Wrexham midfielder Paul Rutherford insist his side will be raring to go when table toppers Leyton Orient visit the Racecourse tomorrow. Just one point separates the top three sides in the National League and Rutherford knows that the results in these games could prove pivotal. Speaking to the Wrexhamafc.co.uk “these are the games you want to be involved in, the top of the table clashes that define seasons. We’ve earned the right for this to be a big game. It is one everyone will put down as a six pointer”.

• Sit 3rd on 42 point
• League Record – P20  W12  D6  L2  F28  A12
• Won five of their last eight league games
• Lost just one of last 13 league games

The Dragons extended their unbeaten run to 11 games with a 1-1 draw at Maidstone last weekend as Bradley Walker’s third of the season cancelled out Simon Walton’s opener. Despite dominating the game, Wrexham found themselves behind but manager Sam Ricketts was pleased with his side’s performance. Speaking to the dailypost “the performance was really high, going a goal down is obviously disappointing but that is the first time we have come back from conceding to get something out of the game which is really pleasing”.

• Failed to score in five league games (two at home)
• Scored in last eight league games
• Scored in nine of their last ten games in all competitions
• Scored in last five home games and ten of their last 11 at the Racecourse

Wrexham’s Last Six Results

After missing out on the play offs last season, Sam Ricketts’s arrival in the summer has seen Wrexham towards the top of the table throughout the season so far. Rutherford who’s been at the Racecourse since 2016 has seen the improvement of his side in the past year and knows everyone is on the same page. Speaking to Wrexhamafc.co.uk “I think you can see now we are starting to assert ourselves on teams a bit more. This year, we’ve kept that solid defence but we’ve added slightly more going forward and we are in slightly more control of games. Everything’s pulling in the right direction”.

• Kept 11 league clean sheets (13 in 22 in all competitions)
• Only Fylde (12) have kept more
• Kept one in their last three and two in last five games
• Best defensive record in league
• Kept four in their last five home games 
• Kept nine clean sheets in last 12 home games

Striker Chris Holroyd bagged a brace at the Racecourse against Orient last season and will be looking to get back in amongst the goals on Saturday. Holroyd netted inside the first minute last season and the 32 year old wants his side to come out of the blocks quick tomorrow. Speaking to Wrexhamafc.co.uk “every game we always look to start and take the game to them. It’s been the theme and mentality this year. People have probably seen when we have started quick we have buried teams”.

• Scored 17/28 league goals in first half 
• Netted 12 in first 30 minutes (only Salford 14 have struck more)
• 10/17 home goals have been in first half
• But five of their last six goals have been netted in second half
• Scored first in 14 games – eight of those goals has been before 30th minute

Tomorrow’s clash with Orient is Wrexham’s first in a month of big games against their promotion rivals but highlights that it won’t define their season. Speaking to dailypost ahead of the game, Ricketts stated ” it is only three points, Leyton Orient are a good side, well organised with good players and they are up there deservedly like ourselves”. He added “it is a pivotal game along the journey but not a cup final. It is our chance to pit our wits against another very good side and see where it goes. It is another three points albeit against one of your rivals so it feels more important but is game 21 of a 46 game season”.

Fixtures until New Year

After back to back away trips, Rutherford is hoping the bumper crowd can push his side over the line on Saturday. The Dragons are unbeaten at home so far this season and the 31 year old knows how difficult it can be for opposition teams. Speaking to Wrexhamafc.co.uk “when the fans are behind you and this place is bouncing there are not too many more formidable places to come certainly in this league. If we can get all the formulas right and it’s a good start on Saturday. I think it will be a difficult afternoon for Leyton Orient”.

• Home League Record – P10  W7  D3  F17  A4
• Joint best record with Salford
• Won last six in all competitions (3 of them 1-0)
• Unbeaten in last 12 home games – W8  D4  F19  A4
• Last lost 14/04/2018 – 2-1 vs Dagenham & Redbridge

Wrexham have been in the fifth tier since their relegation from the Football League in 2008 and striker Holroyd is aware that it only matters where you are at the end of the season. Wrexham sat 2nd after 20 games last season but finished ninth and Holroyd highlights the important of his side focusing on themselves. Speaking to Wrexhamafc.co.uk “nothing is won at this time of the year, as along you get results and concentrate on ourselves and not look too much at what other teams are doing”

League Table after 20 games last Season

Team News

Defender Doug Tharme is out through injury but Manny Smith is back in training however the game will come too soon for the defender. Nicky Deverdics and Chris Holyroyd missed out on the squad at Maidstone but will be hoping for a recall against Orient on Saturday.

Head to Head – Wrexham 11, Drew 11, Leyton Orient 12

• Wrexham have only won two of the last eight meetings between side
• Four of the last seven games have ended in draws

Wrexham haven’t beaten Orient at the Racecourse since 1995 (three games – D2 L1)

The Last Eight Meetings Between Sides

Last Time Out – 1-1 Draw at Maidstone

Starting 11 vs Maidstone

Prediction – Wrexham 1-1 Leyton Orient