Wrexham vs Gillingham Prediction: Wrexham looking for automatic promotion spots

Wrexham will welcome Gillingham at Racecourse Ground, Wrexham in Game Week 17 of League Two. Wrexham will look to solidify their place in the top three of the table which guarantees automatic promotion. Who will come out on top after 90 minutes?

Wrexham has been on an impressive unbeaten run since suffering a heavy 5-0 defeat to Stockport County in September. They have won seven out of their last 10 games across all competitions, including a recent victory against Port Vale in the EFL Trophy. Under the guidance of Phil Parkinson, Wrexham is now preparing for four consecutive League Two fixtures, with three of them against top-nine teams. They have accumulated thirteen points out of a possible fifteen, including a convincing 2-0 win over Notts County. This winning streak has propelled them into the top three, positioning them five points ahead of Barrow and five points behind Stockport.

Heading into their upcoming game against Gillingham, Wrexham has performed well at home, winning five out of eight league games. Their stadium, SToK Cae Ras, is known for hosting entertaining matches, with Wrexham scoring the most home goals and conceding the most home goals in the fourth tier this season. On the other hand, Gillingham has had an inconsistent start away from home, winning four and losing four of their first eight away matches. They have struggled to score goals on the road, with only six goals so far this season.

Wrexham manager Parkinson has confirmed that Andy Cannon's leg injury, which he sustained in the 2-1 FA Cup victory over Mansfield last week, is not as severe as initially thought. However, Cannon will still join a list of sidelined players including Steven Fletcher, Jordan Tunnicliffe, Ryan Barnett, Eoghan O'Connell, and Aaron Hayden.

Parkinson is likely to field a similar lineup to the one that won against Notts County in their previous league match. Players like Mullin, McClean, Elliott Lee, Ben Tozer, Jacob Mendy, and Arthur Okonkwo are all expected to return to the starting lineup.

The potential starting lineup for Wrexham could be: Okonkwo; Mendy, Boyle, Tozer, O'Connor, McClean; Young, Jones, Lee; Palmer, Mullin.

Gillingham's new head coach, Stephen Clemence, is yet to lead the team in a league game but has already experienced a cup victory and a narrow defeat. Currently sitting ninth in League Two, Gillingham aims to close the gap on the playoffs and Wrexham. Despite being considered underdogs, a statement win against Wrexham would prove Clemence's capabilities and boost Gillingham's confidence in their pursuit of a top-seven spot.

On the other hand, Gillingham's Oli Hawkins and Ashley Nadesan are nearing a return from injury, but they may not be ready in time for Saturday's game. Clemence is anticipated to make several changes to the lineup following their loss to Fulham Under-21s. Cheye Alexander, Conor Masterson, Scott Malone, Connor Mahoney, and Macauley Bonne could all be recalled.

The potential starting lineup for Gillingham could be: Turner; Alexander, Masterson, Ogie, Malone; Mahoney, Coleman, Clarke, Jefferies; Lapslie; Bonne.

Gillingham has struggled to score goals on the road this season, but they will aim to have more success against Wrexham's vulnerable defence. However, Wrexham's attacking quality should be enough to outscore their opponents and secure a victory on home turf. Expect a high-scoring affair at Wrexham and the home side to come away with victory to their name.