Wrexham Targets Derby Win After International Break

Wrexham AFC will face Derby County at Pride Park Stadium on Saturday, October 10, in the Championship as manager Phil Parkinson prepares his side for a difficult return after a three-week international break. The match follows Wrexham's recent win over Southampton.

According to BBC, Parkinson said the break made Derby harder to assess because player availability and tactical choices could have changed. Wrexham are seeking consecutive league wins for the first time this season.

The manager highlighted the importance of repeating performances from away matches at Millwall and Swansea, where Wrexham collected four points, while also considering Derby's possible lineup changes.

"It can be difficult to predict, in terms of how they are going to set up, if I'm honest, after three weeks off," said Phil Parkinson, Wrexham manager.

Parkinson noted Derby have several important players but may enter the match with a different squad configuration after recent absences.

"We know the key players that they have got, but they had quite a few players who weren't available for the last game." said Phil Parkinson, Wrexham manager.

The Wrexham manager said his team must maintain its own approach rather than focus only on Derby's possible changes.

"[It's about] getting the core principles of what we need to do to get a win at Derby, and making sure that it's about us on the day." said Phil Parkinson, Wrexham manager.

Parkinson added that Wrexham would review Derby's style, strengths and weaknesses before the fixture while preparing for different tactical possibilities.

"We need to play the same way we have done in the away games against Swansea and Millwall and then the [home] game against Southampton." said Phil Parkinson, Wrexham manager.

He also explained that analysis of Derby would continue despite uncertainty over their selection and system.

"Of course we will look into the teams Derby have picked, the style they play and where their threats and weaknesses are, but with an understanding that it might be a different team and system come Saturday." said Phil Parkinson, Wrexham manager.

Parkinson said Wrexham's physical condition remained positive heading into the trip and the Southampton victory had increased confidence.

"I feel like we are in a good place physically, and we go into the Derby game confident after the Southampton win," said Phil Parkinson, Wrexham manager.

He described the Championship as competitive and said Wrexham's priority was maintaining consistency until the next break.

"The Championship is as tight as everybody expected. Some teams have probably overachieved; others are not where they want to be." said Phil Parkinson, Wrexham manager.

Parkinson said the club would focus on the immediate fixture before looking ahead to two home matches.

"From our point of view, it's about continuing the consistent form right through to the next break." said Phil Parkinson, Wrexham manager.

He added that Derby would remain the sole focus before the following fixtures.

"We will concentrate on the Derby game and then look forward to the two home games." said Phil Parkinson, Wrexham manager.

Wrexham previously recorded a strong result at Derby and Parkinson wants his players to reproduce that display.

"We had a great win there last year. We are looking to replicate that performance." said Phil Parkinson, Wrexham manager.

Midfielder Ben Whiteman also discussed the impact of the extended international break after joining Wrexham in the summer. He said the lack of an immediate match was challenging despite providing recovery time.

"I found it, surprisingly, quite tough, actually," said Ben Whiteman, Wrexham midfielder.

Whiteman explained that he prefers training with a specific match target and used the break to recover from a demanding run of away travel.

"The first week was a lot of resting. The travel we have had to do over the past few months was strange, really." said Ben Whiteman, Wrexham midfielder.

The midfielder said Wrexham must approach the upcoming run of fixtures one match at a time, beginning with Derby.

"You have to take it one step at a time. It's a three-game week, and we have to look to get maximum points if we want to be successful," said Ben Whiteman, Wrexham midfielder.

Whiteman described Derby as a strong opponent with an experienced manager and said there would be no easy Championship matches.

"Derby have got some good players and a really experienced manager for the level. We know it's going to be a tough game." said Ben Whiteman, Wrexham midfielder.

The summer signing played down individual recognition and emphasized the team's collective goals.

"I'm not a massive believer in individuals, to be brutally honest. I don't really care, as long as we win a game," said Ben Whiteman, Wrexham midfielder.

Whiteman said promotion remains the shared objective and highlighted the importance of the Southampton result for confidence.

"We all want the same thing, and that's to be promoted out of this division. I'm much more concerned about how we are doing as a team." said Ben Whiteman, Wrexham midfielder.

He added that the Southampton victory provided a significant boost before the next Championship fixtures.

"That win over Southampton was massive for us and our confidence. It was really needed." said Ben Whiteman, Wrexham midfielder.