Wrexham A.F.C. kick off the 2026-27 campaign with a first-round tie at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium. Manager Phil Parkinson insists he is treating the game as an additional pre-season fixture and that will be reflected in his starting lineup. Having returned from a pre-season tour to America earlier this week, Parkinson will monitor his players before deciding who will be involved. However, he has confirmed that midfielder Ben Sheaf and forward Josh Windass will not feature due to minor injuries. Parkinson believes that the squad has recovered well from their pre-season tour and is ready to give a good account of themselves against Middlesbrough. The selection for the game will be based on several factors, including who has recovered the best from the group and who the sports science and medical team feel are ready. The aim is to improve individually and collectively, and Parkinson is excited about the season ahead. Wrexham A.F.C. finished seventh in the Championship last season and only missed out on the play-offs by two points. They have secured a record-breaking three successive promotions and are looking to make a push for the play-offs this season. The team has undergone significant changes over the summer, with several new signings joining the squad. Parkinson believes that the squad has benefited from having a full pre-season together and is ready to take on the challenges of the new season. Wrexham A.F.C. are currently 24 points behind leaders Coventry in the title race and will be looking to close the gap as the season progresses. The team has scored 69 goals and conceded 65 so far this season, with a goal difference of +4. They are looking to build on their strong start to the season and make a push for the play-offs.