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Phil Parkinson needs a strong response from his Wrexham squad to relieve the mounting pressure on his managerial role and get their Championship campaign back on course.
The Red Dragons have claimed just one victory from their first seven league fixtures this season and suffered a humiliating 6-0 defeat to West Ham United on Friday evening. While there is no great disgrace in losing to such a gifted side that appears destined to bounce straight back to the Premier League, the nature of the display was simply unacceptable.
Wrexham have invested close to $95 million in new signings since earning promotion to the Championship, yet still appear well short of the division's top sides. Despite having weathered difficult patches before and recovered, there is growing concern about how they can fix a team that performed so poorly in their last outing.
Parkinson has remained committed to his 3-5-2 system throughout his tenure at the Racecourse Ground, deploying a back four in only three of his 269 games in charge, with the most recent occasion coming in 2021. The formation has, after all, delivered three promotions and the club's best-ever league finish, though doubts persist about its effectiveness against the division's stronger outfits.
Wrexham's difficulties have been further complicated by a "serious" injury to Max Cleworth, leaving them with just four fit senior defenders — a problem that is magnified when operating with a back three rather than a back four. With this in mind, a potential tactical switch could offer a solution, even if it seems unlikely at this stage.
Here is a hypothetical look at how Wrexham could alter their formation to address their current injury concerns and get their season back on track.
How Wrexham Could Line Up in a 4-2-3-1 Formation
GK: Anthony Patterson—Questions were raised about Wrexham's decision to spend heavily on a goalkeeper in the summer, but Patterson has impressed so far and may yet prove to be a shrewd acquisition.
RB: Danny Imray—Imray has made a solid start in the wing-back role and offers the more defensive option on the right flank. He could comfortably slot into a full-back position if needed.
CB: Dom Hyam—Hyam is the club's captain and could be considered unfortunate to have been left out against West Ham. He should be pushing Joe Worrall hard for a starting berth in central defence.
CB: Callum Doyle—Doyle is arguably the most gifted player at the club and should adapt seamlessly to a back four. He would, however, require cover from the left back when he ventures forward on his driving runs.
LB: Jacques Ekomié—Ekomié has been among the standout summer arrivals, showing considerable promise since joining on the left side. He is capable of playing at left back and is arguably better suited to that position.
CM: Ben Sheaf—Sheaf has been sorely missed during his injury absence and is one of several candidates for a defensive midfield berth. Matty James and Ben Whiteman would also be strong contenders in this system.
CM: Lewis O'Brien—O'Brien is more naturally suited to a central midfield role and could thrive with a change in formation. He has not been utilised to his full potential in an attacking midfield position and would likely welcome a return to the centre of the park.
CAM: Josh Windass—Windass was named Wrexham's Player of the Year last season and is most effective in an attacking midfield role. He should adapt well to any potential shape change, with Callum O'Hare providing an alternative option in that position.
RW: Issa Kaboré—Wrexham may not have an abundance of natural wide players, but Kaboré has always been more effective going forward than tracking back and could thrive with greater freedom and reduced defensive responsibilities.
ST: Kieffer Moore—Moore remains the club's leading striker but requires quality service to make his mark. He is accustomed to leading the attack alone and would benefit from more delivery into the box from deeper areas.
LW: Nathan Broadhead—Broadhead has been a disappointing addition since joining Wrexham a year ago, though this is partly attributable to the fact that their style of play does not appear to suit him. He is at his most dangerous as a left winger and could be revitalised by a change in formation.