Wrexham vs Chelsea – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Chelsea head to the STōK Cae Ras this evening for a highly anticipated FA Cup fifth-round tie against a resurgent Wrexham side dreaming of another massive giant-killing.

The Red Dragons enter this historic tie as the feel-good story of the competition, having already eliminated Premier League opposition in Nottingham Forest earlier this season. Phil Parkinson’s side has reached the FA Cup fifth round for the first time since the 1996-97 campaign and currently sits in the Championship play-off spots after a remarkable post-Christmas surge.

With home support expected to be at its most vociferous, Wrexham aim to replicate their famous historical upsets and book a place in the quarter-finals for only the fourth time in their history.

Chelsea, meanwhile, travel to North Wales buoyed by a dominant 4–1 victory over Aston Villa on Wednesday, a result that restored confidence following a testing week. Interim boss Liam Rosenior has overseen comprehensive wins against lower-league opposition in the previous rounds, but he will be acutely aware of Wrexham’s giant-killing reputation.

The Blues have a formidable record against teams from outside the top flight, progressing from their last 24 such FA Cup ties. However, with a hostile atmosphere awaiting them, Chelsea must avoid a repeat of their infamous 2015 exit to Bradford City, then managed by current Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson.

Wrexham vs Chelsea – Match preview and team news

Team News

Wrexham

Phil Parkinson faces several fitness concerns following a gruelling February schedule. Midfielder George Dobson is out after undergoing surgery on a broken wrist, while Issa Kaboré is struggling with hamstring tightness.

Ben Sheaf, Lewis Brunt, and Aaron James are also ruled out. Liberato Cacace and Matty James face late fitness tests. However, star forward Josh Windass is fit and looking to add to his impressive FA Cup tally of six goals on home soil.

Chelsea

Liam Rosenior remains without several key figures, including Levi Colwill (knee), Dário Essugo (muscle), and Mykhailo Mudryk (suspension). Wesley Fofana is also a doubt after picking up a fresh knock.

While Estêvão Willian and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens have returned to the training pitch, both are deemed not yet ready for match action. In positive news, Pedro Neto returns from a one-match domestic ban and will look to continue his prolific cup form.

Form

Wrexham

The Red Dragons have been in exceptional form since Boxing Day, losing just two of their last 15 matches across all competitions. They arrive following a gritty 1–0 victory over Charlton Athletic, a result that exemplified their defensive resilience under Parkinson.

Notably, Wrexham have won three consecutive home matches heading into this tie, scoring eight goals in that period. Their overall record against Chelsea stands at two wins from nine historical meetings, though they haven’t met in a competitive fixture since 1982.

Chelsea

Chelsea have shown signs of inconsistency in the Premier League but have remained clinical in knockout competition. Their recent 4–1 win at Villa Park was powered by a João Pedro masterclass, following a narrow loss to Arsenal and a draw with Burnley.

Notably, the Blues have won six of their last eight away games in Wales across all competitions. They have already dispatched lower-tier Charlton and Hull by an aggregate score of 9–1 in this season’s FA Cup.

Predicted Lineups

Wrexham Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Okonkwo; Cleworth, Hyam, Doyle; Kabore, Dobson, O’Brien, Thomason; Windass, Broadhead; Moore

Chelsea Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Jorgensen; Gusto, Chalobah, Sarr, Hato; Caicedo, Santos; Neto, Fernandez, Garnacho; Delap

How to Watch Wrexham vs Chelsea?

The match will be broadcast live in the UK on BBC One. Coverage typically begins at 17:15 GMT ahead of the 17:45 kick-off.

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