BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: View of the club badges displayed on the screen during the Sky Bet League One match between Birmingham City FC and Wrexham AFC at St Andrew’s at Knighthead Park on September 16, 2024 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Wrexham are back in League One action this evening, hosting Championship-bound Birmingham City.
The Tom Brady-owned team dominated headlines last summer when they broke the League One transfer record by signing just one player for £20 million.
Birmingham City spent handsomely in 2024 and already had a strong squad after several seasons in the Championship.
As a result, it’s hardly surprise that they’ll face Wrexham five points ahead of Phil Parkinson’s side, who have two games in hand.
Birmingham easily defeated Wrexham in the reverse game earlier this season and are once again favourites to win this time around.
A loss for the Red Dragons will allow Huddersfield Town to overtake them, while Wycombe Wanderers will widen the gap in second place.
Wrexham vs Birmingham City prediction
While fans are unlikely to have high expectations for this game, one former player has made a really optimistic prediction.
Bryan Hughes began his playing career with Wrexham in 1994, before moving to Birmingham three years later.
Despite having strong ties to both clubs, Hughes, according to Leader Live, believes the Welsh outfit will win on Thursday evening.
He stated, “The first game was a true spectacle for League One football.” Two great teams faced off, and it was a fantastic game.
“I believe you will get the same this time, and it will be a terrific game with plenty of goals. Even though Birmingham are in excellent form, I am aware of Wrexham’s strong home record.
“I think they will be difficult to beat and they could win the game.”
Bryan Hughes speaks on Wrexham career
Hughes, a former attacking midfielder, played 94 games in all competitions for Wrexham, scoring 12 goals.
He went on to play 234 times for their upcoming opponents, scoring 34 goals.
On his time at Wrexham and his relationship with Parkinson, he said: “It”s two clubs I feel really strongly about and acquired an emotional attachment to.
“I played and managed for Wrexham and Birmingham for over eight years.
“As a young lad, Wrexham provided me with the opportunity to blossom and express myself in a first team consisting of fantastic, seasoned players, culminating in a £1 million move to Birmingham. That provided me with a platform and laid the groundwork for my professional development.
“It’s amazing to see both clubs so high in League One, particularly Wrexham. To see them there, with the club as it is now and the infrastructure in place.
“I have a very good relationship with the management team. I worked with Phil Parkinson, Steve Parkin, and Aiden Davison during my playing career, so I know them well, and they are an excellent team.”
