas could still be approximately a month away.
David Strelec, however, has returned to training and came off the bench against Charlton, providing another option up front.
Hellberg has indicated that squad rotation will be necessary across the trips to Wrexham and Watford. That could involve changes to the starting side or sharing minutes through substitutions.
"I have to manage everyone's minutes; that's just how it is," he said.
Wrexham's last five Championship results show three defeats, 1 draw and 1 win. The 4-1 win over Preston offered encouragement, but defeats at Blackburn and Sheffield United have prevented Parkinson's side from building momentum.
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The attacking numbers are particularly concerning: Wrexham registered only one shot on target in each of those two defeats. Improving the quality of their chances is therefore as important as selecting the right forward.
Middlesbrough's last five league results show four wins and one draw. They have gone 11 Championship matches unbeaten and scored 30 goals across their opening 13 fixtures.
Previous meetings
Last season's league encounters both finished level:
October 25, 2025 - Middlesbrough 1–1 Wrexham
May 2, 2026 - Wrexham 2–2 Middlesbrough
August 7, 2026 (EFL Cup) - Middlesbrough 1–0 Wrexham
Middlesbrough's form and scoring record will keep them as favourites as pressure mounts on Phil Parkinson.
