Middlesbrough

vs

Wrexham

Preview

Boro

• Boro haven't won any of their last 5 (D3, L2).
• David Strelec has been their most dangerous player in recent weeks with two goals in Boro's last five games.

Wrexham

• Wrexham have won 2, drawn 2 and lost 1 of their last 5 matches, including a 3-2 win away at Championship side Leeds United.
• Sam Smith has been their hot hand with three goals in their last five.

Head-to-Head

• The last two H2H meetings have ended level.
• Boro drew 2-2 at Wrexham in the previous round of this competition.

Key Players

• Kim Hellberg's side are a free-flowing team who set up in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation with high pressing, inverted full-backs and quick, vertical combinations.
• Phil Parkinson has Wrexham set up in a back five with a structured approach, selective pressure and sharp counters to punish mistakes.
• David Strelec has been their most dangerous player in recent weeks with two goals in Boro's last five games.
• Sam Smith has been their hot hand with three goals in their last five.

Betting Insights

• Boro are 1.75 favourites.
• The draw is 3.8.
• Both Teams to Score is available at 1.7.
• Over 2.5 goals is at 1.75.

Prediction

• we think a Boro win with both teams to score is the smartest approach to take for Friday's Cup match.
• Boro are likely to be the side to edge this tie, but it would be wrong to underestimate Wrexham or expect a landslide win for the hosts.