WREXHAM v BRADFORD
Wrexham boss Brian Little has added an incredible TEN new players to his squad in the January transfer window in a last throw of the dice to try and secure their league status, having looked nailed on certs for relegation until last week's dramatic win over MK Dons gave them a lifeline.
The latest recruits are Tranmere defender Carl Tremarco, Robbie Garrett (Stoke), Robert Duffy (Oxford) and Stuart Nicholson (West Brom) who have all joined on non-contract terms whilst Jeff Whitley has returned to the Racecourse Ground on non-contract terms.
"It's been very hectic," said Little. "It's important for us to try and change the side around a little bit. The players we have brought in have a pedigree of playing at a higher level. Last week was all about the result and we got the break at the right time.
"It was important to show people that we're not going to lie down, and while I don't want to predict what's going to happen, if the players continue like this they'll do my talking for me."
However, they face a Bradford side that has lost just two of its last 11 league games and is showing signs of the pre-season promotion tag that was thrust upon them. They need a win to continue heading southwards and potentially gatecrash the end of season play-offs so there is an exciting clash in prospect.
CLARKY'S VERDICT: Wrexham maintain their momentum with a score draw but still remain rooted to the foot of the table.
MK DONS v ROCHDALE
MK Dons ha suffered their first blip of the campaign as back to back defeats against Barnet and Wrexham have left them reeling. But they are still seven pints clear at the summit and will be looking to bounce back against Rochdale.
Nevertheless, Dale have already recorded eight wins on the road this campaign and will be looking to complete a double over the Dons after beating them at Spotland in September. And Rochdale assistant David Flitcroft is expecting a stern test as the Lancashire club attempt to move into the play-off zone.
"It is fair to say that they are going to be a wounded animal because their pride will have been dented," said Flitcroft. "They have gone to Wrexham who have really dug in and got a superb result. They are going to be coming at us full steam and will make for the sort of head on collision that we quite look forward to."
Dons midfielder Dean Lewington admits the league leaders are under the microscope but is adamant their loss of form isn't terminal. He said: "This is the first blip we've had and it's going to ask a few questions of us that haven't been asked before. It's always easy when things are going well. Now things are getting a bit harder it will be interesting to see who still wants the ball and who wants to try to do the right things.
"Rochdale have been in good away form and we've seen this season that there are no easy games. Winning at Peterborough and Rotherham and then losing to Barnet and Wrexham just goes to show that."
CLARKY'S VERDICT: A return to winning ways for Ince's boys but it will be a tough afternoon for them against Rochdale.
WYCOMBE v CHESTERFIELD
Two sides that are in the play-off zone clash at Addams Park as they bid to put daylight between themselves and the chasing pack. Wycombe grabbed a valuable point at Millmoor last week in a 1-1 draw with Rotherham and their firepower is impressive.
Scott McGleish is already on 15 goals this season and John Sutton has chipped in with a further six with new signing Leon Knight looming in the background. Knight is on loan from MK Dons and the lively striker is happy to bide his time after three consecutive substitute appearances.
"I didn't expect to come in and automatically get starts because John and Scotty have been doing well and I need another couple of weeks to get match fit," he said. "If I come off the bench for 25 minutes here and there and we get promoted, then that's not a problem. I'd play anywhere on the pitch at the moment but when I get fully up to match fitness I'm going to have to squeeze in there somewhere."
Whoever plays for the Chairboys will find it difficult against a Chesterfield side that travel well and have already recorded eight wins on the road. And they come into this match brimming with confidence after thumping Hereford 4-0 at Saltergate on Monday night in front of the television cameras.
CLARKY'S VERDICT: A draw is a safe bet as both sides share four goals in a thriller.
