The odds place Stockport as outsiders here, which is understandable given they are away from home to a Wrexham team above them in the table. However, it represents good value on the visitors here. The Hatters have actually accumulated more points than Saturday’s home side over the last 10 and 15 league rounds. Also, Phil Parkinson’s team have won only four of their 14 season meetings v current top nine clubs in League One.

Wrexham have also demonstrated a degree of vulnerability recently at home which has not been there for quite a few years. Just two wins in seven at home in all competitions does not read well to their usual high standards. Perhaps most tellingly of all, County have only lost once in 12 league outings, with eight of those ending in victory. They are very difficult to beat.

If this game is ever to really explode into life then it would be more likely after half-time. Plenty of respect should be on show here considering both teams are in the top four and are hunting down a promotion place. The consequences of conceding the first goal would be felt heavily. Also, naturally, some nerves could be on show knowing the importance of the fixture and any potential points that are earned.

Wrexham have only been behind at half-time in four League One matches all season. That is quite incredible. However, their home form is somewhat wobbly of late and they perhaps won’t feel as comfortable here as they would say a few months ago. Therefore, they might look to stay in the game at this stage to give them a platform to build upon, where they hopefully gain confidence along the way.

A more tactical battle could commence early on as well. This is two quality outfits but are also each in possession of two of the stronger defensive records in the division.

Dobson is the midfield enforcer in the Wrexham ranks. He tops the squad charts in terms of most fouls committed in league action this season. In addition to that, the 27-year-old is also only second to team mate James McClean for highest amount of yellow cards across the roster. With this being a big top of the table clash, plenty of committed challenges are anticipated.

The ex-Charlton man has picked up nine yellow cards in all competitions this season, of which seven of those came in home fixtures. This is quite telling as naturally Wrexham will be bolder in their approach at home and his job is to likely deny counter attacks. He can therefore expect to be tested against a dangerous Stockport front line.