Having won six of their last 10 league matches, tasting defeat just twice in their last 12 games, Morecambe have revived their hopes of securing a playoff position in hope of achieving an instant return to League One.
In fact, if they can cause a minor upset against Wrexham on Saturday, they could even force themseles into the automatic-promotion conversation given that they would move six points behind the Red Dragons with a third straight win.
Ged Brannan‘s side showed superb spirit and quality to come from two goals behind away to automatic-promotion contenders Crewe Alexandra last weekend, with late goals from Joe Adams, Jordan Slew and Farrend Rawson providing Morecambe with an unlikely victory. Slew was on the scoresheet once again on Tuesday evening as his side ground down Crawley to a narrow 1-0 win at Globe Arena.
Only goal difference is keeping Morecambe outside of the playoff spots prior to a ball being kicked this weekend, with in-form Walsall currently edging them to seventh spot. Realistically, finishing sixth or seventh will be Brannan’s target, and they may be content with avoiding defeat against their wealthier opponents on Saturday.
Brannan switched from a back five to a back four against Crawley in midweek, with Chris Stokes and Gwion Edwards both dropping down to the bench. The 52-year-old may be torn between keeping this system in front of the club’s home fans, or opting for a more defensive formation against high-calibre opponents.
Having scored from the bench two games running, Slew will be expecting to start in attack, meaning that Gerard Garner‘s place in the starting XI may be under threat.