Southampton test a chance to get back on track

Phil Parkinson says Wrexham’s Championship contest with Southampton (15:00 BST) gives his side the opportunity to get “back on track” following their 6-0 loss to West Ham United last time out.

The Red Dragons had been in encouraging form prior to that emphatic defeat by the Hammers.

They come up against a Saints side that have claimed 14 of the 21 points on offer so far this season.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to get ourselves back on track,” said the Wrexham manager.

“Of course they’re a good side, we’ve looked at the teams who’ve done well against them or better against them and the ones who’ve struggled.

“We’re looking at ways where we can create opportunities but equally making sure we’re tighter as a team and we can compact the pitch quicker and I’m confident we’ll be able to do that.”

West Ham had 19 shots, nine of which were on target, against Wrexham at the London Stadium eight days ago.

The hefty loss came after Wrexham had kept two clean sheets in their three games prior to the trip to the English capital.

And while frustrated to be on the receiving end of what was the club’s heaviest league defeat in 22 years, Parkinson says one of Wrexham’s key aims against Tonda Eckert’s men is to rediscover their best defensive form.

“It’s switching back quickly to what we’ve done for the majority of the games this season where we’ve restricted the opposition to not a great deal, particularly in those two clean sheets we got (against Millwall and Swansea City),” added Parkinson.

“It’s the compactness, the togetherness of the team, out of possession; it’s that buy-in which we’ve always had and accepting that, at times, good teams and good players are going to play through you.

“When that happens, we’ve got to respond and we’ve got to make sure we’re ready to defend in key moments.”