Wrexham vs Chelsea FA Cup preview, team news and prediction

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Wrexham and Chelsea will meet in a competitive fixture for the first time since 1982 when they clash in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Saturday at the Racecourse Ground. The Championship side, who have already knocked out Premier League Nottingham Forest to reach this stage for the first time since 1996-97, will need to raise their game even further to topple the eight-time FA Cup winners.

All eyes will be on North Wales as Wrexham aim to pull off a memorable upset and book a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time in 29 years. Back in 1996-97, Wrexham’s run ended at the hands of Chesterfield, but this modern-day squad—buoyed by the backing of Hollywood owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds—are hoping to write a new chapter by overcoming their West London visitors.

Phil Parkinson’s men have enjoyed home comforts throughout their cup journey, having not left North Wales since the third round. They eliminated Nottingham Forest on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw, then edged past Ipswich Town 1-0. The Red Dragons will be confident at the Racecourse, where they have won three consecutive matches, scoring eight and conceding four.

Despite a few setbacks in 2026, Wrexham’s recent form suggests an upset is possible. After sitting 14th in the Championship before Christmas, they have surged up the table with nine wins in 13 league games since Boxing Day’s 5-3 victory over Sheffield United, now occupying sixth place.

With a full week to prepare, Wrexham will hope to end Chelsea’s remarkable 24-match winning streak against lower-league opposition in the FA Cup—a run surpassed only by Arsenal (28 games, 1998-2013) and Manchester United (30 games, 1985-2009). Chelsea’s last defeat to a lower-tier side in the competition came in 2015, when Jose Mourinho’s team were stunned 4-2 by Bradford City at Stamford Bridge.

Now managed by Liam Rosenior, Chelsea have made light work of their cup opponents this season, thrashing Charlton Athletic 5-1 and beating Hull City 4-0 in the previous rounds. While recent league setbacks against Leeds United, Burnley, and Arsenal may have dented their confidence, a convincing 4-1 win over Aston Villa—powered by Joao Pedro—has restored some momentum ahead of their return to Wales.

Chelsea’s last trip to Wales ended in a 3-1 EFL Cup win over Cardiff City in December, under former boss Enzo Maresca. Now, with the Racecourse Ground expected to be rocking, Rosenior’s side will be determined to avoid a cup upset. Given Chelsea’s unpredictable form, Rosenior will be mindful not to underestimate Wrexham’s threat as his team look to avoid an embarrassing exit.

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Wrexham will be missing several key players due to injury, including Matty James (toe), Liberato Cacace (hamstring), Thomas O’Connor (hamstring), and Ben Sheaf (knee). Long-term absentees Aaron James (knee) and Lewis Brunt (thigh) also remain sidelined, having been out since August and October, respectively.

After a week’s rest, manager Phil Parkinson may opt to start veteran striker Kieffer Moore for the first time in this season’s FA Cup. The 33-year-old is Wrexham’s leading scorer in the Championship with 11 goals. Moore could be partnered by Josh Windass, who has found the net nine times in the league and boasts an impressive FA Cup record, scoring five goals in his last five starts in the competition.

On the Chelsea side, Liam Rosenior faces some selection dilemmas. Filip Jorgensen is pushing for another start in goal ahead of Robert Sanchez, while the returning Marc Cucurella and Romeo Lavia are both in contention for a place in the starting lineup. Rosenior may choose to rest Joao Pedro, the star of the recent win over Aston Villa, and start Liam Delap up front. Reece James and Cole Palmer could be named among the substitutes as their playing time continues to be managed.

Although Pedro Neto has been charged by the FA for improper conduct following his red card at Arsenal, he is eligible to return after serving his suspension against Villa. Chelsea will be without Levi Colwill (knee), Dario Essugo, Estevao Willian, and Jamie Gittens, while Wesley Fofana will be assessed after picking up a late injury at Villa Park.

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