Solihull Moors will travel to Wales to face Wrexham AFC on Boxing Day, the first of a double header in the National League. At the time of writing, the Moors haven’t been involved in any sort of league experience since their narrow 2-1 victory over Oldham Athletic in Early December, but have since played and beat National League North side AFC Telford United in mid-week, winning 2-0. Meanwhile, their opponents will be out looking to continue their push for the National League title, knowing the form that Notts County are currently in, which makes this match set-up to be an entertaining fixture.
Team News - Solihull Moors
Neal Ardley’ side received a major boost in mid-week, with the returns of Callum Howe and Callum Maycock from injuries. Howe especially hasn’t been seen since late October due to a knee injury. Following Connor Parsons’ departure, loanee Bartosz Cybulski is in line to make the Matchday squad for only the second time, since signing on loan from Derby County.
Elsewhere, youngster Kian Ryley could be called up to the bench after putting in a man-of-the-match performance in mid-weeks victory over AFC Telford United in what was his professional debut. Midfielder Joe Sbarra did pick up a late knock in the cup game but is expected to be fully fit and starting on Boxing Day.
Team News - Wrexham AFC
There are no fresh injury concerns for Phil Parkinson's men for their Boxing Day fixture against Solihull Moors. New signing Andy Cannon made his debut during the clubs FA Trophy win against Scunthorpe and will therefore continue his fight to receive a starting place at the weekend.
Paul Mullin will also be hoping to continue his fine form on Boxing Day. Defender Ben Tozer is in line to make his 450th professional appearance at the weekend, whilst Jacob Mendy is closing in on his 125th appearance for the club.
Expected Line-Ups
Solihull Moors: Ryan Boot (GK) ; James Clarke, Callum Howe, Alex Gudger, Ben Coker ; Callum Maycock, Kyle Storer ; Ryan Barnett, Joe Sbarra, Andrew Dallas ; Josh Kelly (4-2-3-1)
Wrexham AFC: Mark Howard (GK) ; Anthony Forde, Aaron Hayden, Ben Tozer, Jordan Tunnicliffe, Callum McFadzean ; Luke Young, Tom O'Connor, Elliott Lee ; Ollie Palmer, Paul Mullin (5-3-2)
Form Guides
Solihull Moors will head to Wales after picking up back-to-back wins in all competitions, including a win in their last league game against an out-of-form Oldham Athletic side. However, the club are still in need of minutes after having three matches postponed this month already. The run of form comes after a poor run of zero wins from their last eight matches in all competitions, including an early FA Cup exit.
As for the home side, Wrexham are currently on a 15 match unbeaten run in all competitions, which dates back to their 1-0 defeat against the league leaders Notts County in early October. They are also on a run of back-to-back wins, scoring five goals, including three in mid-weeks FA Trophy victory against bottom club Scunthorpe United.
Players To Watch:
Ryan Barnett (Solihull Moors)
Following his impressive substitute appearance in mid-week, popular winger Ryan Barnett is entering a great run of form and he will be desperate to continue that on Boxing Day. The 23-year-old added his second goal of the season against Telford, finishing off a brilliantly executed move which he both started and finished. His pace is likely to provide an interesting competition on the right-hand-side of the pitch and if he isn’t picked up properly, he will have a very encouraging afternoon,
Paul Mullin (Wrexham AFC)
The standout player in the Wrexham side is experienced forward Paul Mullin. Mullin has scored 19 goals in 24 matches for the club in all competitions this season, almost averaging a goal every match. He has proven to be a real handful this season and he will cause Solihull Moors nightmares if our back four isn’t up to it from the get-go. The club will create chances, with Mullin having plenty of opportunities but if he can be stopped, Moors have a better chance of getting something from the game.
Match Details
On Boxing Day the league tie between Solihull Moors and Wrexham AFC will take place at the Racecourse Stadium, home of Wrexham. The match will kick-off at 3pm in-line with the rest of the National League fixtures taking place on Boxing Day. Also, tickets are available, but the away end is selling fairly quickly, making it a very lively encounter in Wales. Both teams will post live updates and we will also be posting updates on @UpTheMoors on Twitter, however we would like to wish you all reading a very merry Christmas!
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