Wrexham A.F.C. will test their Championship ambitions in a final preseason friendly against Sunderland AFC at Subaru Park on Sunday. The Welsh side, who narrowly missed the playoffs last season, face a Premier League opponent in their last tune-up before the new campaign.
How have Wrexham prepared?
Wrexham have shown strong form this summer, drawing with Wisla Krakow (0-0) and beating Manchester United (1-0) and Leeds United (3-2). Their only loss came against Liverpool (1-0). Manager Phil Parkinson’s side finished 7th in the Championship last season with 71 points (19W-14D-13L), scoring 69 goals while conceding 65. They enter this match with momentum after a solid preseason.
Sunderland’s rise under Le Bris
Sunderland, fresh from a 7th-place Premier League finish, bring Europa League experience to this friendly. Regis Le Bris’ side have mixed results this summer, including a 5-1 win over York City and losses to Liverpool (4-2) and Leeds (1-0). Their striker Wilson Isidor, who scored 19 goals in the last two seasons, will test Wrexham’s defense.
What’s at stake?
For Wrexham, this is a final chance to fine-tune before their EFL Cup opener against Middlesbrough on August 7th. Sunderland, meanwhile, use this match to build chemistry ahead of their Premier League and Europa League campaigns. Both teams aim to carry preseason form into competitive play.
Key players to watch
Wrexham’s Kieffer Moore and Sam Smith lead the attack, while Sunderland’s Granit Xhaka and Enzo Le Fee anchor midfield. The duel between Isidor and Wrexham’s backline could decide the match.
