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  • Phil Parkinson must start £2k a week star, who was once messaged by Spanish football expert Guillem Balague, in Wrexham’s EFL Trophy clash with Port Vale


    Wrexham head into their EFL Trophy clash away at Port Vale knowing that this represents their last realistic chance of silverware this season.

    Wrexham sit eight points behind leaders Birmingham in League One with the Blues having played two games less, therefore the EFL Trophy is now Phil Parkinson’s only realistic shot at a trophy this season.

    Promotion is the main aim for the Red Dragons however, the EFL Trophy represents a chance to win a trophy at Wembley.

    Parkinson is expected to make changes for Wrexham’s tie with Port Vale and looking ahead to the rest of the season, it is important that one player is given some minutes in order to be match fit when he is inevitably called upon.

    READ MORE: Every signing made by Wrexham’s League One promotion rivals on deadline day as Birmingham City strike one deal

    Jacob Mendy of Wrexham during the Sky Bet League One match between Birmingham City FC and Wrexham AFC at St Andrew’s at Knighthead Park on Septemb...
    Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images

    Jacob Mendy should start for Wrexham against Port Vale in EFL Trophy last-16

    Jacob Mendy has struggled for first team football this season having made just seven appearances in all competitions. The versatile left sided player has been an integral part of Wrexham’s rise through the divisions but has found opportunities limited in League One.

    However, James McClean looked fatigued in Wrexham’s win over Crawley and therefore Parkinson may have to call upon Mendy in the weeks to come.

    McClean has played 31 times already this season at the age of 35, therefore Parkinson needs to ensure that Mendy is up to speed should the club captain need a rest or pick up an injury.

    According to the Mirror, Mendy was once messaged by Spanish football expert Guillem Balague following the left back’s moment in the spotlight during Boreham Wood’s incredible FA Cup run in 2022.

    What Jacob Mendy would bring to Wrexham’s team

    He began his career at Atletico Madrid’s academy and Mendy was recently handed a new contract by the club until the end of the 2025-26 season.

    The Gambia international has struggled to make an impact after achilles tendon surgery in the summer but if he can get back to his best, Wrexham know the qualities he can bring to the side.

    Jacob Mendy of Wrexham and Lyndon Dykes of Birmingham City during the Sky Bet League One match between Birmingham City FC and Wrexham AFC at St An...
    Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images

    A strong and powerful athlete, Mendy is dominant in the tackle and can drive forward from the left hand side with pace and purpose.

    For a defensive-minded player, the Gambian also possesses a high-quality ball-striking technique, which has meant he has chipped in with a number of goals in his Wrexham career.

    A fit and firing Jacob Mendy can only be a positive option for Parkinson to have in his squad but he needs help in order to return to that fitness. Starting him against Port Vale begins that process.

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    Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson faces a big decision ahead of the team’s EFL Trophy clash with Port Vale – whether to start the £2k a week star who has caught the attention of Spanish football expert Guillem Balague.

    The player in question, who remains unnamed, has been turning heads with his performances in training and in the lower leagues. Despite his relatively low wage compared to some of his teammates, his potential is undeniable.

    What makes this player even more intriguing is the fact that he once received a message of praise from renowned Spanish football expert Guillem Balague. Balague, who is known for his knowledge and insight into the world of football, reaching out to this young star speaks volumes about his talent.

    With Wrexham looking to make an impact in the EFL Trophy, Parkinson must seriously consider giving this rising star a chance to shine on the big stage. Will he live up to the hype and prove that he deserves a regular spot in the starting lineup? Only time will tell. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting development in Wrexham’s squad.

    Tags:

    1. Phil Parkinson
    2. £2k a week star
    3. Spanish football expert Guillem Balague
    4. Wrexham
    5. EFL Trophy
    6. Port Vale
    7. Football news
    8. Soccer updates
    9. Player spotlight
    10. Transfer rumors

    #Phil #Parkinson #start #week #star #messaged #Spanish #football #expert #Guillem #Balague #Wrexhams #EFL #Trophy #clash #Port #Vale

  • Burnley v Leeds United LIVE: EFL Championship score updates and & text commentary


    Solomon backs himself to improve

    Burnley v Leeds (20:00 GMT)

    Manor SolomonRex Features

    There were only 31 seconds on the clock when Manor Solomon converted Dan James’s first-time cross to give Leeds the lead against Norwich last Wednesday and help push them back to the top of the table.

    The Whites went on to win the game 2-0, with James scoring the second goal.

    “When DJ [Dan James] plays, I know that I need to be switched on,” Solomon told BBC Radio Leeds.

    “When the ball is on the other flank, I know that I need to be inside because DJ is really fast.

    “It was a great delivery and we opened the game really well.”

    Solomon was an injury doubt for the match, having picked up a hamstring issue in the win over Sheffield Wednesday, but the 25-year-old said he is feeling “confident”.

    “I’m feeling really good, I’m feeling like I’m back to myself,” Solomon added.

    “I think I can get even better and I just want to continue like this.”



    Welcome to our live coverage of the EFL Championship match between Burnley and Leeds United. Stay tuned for live score updates and text commentary as the action unfolds at Turf Moor.

    Kick-off is just moments away, so make sure to grab your snacks and settle in for what promises to be an exciting clash between these two fierce rivals.

    Don’t miss any of the action as we bring you minute-by-minute updates on all the key moments of the game. Will Burnley continue their impressive form or will Leeds United come out on top? Stay tuned to find out.

    It’s sure to be a thrilling encounter, so don’t go anywhere as we bring you all the drama and excitement from this crucial EFL Championship match. Let’s get ready for kick-off and enjoy the game! #Burnley #LeedsUnited #EFLChampionship

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    2. EFL Championship
    3. Live score updates
    4. Text commentary
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    7. Burnley vs Leeds United live updates
    8. EFL Championship score updates
    9. Burnley vs Leeds United match preview
    10. EFL Championship match commentary

    #Burnley #Leeds #United #LIVE #EFL #Championship #score #updates #text #commentary

  • Burnley v Leeds: EFL Championship – live | Championship


    Key events

    I’m really looking forward to seeing Ao Tanaka. I’ve not seen loads of Leeds this term but like what I’ve seen of him, and am reliably informed by a Leeds-supporting mate that he’s been there best player.

    Email! “You drew the long straw then?” asks Jeremy Boyce. “This is as tasty a match up as you suggested. Top scorers v top defenders. Top of the table v third, in a group of four class teams, two of which will have to go through the nightmare of the playoffs, and they all have experience of that. Is the top of the Championship better than the bottom of the Prem? We’ll find out next season. Burnley need a 7-0 to go top tonight, but I’m thinking a regulation Scott Parker 1-0 would do them. Leeds will need all of their 66% possession to break down the Clarets’ defence. Fast start? Solomon four mins? We’ll find out shortly.”

    I can’t see Burnley shutting Leeds out a second time – they won 1-0 at Elland Road earlier in the season – nor can I see anyone finishing above Leeds. They just have too many ways of scoring.

    On the other hand, Leeds have weaknesses at either end of the pitch. In net, Illan Meslier has endured a miserable period and isn’t necessarily over it, while up front, Joël Piroe isn’t the class of the players behind him.

    Leeds will certainly ask some different questions of them. In particular, the three behind the striker – James, Aaronson and Solomon – are capable of causing problems, able to carry the ball, attack space and shoot. It’s a terrific blend, which is why players as talented as Willy Gnonto and Largie Ramazani are on the bench.

    There were signs in midweek that Burnley, owners of the best defensive record in the country, are looking to play more expansively. It may simply be that they were playing Plymouth, the bottom team, but they may also feel that in order to get one of the two automatic promotion places, more goals will be necessary.

    And Daniel Farke does likewise, bringing in Gruev, back from injury, for Rothwell in midfield.

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    Scott E. Parker makes one change to the side which clobbered Plymouth, Humphreys replacing Pires at left-back.

    I’m going to get the car for my wife and write these teams down, then we’ll have a think about what they mean.

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    Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu says the players are excited. There’ll be two teams trying to win the game and both teams are good.

    More news as I get it.

    Teams!

    Burnley (4-2-3-1): Trafford; Roberts, Egan-Riley, Esteve, Humphreys; Cullen, Laurent; Anthony, Brownhill, Foster; Flemming. Subs: Worrall, Sarmiento, Rodriguez, Egan, Pires, Mejbri, Koleosho, Hladky, Barnes.

    Leeds United (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Bogle, Ampadu, Rodon, Byram; Gruev, Tanaka; James, Aaronson, Solomon; Piroe. Subs: Darlow, Schmidt, Firpo, Wöber, Rothwell, Guilavogui, Ramazani, Gnont, Joseph.

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    Preamble

    Pre-match, it’s the job of the MBMer to amp up the situation. Generally speaking, this an easy activity, given one of the reasons football keeps us coming back is the prospect that, with no warning, we might see something brilliant, hilarious or disgraceful.

    But sometimes there’s a game of such obvious import and interest that is does all the work by itself, and Burnley v Leeds is one such.

    The home side, third in the league, are in pretty decent form, having walloped Plymouth 5-0 in midweek and won six of their last 10 games, while the visitors – three points ahead – and one ahead of Sheffield United with a game in hand – have won seven. They, along with Sunderland – four points off the lead in fourth – are well clear of the pack, automatic promotion likely to go to two of the four.

    Tonight’s match-up is also fascinating because it features the division’s best attack – Leeds’ 53 goals is five more than Norwich – against its best defence – Burnley’s nine conceded is 10 fewer than tonight’s opponents. And if to all that you add a night game under the lights along with some of the best individuals outside the Premier League, you have a tantalising prospect primed to elevate our evening.

    Kick-off: 8pm GMT



    Exciting match between Burnley and Leeds in the EFL Championship! Stay tuned for live updates and commentary on all the action as these two teams battle it out on the pitch. Who will come out on top? Don’t miss a moment of the action! #EFLChampionship #Burnley #LeedsUnited #Footballlive

    Tags:

    Burnley vs Leeds, EFL Championship, live updates, match analysis, score updates, key moments, player performances, EFL Championship highlights, Burnley vs Leeds live stream, Championship match preview, team news.

    #Burnley #Leeds #EFL #Championship #live #Championship

  • EFL Preview: Burnley host Sunderland before Yorkshire rivals meet


    Attention turns to the foot of the table on Saturday lunchtime (12:30 GMT) when three of the bottom four are in action.

    Cardiff host Swansea in the south Wales derby, having climbed out of the drop zone courtesy of Tuesday’s draw against Watford, who equalised late on.

    Although the Bluebirds have squandered leads lately, they are unbeaten in their past five matches in all competitions.

    Boss Omer Riza said of the points that have got away from his team: “It’s frustrating and there is stuff we need to work on. That will improve as the season goes on.

    “We know we need three points, but we are out of the bottom three for now. It was a good performance and we have to take that into Saturday.”

    Millwall entertain third-from-bottom Hull City, and new Lions signing Aaron Connolly could face his former club, while basement boys Plymouth welcome QPR to Home Park seeking to narrow an effectively four-point gap to safety, so negative is their goal difference of -29, the worst across the entire EFL.

    New Argyle boss Miron Muslic is seeking to follow up a point against Oxford United in his first game at a lively Home Park on Tuesday and said: “When you go out and you feel that, I was very impressed.

    “Now I know what it feels like to play a home game and what Home Park and the Argyle fans and the Green Army can deliver.

    “I have nothing but respect for that – this will also give us the boost we need and the confidence we need. It’s like a 12th man almost for the future to face the challenge we have in front of us.”

    New Luton boss Matt Bloomfield takes charge of an eye-catching home game against Preston. North End sit five points ahead of the Hatters, who are only two points above the relegation zone.

    Two points better off than Luton are Derby who have lost four successive games, including an FA Cup exit on penalties to League One Leyton Orient on Tuesday, and pressure seems to be mounting on Paul Warne going into the visit of Watford to Pride Park (15:00 GMT).

    Elsewhere, Sheffield United will try to keep pace at the top at home to Norwich, who are without suspended top-scorer Borja Sainz, battling Portsmouth welcome Middlesbrough, in-form Oxford United host fifth-placed Blackburn while West Brom, now seventh and whose search for a new manager does not seem to be going according to plan, host Mark Robins’ Stoke.



    The stage is set for an exciting weekend in the English Football League as Burnley host Sunderland before Yorkshire rivals clash in a highly anticipated match-up.

    Burnley will be looking to secure a crucial win at home as they take on Sunderland in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. The Clarets will be hoping to build on their recent good form and continue their push for promotion.

    Meanwhile, all eyes will be on the Yorkshire rivals as they face off in a fierce battle for bragging rights. With both teams in top form, this match is sure to be a closely fought contest with plenty of drama and excitement.

    Fans can expect a weekend full of high-octane action as these EFL teams go head-to-head in pursuit of victory. Stay tuned for all the latest updates and analysis as the action unfolds.

    Tags:

    1. EFL Preview
    2. Burnley vs Sunderland
    3. Yorkshire derby
    4. Championship match
    5. Football preview
    6. English Football League
    7. Match analysis
    8. Burnley FC
    9. Sunderland AFC
    10. Team news

    #EFL #Preview #Burnley #host #Sunderland #Yorkshire #rivals #meet

  • EFL Championship LIVE: Leeds United vs Sheffield Wednesday – score & text commentary


    Get Involved

    #bbcefl on X, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

    Alan C: Dean’s Lee Chapman nostalgia trip (12:24) is interesting as Lee and Patrick Bamford are very similar. At their best, they knew where the goal was, but mostly, they looked very ungainly!

    Steve: Do Leeds not do any work on corner kicks in training? They never look like scoring from one and, more often than not, look like conceding when defending one.

    Dean, Cornwall: Whichever today’s result, I think both Leeds and Sunderland will pip Sheff Utd and Burnley to promotion via first and second place respectively. My other prediction is both Sheffield sides will finish in the play-offs in third and fifth, and win their respective semi-finals to set up an all-Sheffield clash at Wembley, with Wednesday triumphing over their city rivals to end a 25-year absence from the Premier League. Maybe wishful thinking but not entirely implausible given the unpredictability of this year’s promotion race.

    What a play-off final that would be for the city of Sheffield! Brings back memories of the Steel City FA Cup semi-final in the 1990s!



    Welcome to our live coverage of the EFL Championship match between Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday! Stay tuned for live score updates and text commentary as these two teams battle it out on the pitch.

    Kick-off is just moments away, so grab a seat and get ready for what promises to be an exciting clash between these two fierce rivals. Leeds United will be looking to maintain their position at the top of the table, while Sheffield Wednesday will be hoping to secure a crucial win to boost their playoff hopes.

    Don’t miss a moment of the action – keep refreshing this page for the latest score updates and key moments from the match. Let’s see which team comes out on top in this highly-anticipated showdown! Kick-off is imminent, so stay tuned for all the drama and excitement to come.

    Kick-off: Leeds United 0-0 Sheffield Wednesday

    Stay tuned for more updates as the match progresses! #EFLChampionship #LeedsUnited #SheffieldWednesday

    Tags:

    EFL Championship, Leeds United, Sheffield Wednesday, live score, text commentary, football match, English football, Yorkshire derby, Championship clash, match updates, team news, player analysis, goal updates, match highlights

    #EFL #Championship #LIVE #Leeds #United #Sheffield #Wednesday #score #text #commentary

  • EFL Championship LIVE: Leeds United vs Sheffield Wednesday – score & text commentary


    Get Involved

    #bbcefl on X, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

    Alan C: Dean’s Lee Chapman nostalgia trip (12:24) is interesting as Lee and Patrick Bamford are very similar. At their best, they knew where the goal was, but mostly, they looked very ungainly!

    Steve: Do Leeds not do any work on corner kicks in training? They never look like scoring from one and, more often than not, look like conceding when defending one.

    Dean, Cornwall: Whichever today’s result, I think both Leeds and Sunderland will pip Sheff Utd and Burnley to promotion via first and second place respectively. My other prediction is both Sheffield sides will finish in the play-offs in third and fifth, and win their respective semi-finals to set up an all-Sheffield clash at Wembley, with Wednesday triumphing over their city rivals to end a 25-year absence from the Premier League. Maybe wishful thinking but not entirely implausible given the unpredictability of this year’s promotion race.

    What a play-off final that would be for the city of Sheffield! Brings back memories of the Steel City FA Cup semi-final in the 1990s!



    Welcome to our live coverage of the EFL Championship match between Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday! Stay tuned for live score updates and text commentary as these two teams battle it out on the pitch.

    Kick-off is just moments away, so grab a seat and get ready for what promises to be an exciting clash between these two fierce rivals. Leeds United will be looking to maintain their position at the top of the table, while Sheffield Wednesday will be hoping to secure a crucial win to boost their playoff hopes.

    Don’t miss a moment of the action – keep refreshing this page for the latest score updates and key moments from the match. Let’s see which team comes out on top in this highly-anticipated showdown! Kick-off is imminent, so stay tuned for all the drama and excitement to come.

    Kick-off: Leeds United 0-0 Sheffield Wednesday

    Stay tuned for more updates as the match progresses! #EFLChampionship #LeedsUnited #SheffieldWednesday

    Tags:

    1. EFL Championship
    2. Leeds United vs Sheffield Wednesday
    3. Live score updates
    4. Text commentary
    5. Leeds vs Sheffield Wednesday
    6. EFL Championship match
    7. Championship football
    8. Yorkshire derby
    9. Leeds United news
    10. Sheffield Wednesday updates

    #EFL #Championship #LIVE #Leeds #United #Sheffield #Wednesday #score #text #commentary

  • Wrexham end 2024 with a remarkable EFL record – Phil Parkinson must be very grateful to one man

    Wrexham end 2024 with a remarkable EFL record – Phil Parkinson must be very grateful to one man


    What a year it has been for Wrexham and Phil Parkinson and they are signing off with an EFL record.

    Wrexham began 2024 battling it out in League Two for the first time in over 15 years.

    It wasn’t easy but the Red Dragons eventually secured promotion to the EFL, finishing second in the division behind Stockport County.

    Following a hectic summer transfer window that saw two club-record fees paid out, Wrexham beat Wycombe Wanderers 3-2 in their first-ever League One fixture.

    There have since been a few ups and downs with dips in form and some big names suffering major injuries.

    But when Wrexham face Barnsley on January 1st, they will kick off at Oakwell second in the table – miles ahead of where anyone actually expected them to be at this stage of the campaign.

    Max Cleworth and Ryan Barnett of Wrexham celebrate promotion into League One following the Sky Bet League Two match between Wrexham and Forest Gree...
    Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images

    Wrexham have best defence in EFL this year

    A key reason for the club’s rise up the third tier of English football is their remarkable defensive record.

    Wrexham have shipped a few more goals since Arthur Okonkwo and Callum Burton were sidelined.

    But the Red Dragons currently have the joint-best defence in League One this season along with promotion rivals, Birmingham City.

    It’s not just in the current campaign where Wrexham have been superb at the back, however.

    In fact, across all of the EFL, no team has conceded fewer goals than the Hollywood-owned outfit in 2024.

    Teams Goals conceded in 2024
    Wrexham 33
    Leeds United 34
    Lincoln City, AFC Wimbledon 42
    Birmingham, Stevenage 43
    Eoghan O'Connell of Wrexham during the Sky Bet League One match between Wrexham AFC and Lincoln City FC at SToK Cae Ras on November 26, 2024 in Wre...
    Photo by Chris Vaughan/Getty Images

    Eoghan O’Connell has been crucial for Wrexham

    In 2024/25, Max Cleworth has really come into his own after being out of the starting lineup last term.

    Meanwhile, following a slow start after his transfer from Leicester City, Lewis Brunt has been superb for Wrexham over the last few months.

    However, across all of 2024, no defender has been more consistent for the Red Dragons than Eoghan O’Connell.

    Andy Morrell praised O’Connell after one of his countless Man of the Match displays for Wrexham versus Blackpool on Boxing Day.

    The centre-back constantly leads by example and while the likes of Ryan Barnett and Cleworth have taken the spotlight in recent times, it’s obvious that O’Connell’s form is one of, if not the main reason Phil Parkinson’s side have conceded so few goals.

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    Wrexham end 2024 with a remarkable EFL record – Phil Parkinson must be very grateful to one man

    Wrexham Football Club has had a year to remember in the EFL, ending 2024 with a remarkable record that has seen them climb the ranks and establish themselves as serious contenders in the league. And one man deserves a great deal of credit for this success – manager Phil Parkinson.

    Under Parkinson’s guidance, Wrexham have gone from strength to strength, with the team putting in consistently impressive performances and securing crucial wins throughout the season. Parkinson’s tactical acumen and man-management skills have been key in getting the best out of his players and instilling a winning mentality within the squad.

    But perhaps the biggest reason for Wrexham’s success in 2024 has been the stellar form of one man – the club’s star striker, who has been on fire all season. With an impressive goal-scoring record and a knack for coming up with crucial goals in big games, this player has been the driving force behind Wrexham’s climb up the league table.

    Parkinson must be extremely grateful to have such a talented and reliable player leading the line for his team, and it is no surprise that Wrexham have enjoyed such success with him in the side. As the team looks ahead to the rest of the season and beyond, they will be hoping that this remarkable player can continue his scoring exploits and help them achieve even greater success in the future.

    With Parkinson at the helm and their star striker in top form, Wrexham fans have every reason to be optimistic about what the future holds for their beloved club. The 2024 season may be coming to a close, but the best could still be yet to come for Wrexham Football Club.

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    Wrexham FC, EFL, Phil Parkinson, remarkable record, football, gratitude, success, Wrexham end 2024, manager, football club

    #Wrexham #remarkable #EFL #record #Phil #Parkinson #grateful #man