Phil Parkinson has a Wrexham problem, Southampton are perfectly set up to punish | OneFootball

Phil Parkinson watched a month’s defensive work unravel in East London on Friday, West Ham scoring six after Wrexham had conceded only five in the league all season. Sainstmarching.com notes he now faces Southampton with a back line short on stability.

A centre-back’s hamstring injury has ruled him out for two months, a major blow for a side built on a back three. Callum Doyle and Dom Hyam have been ever-presents, the third shirt rotating, with Cleworth only just back after an Achilles problem.

Joe Worrall arrived from Burnley on deadline day and featured in the West Ham defeat, while academy graduate Aaron James has yet to play Championship football.

There is better news in midfield, with Ben Sheaf fit after missing pre-season and Josh Windass limited to a knock at Burnley before going unused against the Hammers.

Southampton visit the Racecourse Ground on Saturday having scored 18 in seven league games, a return second only in the division.

Finn Azaz is level atop the goal-involvement chart. Southampton do not simply go long at a back three, Azaz finds pockets, Kuryu Matsuki and Léo Scienza stretch wing-backs, and Cyle Larin runs off shoulders.

Wrexham’s solace may be Southampton’s lacklustre away form. With four league draws already, the hosts can make it awkward for the free-scoring visitors. Parkinson has four days to plug his biggest gap, and Southampton will look to exploit it.

Source: Sainstmarching.com

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