Two Championship sides cross paths on Tuesday night as Preston North End host Wrexham at Deepdale in the second round of the EFL Cup.
Both clubs arrive here from contrasting routes in the opening stage: Preston edged Barrow 1-0, while Wrexham needed penalties to see off Hull City after a dramatic contest.
With a place in the third round on the line, this clash promises to be more than just a routine cup tie.
Read our Preston vs Wrexham predictions and preview to find out, but remember to also check our other EFL Cup predictions.
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Preston North End vs Wrexham prediction: Hard-fought win for the Lilywhites
Key statistics
- Preston have lost their last four home games, scoring fewer than 1.5 goals in each.
- Seven of Preston’s last eight games at Deepdale have produced over 2.5 goals.
- Wrexham’s last 11 EFL Cup games have seen over 3.5 goals in total.
- In their last five EFL Cup away fixtures, Wrexham’s matches have averaged more than 4.5 goals.
Correct score prediction: Preston North End 2-1 Wrexham
The odds lean slightly towards Preston, installing the Lilywhites as favourites. A quick glance at the form table, however, suggests this is no foregone conclusion. Preston have taken just three wins from their last 10 home matches across all competitions, losing five of them.
At the same time, Wrexham’s away record shows a mixed bag: four victories, two draws, and four defeats in their last 10 on the road.
The Red Dragons also carry a defensive issue into this one, having conceded in each of their last seven matches. Against a Preston side that has found some rhythm early in the season, that weakness could be costly.
Pre-match odds and win probability: Bookmakers favour Preston
- HOME WIN: 2.10 (47.62%)
- DRAW: 3.50 (28.57%)
- AWAY WIN: 3.40 (29.41%)
*Odds provided by Ladbrokes. Subject to change.*
The bookmakers price Preston at 2.10 for the win (47.62%), with the draw at 3.50 (28.57%) and Wrexham at 3.40 (29.41%). Those odds underline the narrow edge given to the Lilywhites, but also highlight that this tie could swing either way.
Expect a competitive cup tie with goals on both sides. Wrexham will pose a threat on the break, but Preston’s sharper form and home support should carry them through to round three.
Head-to-head: History with a gap
Preston and Wrexham have not shared a league in recent years, so direct head-to-head data is limited. The last time they faced each other was back in March 2000, when Preston secured a narrow 1-0 win.
More broadly, Preston are unbeaten in their last eight matches against the Welsh club, with Wrexham’s last victory dating all the way back to October 1997.
The absence of recent meetings means this tie will be judged on current form rather than historical dominance, but the weight of that record will still linger in the background.
After reviewing our key Preston vs Wrexham predictions, be sure to visit our website for the remaining football betting tips today.
Preston Preview – Finding form at the right time
Paul Heckingbottom’s side have enjoyed a bright start to the Championship season. A 1-1 draw against QPR on the opening day was followed by back-to-back wins over Leicester City and Ipswich Town – two clubs fresh from the Premier League. That run has lifted the Lilywhites into the early playoff places and given them a platform of confidence.
Cup competitions have rarely brought silverware for Preston – their two FA Cup wins came more than 80 years ago – but the EFL Cup offers a chance to stretch their legs against familiar opposition. A win here would represent another positive step in a campaign that has started with promise.
Team selection will rotate from the league. Jack Walton is expected to start in goal, while striker Daniel Jebbison should be handed a chance to lead the line.
Lewis Dobbin and Liam Lindsay are also set for recalls, with the manager keen to keep his squad fresh after a demanding Championship schedule. Importantly, no fresh injuries were reported following Saturday’s league win, allowing Heckingbottom the luxury of picking from a settled group.
Predicted XI: Walton (GK), Offiah, Lindsay, Vukcevic, Valentin, Thordarson, Devine, Carroll, Dobbin, Osmajic, Jebbison.
England Championship 03/05/25
D
Bristol City
2
Preston
2
England Championship 26/04/25
L
Plymouth
2
Preston
1
England Championship 21/04/25
L
Hull
2
Preston
1
England Championship 18/04/25
L
QPR
2
Preston
1
England Championship 12/04/25
L
Leeds
2
Preston
1
Wrexham Preview – Learning the hard way
Life in the Championship has been tough for Phil Parkinson’s side. Promoted amid fanfare, they sit 19th with just a single point from three matches. Defeats to Southampton and West Brom were followed by a frustrating 2-2 draw with Sheffield Wednesday – a game in which Wrexham squandered a two-goal lead.
The EFL Cup, then, provides an opportunity to reset. Their dramatic penalty shootout win over Hull in the previous round showcased resilience, but to repeat that trick against a side in form will require a major improvement, particularly in defence.
History is not kind to Wrexham here. They have failed to beat Preston in 27 years, with just 10 wins from 35 encounters overall. The Red Dragons will need to summon spirit and efficiency if they are to overturn that weight of precedent.
Injury concerns do not help matters. Liberato Cacace, George Thompson, and Oliver Rathbone remain sidelined, limiting rotation options. Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, who played against Hull, is expected to return, while Eoghan O’Connell will anchor the back line. Sam Smith and Ryan Hardie should lead the attack in a front two as Wrexham look to spring a surprise.
Predicted XI: Okonkwo (GK), James, O’Connell, Scarr, Longman, Ashfield, Lee, McClean, Evans, Smith, Hardie.
England League 1 03/05/25
W
Lincoln City
0
Wrexham
2
England League 1 26/04/25
W
Charlton
0
Wrexham
3
England League 1 21/04/25
W
Blackpool
1
Wrexham
2
England League 1 18/04/25
D
Bristol Rovers
1
Wrexham
1
England League 1 12/04/25
D
Wigan
0
Wrexham
0
Player to watch –Milutin Osmajic
All eyes will be on Preston’s Milutin Osmajic. The Montenegrin forward has been in sparkling form, scoring five goals in his last two appearances. A natural finisher with the ability to stretch defences, he represents Preston’s biggest threat and will relish the chance to face a Wrexham backline that has looked vulnerable in recent weeks.