Wrexham v Birmingham City 23rd January 2025: EFL League One Preview
League One leaders Birmingham, unbeaten since November, travel to Stok Cae Ras to play third placed Wrexham to kick-off the weekend’s EFL action on Thursday evening.
The star quality off the pitch usually dominates this fixture with the red corner boasting famous actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny to the blue with seven-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady, both parties owning either a majority or minority stake in these respective clubs.
Although on the pitch, Birmingham are the league’s standard-bearers, looking to make an instant return to the Championship, sitting at the summit of League One.
Wrexham, on the other hand, hope to make it a hat-trick of promotions after a promotion to the EFL in 2023 was followed up by another to the third tier in 2024.
Despite it only being January, with the finish line miles away; three points for both will be precious in both clubs’ quest for success this season.
Previous Meeting
This season’s reverse fixture at St Andrews went in favour of the Blues as they came from a goal down to win 3-1, with Jay Stansfield scoring a brace on his second debut for Birmingham after arriving from Fulham on a permanent deal in the summer.
When these two meet it is a rarity. 2006 hosted a League Cup tie, which Birmingham won; 1997 hosted an FA Cup clash, this was won by the Red Dragons.
Before this clash, the last time these two played each other when Wrexham hosted was back in 1994 in the old Division 2, a 1-1 draw.
In just ten meetings, Birmingham have won six, Wrexham have won two, the rest finishing as draws.
Last five meetings
September 2024: Birmingham 3-1 Wrexham
September 2006: Birmingham 4-1 Wrexham
February 1997: Birmingham 1-3 Wrexham
February 1995: Birmingham 5-2 Wrexham
October 1994: Wrexham 1-1 Birmingham
Team News
Wrexham, looking to get back to winning ways, will be without centre-back Will Boyle and right-back Luke Bolton due to injury, Phil Parkinson confirmed.
Chris Davies’ Birmingham, on a two-game league winning streak, welcomed the return of winger Keshi Anderson, who may play a part in this match. Midfielders Tomoki Iwata and Paik Seung-ho are doubts for this game, while Emil Hansson and Willum Willumsson are notable absentees.
How to watch and kick-off time
Wrexham versus Birmingham will be broadcasted on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event, kick off is at 8pm UK time.