The meeting will be the clubs’ first competitive clash since 1982, and the Welsh side will be hoping home support at the famous STōK Cae Ras can inspire them to a memorable upset.
There will be significant attention on North Wales this weekend as Wrexham aim to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time since the 1996-97 campaign. During that run nearly three decades ago, the Red Dragons advanced to the last eight before eventually being knocked out by Chesterfield F.C..
This modern version of Wrexham, backed by Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, will hope history can repeat itself with another deep run in English football’s oldest competition.
Managed by Phil Parkinson, Wrexham have already shown their ability to compete with top-flight teams in this tournament. They eliminated Nottingham Forest F.C. in the third round after a dramatic 3-3 draw that was eventually settled by penalties. They followed that impressive result with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town F.C. in the fourth round.
Playing at home could once again work in Wrexham’s favour. The Welsh club have won their last three matches at the Racecourse Ground, scoring eight goals while conceding four. Their recent form across all competitions has also been encouraging.
Although the team experienced some inconsistent moments earlier in 2026, their league performances have improved significantly since Christmas. Wrexham were sitting 14th in the Championship before the festive period, but a run of nine wins from their last 13 league matches has propelled them up to sixth place.
That impressive surge began with a thrilling 5-3 victory over Sheffield United F.C. on Boxing Day and has since strengthened belief that another upset in the FA Cup may be possible.
Chelsea, however, arrive with a formidable record against lower-league opponents in this competition. The Blues have won 24 consecutive FA Cup matches against teams from lower divisions, a streak only bettered historically by Arsenal F.C. and Manchester United F.C..
Their last defeat to such opposition came back in 2015, when Bradford City A.F.C. stunned Chelsea with a remarkable 4-2 comeback victory at Stamford Bridge. Interestingly, the Bradford manager that day was none other than Parkinson, now the man leading Wrexham.
Chelsea head into this fixture under the guidance of manager Liam Rosenior. The London club have enjoyed comfortable wins in earlier FA Cup rounds this season, defeating Charlton Athletic F.C. 5-1 and Hull City A.F.C. 4-0.
Although their recent Premier League form has been inconsistent following matches against Leeds United F.C., Burnley F.C. and Arsenal F.C., Chelsea responded strongly in midweek with a convincing 4-1 victory over Aston Villa F.C., inspired by an impressive performance from João Pedro.
That result restored confidence ahead of their trip to Wales, where they will aim to avoid becoming the latest victim of a famous FA Cup giant-killing.
Team News
Wrexham will be without several injured players ahead of this clash. Matty James (toe), Liberato Cacace (hamstring), Thomas O'Connor (hamstring) and Ben Sheaf (knee) are all unavailable. Long-term absentees Aaron James and Lewis Brunt also remain sidelined.Veteran striker Kieffer Moore could start for the hosts. The 33-year-old has been Wrexham’s leading scorer in the Championship with 11 goals this season. He may be supported in attack by Josh Windass, who has scored nine league goals and boasts an excellent FA Cup record with five goals in his last five starts in the competition.
For Chelsea, Rosenior has a number of selection decisions to make. Goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen could continue in goal ahead of Robert Sánchez, while Marc Cucurella and Roméo Lavia are pushing for places in the starting lineup.
After starring against Aston Villa, João Pedro could be rested, potentially allowing Liam Delap to lead the attack. Key players such as Reece James and Cole Palmer might also start on the bench as the manager manages their playing time.
Chelsea will still be without Levi Colwill, Dário Essugo, Estevão Willian and Jamie Gittens due to injuries, while Wesley Fofana will be assessed after picking up a late knock against Aston Villa.
Possible Starting Lineups
Wrexham:Okonkwo; Cleworth, Hyam, Doyle; Kabore, Dobson, O’Brien, Thomason; Windass, Broadhead; Moore
Chelsea:
Jorgensen; Gusto, Chalobah, Sarr, Hato; Caicedo, Santos; Neto, Fernandez, Garnacho; Delap
Expert Prediction
Wrexham 1-3 Chelsea
