Orient Face Title Rivals On Road To Wembley

Justin Edinburgh will be looking for a reaction from his side following the disappointing 3-0 defeat to Salford last week. Following a packed festive period, his squad have had a week to recover having played six games in 18 days.

New signing Jordan Maguire-Drew will push to start after making his debut from the bench against Salford. Josh Coulson was forced off midway through the second half, Dan Happe replacing him as Marvin Ekpiteta’s defensive partner.

Coulson is set to miss the next few weeks with a hamstring injury. Craig Clay will not be forced back into action after his injury proved more serious than a dead leg, however the midfielder should return for the game against Ebbsfleet United on January 19^th.

Levi Lumeka has been recalled by Crystal Palace after a torrid loan spell in east London. He managed just one appearance, amid rumours of disagreements between player and management .

Welsh Woes

Wrexham host Orient for the second time this season and come into the game on the back of a really poor run. Graham Barrow will be in the dugout for the hosts as opposed to Sam Ricketts, who left to take the Shrewsbury Town job early in December.

A defeat away to Bromley on Tuesday night prevented the Dragons from moving to within a point of the O’s in the National League. The defeat also allowed Solihull Moors, who beat Gateshead 2-1 away from home, to leapfrog Wrexham into third position.

Kieran Kennedy joined the Dragons on Thursday and could feature, subject to international clearance. Formerly of Shrewsbury, the defender won the National League with Macclesfield Town last season.

Brad Walker has extended his loan spell with the Welsh side after parent club Crewe Alexandra sold the midfielder to Shrewsbury. Jason Oswell and Cole Stockton made their debuts at Bromley, but defenders Doug Tharme and Manny Smith remain side-lined.

Form Book

New Names

Recent signing Maguire-Drew made his debut for Orient as a substitute in the 3-0 loss to Salford last Saturday.

The tricky winger scored his first goal in a behind closed doors fixture against AFC Wimbledon during the week.

After a loan spell at Wrexham earlier in the season, the 21-year-old will be looking to haunt his former club this weekend as he looks to break into Orient’s first team.

Wrexham have welcomed multiple fresh faces to their squad. All eyes will be on the likes of Cole Stockton and Jason Oswell, who play their first home game for the club.

Meanwhile, Bobby Grant has signed a permanent deal after impressing on loan from Fleetwood Town.

Fond Memories

Justin Edinburgh’s men handed Wrexham their first home defeat of the season in late November. Goals from Macauley Bonne and James Brophy earned the O’s a 2-0 victory.

Goalkeeper Dean Brill had to be in fine form during the early stages of the game to deny the hosts, keeping the tie all square at half-time.

The O’s left it late when Bonne and Brophy struck in the final five minutes to secure a smash and grab victory.

Blistering Starts

Both teams enjoyed comfortable victories in the first round of the competition with Orient beating Beaconsfield Town 4-0, while Wrexham saw off Boston United 3-0.

George Elokobi notched the only goal in the first-half before James Brophy, Dale Gorman and Craig Clay completed the scoring in the second.

Elsewhere, the Dragons got the job done in half-an-hour. Chris Holroyd, Mike Fondop-Talum and Paul Rutherford netted to send Wrexham marching into the next round.

Did you know?

• The O’s squad will travel 198 miles to get to the Racecourse Ground.

When and Where?

The game will be played this Saturday 12^th January at The Racecourse Ground, home of Wrexham Football Club, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00. If the tie ends in a draw, a replay will be required at The Breyer Group Stadium.