Wrexham vs Hull City: Confirmed lineups for the EFL Cup first round
Two Championship sides meet in the EFL Cup first round, with a congested schedule likely prompting several changes as clubs balance cup duties with early-season fixtures. Wrexham, after a heavy rotation from their weekend setback, line up with a familiar 3-5-2/5-3-1-1 system, while Hull City also ring the changes after their league fixture.
Wrexham team news and lineup
– Arthur Okonkwo starts in goal.
– Back line: Eoghan O’Connell, Dan Scarr, Aaron James, James McClean, with Ryan Longman deployed as a wing back.
– Midfield/attack: Elliott Lee, George Evans, Harry Ashfield, Ryan Hardie, Sam Smith.
– Notable context: The entire starting XI is rotated from the defeat to Southampton. The setup continues the 3-5-2/5-3-1-1 shape the Dragons have used under their manager, and mirrors the approach seen in the recent Groningen game.
Hull City team news and lineup
– Starting XI: Phillips, Drameh, Egan, Hughes, Giles, Lundstram, Slater, Palmer, Gelhardt, Tinsdale, McBurnie.
– Notable context: Hull also ring a large number of changes after their league-opening draw, with a setup similar to the one used against Coventry.
Wrexham squad (selected names listed for reference)
Arthur Okonkwo
Callum Burton
Danny Ward
Liberato Cacace
Lewis Brunt
Connor Coady
Max Cleworth
Eoghan O’Connell
Jacob Mendy
Dan Scarr
Aaron James
Max Purvis
Tom O’Connor
James McClean
Andy Cannon
George Evans
George Dobson
Josh Windass
Oliver Rathbone
Sebastian Revan
Lewis O’Brien
Ryan Barnett
Matty James
Elliot Lee
Alex Moore
Harry Ashfield
Ryan Longman
George Thomason
Ollie Palmer
Jack Marriott
Jay Rodriguez
Ryan Hardie
Sam Smith
Callum Edwards
Kieffer Moore
James Rainbird
Hull City squad (selected names listed for reference)
Ivor Pandur
Dillon Phillips
Lewie Coyle
Ryan Giles
Charlie Hughes
Semi Ajayi
John Egan
Cody Drameh
Akin Famewo
James Furlong
John Lundstram
Eliot Matazo
Harry Vaughan
Gustavo Puerta
Matt Crooks
Regan Slater
Kasey Palmer
Reda Laalaoui
Liam Millar
Oliver McBurnie
Mohamed Belloumi
Abu Kamara
Joel Ndala
Joe Helhardt
Kyle Joseph
Enis Destan
What to watch
– Rotation impact: Expect adjustments in tempo and cohesion as both teams rest regulars and evaluate fringe players for future cup duties.
– formation cues: Wrexham’s continued use of a 3-5-2/5-3-1-1 shape could influence how wide players like McClean and Longman operate, while Hull’s rotation may test squad depth across midfield and attack.
– fringe stars: This match offers a platform for younger or less-used players to stake a claim for more minutes in the coming weeks.
Summary
Two Championship clubs clash in a cup tie with heavy rotation likely, aiming to balance immediate results with development opportunities for squad players. Fans can expect an open game with chances for both sides to showcase depth and emerging talents.
Positive note
Cup ties often provide surprising performances and a chance for new names to shine, offering encouragement and depth-building for both clubs as they push through a busy early schedule.