'Edge' between Wrexham and Charlton - Parkinson

Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson (L) and Charlton Athletic boss Nathan Jones both guided their clubs to promotion from League One last season

Phil Parkinson admits there is an "edge" between Wrexham and Charlton Athletic as a result of the battles they had in League One last season.

The Red Dragons drew 2-2 with the Addicks at The Valley in October last year, although Parkinson's men won the reverse fixture on home soil in April 3-0 - a result that earned the Welsh side promotion into the Championship.

Nathan Jones' men went on to gain promotion via the play-offs, and ahead of the meeting between the sides at Stok Cae Ras on Saturday (15:00 GMT), Parkinson said he is relishing the prospect of another exciting encounter with Charlton.

"It's going to be a really good game," he told BBC Sport Wales.

"I think it's going to be competitive and there's an edge between both teams after our competition last year.

"They're very much similar to how they played last year, a similar shape and they've made a few improvements and some shrewd signings. They've done really well.

"We know Charlton are going to be very competitive in terms of the way they play, similar to the Portsmouth game in many respects, but we're prepared for that."

Sam Smith's brace added to Ollie Rathbone's early effort as the Red Dragons clinched a third successive promotion under Parkinson by beating Charlton on 26 April.

"It's a day which takes some surpassing because of the dramas of the Wycombe result going our way and the whole atmosphere and the result, it was a memorable day," said Parkinson.

"We did celebrate and enjoyed the moment. It was very special."

Saturday's contest with Charlton will be Wrexham's seventh fixture in just 22 days across all competitions.

With just three days between their 0-0 draw with Portsmouth at Fratton Park and their contest with the Addicks in north Wales this weekend, Wrexham opted to travel back from the south coast of England a day after the stalemate with Pompey.

"We stayed down after the game and came back yesterday (Thursday) morning. I was pleased with how that went, especially on the back of getting a result," Parkinson said of his side's recent travels.

"We were in the hotel together, the lads had a meal when they got back, got up and did a recovery session in Southampton.

"So I feel in the circumstances we're in good shape."

Given the hectic nature of his side's recent schedule, Parkinson will consider making changes to face Charlton.

"We've got to factor everything in," he said. "There's been a lot of games and travelling.

"It's getting those calls right, if we feel we have to freshen it up we will do.

"If not, we'll have the bench ready for when it's needed."

Long-term absentees Jay Rodriguez, Andy Cannon, Danny Ward, Elliot Lee, Lewis Brunt and Aaron James remain unavailable.