For the first time since the 2001-02 campaign, Wrexham and Wigan Athletic will square off in an EFL league fixture on Sunday at the Racecourse Ground.

A late penalty conversion by Steven Fletcher enabled the Red Dragons to defeat Blackpool 2-1 on Boxing Day and keep them third in League One, while the Latics are 14th following a 1-0 win at home versus Rotherham.

Super Paul Mullin

To the relief of Wrexham supporters, Paul Mullin was back on the scoresheet Thursday, doing so in style with an absolute screamer of a volley against Blackpool.

The Welshman was all over the pitch throughout the 90 minutes, making his first start for the Red Dragons in 47 days and scoring his second goal of the League One campaign. His performance earned him Man of the Match honours, as he leads League One in Shots per 90 (4.1).

Super Sub

Since returning from the injured list, Phil Parkinson’s received some massive contributions from Steven Fletcher. The Scotsman has scored in two of his last three league fixtures, providing plenty of energy off the bench. Scoring depth has been needed due to Jack Marriott’s injury and Paul Mullin’s lack of production, and Fletcher’s been a clutch performer of late.

Since joining the Red Dragons in September 2023, he’s got six goals as a substitute, the ninth-most all-time per the AFC Wrexham archives. Two of his three domestic goals this season have been match-winners, while over half of his

shots this season have been on target, the most among any player in League One.

Wrexham’s unsung hero

The Red Dragons’ success this season can attributed to plenty of solid team efforts, while Eoghan O’Connell’s contributions have been massive. In their victory over Blackpool, the Irishman was exceptional, never being dispossessed, winning

three of his four tackles and losing just three of his 26 duels. Wrexham have conceded the fewest goals in League One this season (15) thanks in large part to O’Connell.

Wigan’s wall between the sticks

Wigan owe a lot of credit to goalkeeper Sam Tickle for their strong defensive record this season. The 22-year-old has the join-most clean sheets in League One this season (10) and hasn’t conceded in back-to-back domestic outings away from home. Their 2023-24 Player of the Year is averaging three saves per game, while collecting a clean sheet in his previous visit to the Racecourse Ground in the 2023 EFL Cup.

Team news

Jack Marriott is out for Wrexham with a broken fibula, Arthur Okonkwo won’t be back until February from a wrist fracture, and Callum Burton has a torn thigh muscle.

James Jones remains a doubt due to a foot injury and Elliott Lee will likely be sidelined with a hamstring strain. Wigan had Jensen Weir back from an ankle injury in midweek, while Luke Chambers sat out because of a sore back.

TV Channel

Wrexham's home match against Wigan will NOT be shown live on the Sky Sports+ channel in the United Kingdom due to the EFL determining it falls under ‘normal weekend’ broadcast restrictions. It will, however, be made available to watch live on iFollow Wrexham. US viewers can watch full coverage on Paramount+.

Predicted XIs

Wrexham: Howard; Barnett, Cleworth, O’Connell, Scarr, McClean; Dobson, James, Rathbone;

Mullin, Palmer

Wigan Athletic: Tickle; Sibbick, Kerr, Aimson, Sessegnon; Weir; J. Smith, Adeeko, Aasgaard,

Olakigbe; Taylor