Swansea vs Wrexham Preview

 

EFL Championship – Matchweek 22
Friday, December 19, 2025
Swansea.com Stadium, Swansea
Kick-off: 20:00 GMT

The first Welsh league derby in over two decades takes centre stage on Friday night as Swansea City welcome Wrexham to the Swansea.com Stadium. It’s the clubs’ first EFL meeting since March 2003 and the first ever at Swansea’s current home, adding extra significance to an already emotionally charged fixture.

Swansea arrive in 19th place with approximately 23 points, sitting just above the relegation zone after an inconsistent campaign. Encouragingly, Vítor Matos’ side have won their last two home matches, although a 2–1 defeat away at Stoke last weekend stalled momentum.

Wrexham, enjoying their first Championship season since the early 1980s, are 15th on 28 points. The Red Dragons have been difficult to beat, drawing frequently, but have struggled to turn resilience into away victories.

 

Head-to-Head

• Swansea are winless in their last nine league meetings with Wrexham (D2 L7).
• The Swans have failed to score in each of the last four league encounters.
• While Wrexham hold the historical edge, both clubs have evolved dramatically, making this derby feel like the start of a new era.

 

Swansea City Team News & Key Players

Standout Players

• Top scorer: Zan Vipotnik (8 goals)
• Most assists: Josh Tymon (3)
• Most suspensions: Josh Tymon (6)
• Most minutes played: Lawrence Vigouroux (1,890)

Injuries & Absentees

• Manuel Benson – Away on international duty
• Harry Darling – Muscle injury (expected mid-January)
• Jay Fulton – Calf issue (mid-December)
• Sam Parker – Hamstring (late January)
• Ji-sung Eom – Knee problem (mid-December)
• Liam Cullen – Illness (doubtful)

Aside from those absences, Swansea have a relatively settled squad, with Joshua Key pushing for a start at right-back.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)

Vigouroux
Key – Cabango – Burgess – Tymon
Galbraith – Franco
Ronald – Widell (or Eom if fit) – Ji-sung Eom
Vipotnik

Key threat: Vipotnik remains Swansea’s primary goal outlet, while Cabango’s leadership will be crucial at the back.

Wrexham Team News & Key Players

Standout Players

• Top scorer: Kieffer Moore (8 goals)
• Most assists: Max Cleworth (3)
• Most suspensions: Lewis O’Brien (5)
• Most minutes played: Max Cleworth (1,890)

Injuries & Absentees

• Issa Kaboré – International duty / hamstring injury (early January 2026)
• Liberato Cacace – Calf injury (mid-January 2026)
• Elliot Lee – Knee surgery (late March 2026)
• Lewis Brunt – Thigh injury (late January 2026)
• Aaron James – Knee surgery (late February 2026)
• Danny Ward – Dislocated elbow (late January 2026)
• Jay Rodríguez – Broken ankle (mid-January 2026)
• Andy Cannon – Cruciate ligament injury (late April 2026)

Despite a lengthy injury list, Phil Parkinson’s side remain well-organised defensively and are expected to stick with a back three.

Predicted XI (3-5-2)

Okonkwo
Cleworth – Hyam – Doyle
Longman – Dobson – Sheaf – O’Brien – McClean
Windass – Moore

Key threat: Moore’s aerial power and physical presence, supported by McClean’s experience and Windass’ creativity.

 

Prediction

This derby has all the ingredients for a tense, hard-fought contest. Swansea’s recent home improvement gives them confidence, but Wrexham’s discipline and structure make them difficult opponents, especially in tight games.

With Wrexham drawing frequently and Swansea unlikely to overcommit, a low-scoring outcome feels likely. Expect intensity, strong challenges, and plenty of emotion rather than free-flowing football.

Prediction: Swansea City 1–1 Wrexham or Swansea City 2–1 Wrexham