The historic Welsh derby between Swansea City and Wrexham AFC is set to reignite this evening, marking the first encounter between the two clubs since March 2003. With over 130 miles separating the Welsh rivals, the atmosphere is anticipated to be electric as they face off at 8pm, broadcast live on Sky Sports Football. Both clubs have experienced vastly different fortunes since their last meeting in the old third division, with Wrexham embarking on an impressive three-promotion surge to return to the EFL, while Swansea once graced the Premier League and secured League Cup glory.

Despite their contrasting recent histories, the teams currently find themselves separated by just three league positions heading into the weekend fixtures. Wrexham, in their first season back in the second tier since 1982, are aiming for a play-off spot. Swansea, however, are looking nervously over their shoulders, sitting four points above the relegation zone. The Swans have shown signs of improvement under new manager Vitor Matos, securing two victories in their last three outings, and are considered the slight favourites by bookmakers for this clash.

Wrexham enters the derby on a solid run, having suffered only one defeat in their last nine matches, a narrow loss away at Hull City. Manager Phil Parkinson will be keen for his side to convert more of their recent draws into wins, with five of their last eight games ending in a stalemate. Their most recent outing saw Ollie Rathbone score a late equalizer against Watford, securing a 2-2 draw after a spirited comeback.

Swansea’s form has been more inconsistent, with six losses in their last eight games. This includes a 2-1 defeat at Stoke City last weekend, which halted a brief two-game winning streak that saw them overcome Oxford United and Portsmouth at home. Football betting sites anticipate Swansea to make it three home wins on the bounce under Matos, but Wrexham could offer value for their first away victory since September.

Historically, Wrexham holds a significant advantage in this fixture. They have won five of their last six encounters against Swansea. The Swans’ last victory in this Welsh derby dates back to August 1993, a 3-1 win where Mark Harris, Colin Pascoe, and John Cornforth all found the net. This historical dominance adds another layer of intrigue to tonight’s highly anticipated match.

Key to Wrexham’s attacking threat is striker Kieffer Moore, who has been instrumental in their goalscoring efforts. Alongside Nathan Broadhead and Josh Windass, the trio has contributed 17 of the Dragons’ 26 Championship goals this season. Moore, in particular, will be motivated by this fixture, having previously scored three times for Cardiff City against Swansea during his time with the club. He has already netted 10 goals this campaign, including a brace against Sheffield Wednesday and a hat-trick in a surprise victory over league leaders Coventry City.

In terms of team news, Swansea will be without Burnley loanee Manuel Benson, who is away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations with Angola. Wrexham faces a more extensive list of absentees, with Danny Ward, Issa Kabore, Lewis Brunt, Andy Cannon, Elliot Lee, and Jay Rodriguez all sidelined through injury. Liberato Cacace is nearing a return but is unlikely to feature in this crucial derby match.

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Keywords: Swansea vs Wrexham, Welsh derby, EFL odds, football prediction, Kieffer Moore, Wrexham AFC, Swansea City, Championship football