Wrexham vs Oxford United | Match Preview

StōK Cae Ras | Wednesday 22 October, 7:45pm

The U's embark on a long trip to North Wales to take on Wrexham, aiming to build momentum after Saturday’s impressive win over Derby County.

Form Guide - Snapshot

• Oxford United: W2 D1 L2 from the previous five games. Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Derby County showcased Oxford’s growing quality, with the team creating a host of chances while remaining solid at the back. While turning those opportunities into more goals remains a priority, the overall performances continue to improve with each game.
• Wrexham: W1 D3 L1 in their last five. Much like the analysis of Derby’s recent form ahead of last weekend, many of Wrexham’s recent fixtures have ended in 1-1 draws. However, a narrow defeat away to Stoke City on Saturday has left them looking to respond — something they’ll be eager to do in front of their home supporters.

The Rivalry - A Quick Head-to-Head Check

A clash between the two sides has been long overdue, with their last encounter taking place 12 years ago. 

Since their first meeting in 1964, the teams have faced off 25 times, with Oxford United winning seven and drawing eight. 

Notably, the U’s have come out on top in each of the last four meetings.

The Connections - Worn Both Badges

• Mark Harris: The Welsh international joined Oxford United in 2023 and played a pivotal role in the Club’s promotion from League One. To date, Harris has scored 25 goals in 112 appearances. Earlier in his career, during his time with Cardiff City, he had a loan spell at Wrexham where he made 24 appearances and scored three goals.
• Elliot Lee: Lee has enjoyed a remarkable few years in North Wales, playing a key role in Wrexham’s impressive rise from non-league to the Sky Bet Championship in just three seasons. The attacking midfielder has scored 36 goals in 129 appearances for the club so far. He also had a brief but impactful spell at the Kassam Stadium in 2021, netting six goals in 20 League One appearances for Oxford United.
• Simon Heslop: Heslop signed for the U's whilst the Club were in League Two in 2010. During the midfielder's three-year spell at Oxford, he made 102 appearances and scored nine goals. A few years later, Heslop signed for Wrexham and made 20 appearances for the club, scoring three goals.
• David Fogg: A fan favourite during his nine-year spell at Oxford United from 1976 to 1985, Fogg was a dynamic full-back who made 331 appearances in yellow and blue, scoring 21 goals. He joined the U’s after a successful six-year stint at Wrexham, where he played 161 times. Later in his career, Fogg remained part of the Oxford setup, going on to coach both the youth team and the reserves.

More Than Just a Hollywood Documentary: A Tactical Look at Wrexham

1) Wrexham’s rise in recent years has become one of the most talked-about stories in world football. Backed by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the club has achieved an extraordinary run of three consecutive promotions and now has its sights set on the once-unthinkable goal of reaching the Premier League. At the heart of their success is manager Phil Parkinson, a seasoned figure in English football, who has instilled a playing style built on physicality, attacking energy, and defensive resilience.

2) Welsh striker Kieffer Moore made a flying start to the season, scoring four goals in his first six appearances. His imposing physical presence up front is a key asset for the team, and they look to capitalise on it whenever possible. Moore will no doubt relish the physical contest against U’s centre-back Ciaron Brown in what promises to be a fiercely competitive matchup.

3) Wrexham typically line up in an attacking formation, operating with a back three supported by dynamic wing-backs who push forward in possession and drop into a back five when defending. Their style is built around quick transitions and maintaining a compact, organised shape without the ball. With the physical presence of Moore leading the line, they often look to play directly into the striker using long balls to initiate attacks.

4) Wrexham currently boast the second-highest shot-on-target percentage in the division at 35.8%, while also ranking fourth for long passes attempted (833).

Wrexham’s Danger Man: The Impact of Josh Windass

The 31-year-old attacking midfielder joined Wrexham in the summer following his departure from Sheffield Wednesday as a free agent. Operating in the No. 10 role, Windass is a sharp, intelligent playmaker capable of creating goalscoring chances out of nothing. He’s made an immediate impact with three goals in his first seven appearances, including a debut strike against Southampton and a match-winning brace at Carrow Road in September — quickly endearing himself to the Wrexham faithful.

The son of former professional Dean Windass, Josh has enjoyed a successful career across the Football League. Now, his focus is firmly on becoming the driving force behind Wrexham’s push for Premier League promotion.

By the Numbers — Fast Facts

• Kick-off: Wednesday 22 October, 7:45pm at the StōK Cae Ras.
• Recent form (last five): Oxford W2 D1 L2; Wrexham: W1 D3 L1.
• Goals: Oxford have scored 11 this season, Wrexham have scored 14.
• Fun Fact: Oxford United have won the previous four meetings with Wrexham.
• Historic classics: Wrexham 1-2 Oxford (9 December 2013); Oxford 1-0 Wrexham (20 April 2010); Wrexham 0-1 Oxford (12 September 2009).
• Top Goal scorers this season: Will Lankshear (3 goals); Kieffer Moore (4 goals).

Voices from the Camp: 

Watch Gary Rowett & Ciaron Brown's full press conferences below:

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MATCHDAY GUIDE

MATCHDAY STREAMING

Relive the key moments from Saturday's victory over Derby County!