First of all, many thanks to Mr Fear for letting me take over the match previews.
Right then, the important stuff… This is definitely a potential banana skin, but we have to be expecting a win here. Realistically this is our best chance of a trophy, so I do not expect MO’N to ring too many changes.
Vital Quotes:
The two managers have been quite complimentary of each other, partly due to the fact that MO’N used to manage Brian Carey.
Carey said of his former boss: ‘I bumped into him (O’Neill) when I’d just taken the job and he told me to give it a go and give it my best shot. He was very encouraging.
‘He was a great guy to play for and he’s a great bloke. The fact that he’s been that successful doesn’t surprise me because he always got the best out of his players.
‘He’s a very clever man and it doesn’t surprise me that he’s gone from strength to strength.’
Returning the compliments, MO’N said: ‘I know their manager Brian Carey very well from my days at Leicester.
‘He’s done splendidly according to the report I had from the young man who came down from Wales on Friday to tell us they’re very pleased with him indeed. They nearly went out of the League last season and I think that’s why they’re so pleased with the way Brian’s doing now.’
Wrexham Team News:
Midfielder Silvio Spann is unlikely to be available as he is still awaiting international clearance before he can play. Steve Evans and Mark Jones, both recently called up to the Wales squad for the Euro qualifiers against Germany and Slovakia, are likely to start after appearing from the substitute’s bench on Saturday.
Player to watch: Player to Watch: Wrexham
With all due respect to our opponents, I’d be lying if I said I have a great knowledge of Wrexham players.
However, striker Eifion Williams has been passed fit after suffering from a calf injury, and could provide a goal threat with some decent service.
Aston Villa Team News:
Bit of a mystery really. Nothing has been confirmed yet, but a few of the fringe players are likely to start. Certainly, MO’N has indicated that may be the case.
The most likely to appear is Gary Cahill, as Martin Laursen is almost certain to get the night off. Other strong candidates are Shaun Maloney, Marlon Harewood and Luke Moore, and youngsters Isaiah Osborne and Stephen O’Hallorhan will both be hoping to get involved. The latter could even start, depending on the fitness of Wilfred Bouma, who limped off against Fulham.
Player to watch: Player to watch: Villa
Well, hard to call as we don’t really know the team but Luke Moore is probably the closest to pushing for a starting place against Chelsea, and will therefore be out to prove a point tonight.
Match Facts & Stats
Wrexham have beaten Villa once in the previous nine meetings. Interestingly, in two of the three years we have been pitted against Wrexham in the League Cup, we have gone on to win it. Here’s hoping it happens again!
Match Prediction:
While Wrexham have done well with giant-killings down the years, I fancy us to win here, and am going for a 2-1 victory.
Next Fixtures:
Chelsea (H) Sept 2 (Sunday 4pm)
