PREVIEW: Wrexham prepare to face Cardiff City for the first time in 21 years in Carabao Cup | OneFootball

Wrexham host Cardiff City for the first time in 21 years tomorrow night, as the rivals meet in a Carabao Cup round of 16 clash at the Cae Stok Rae Stadium.

The match is among the most highly anticipated fixtures in the Welsh sporting calendar, with fans on both sides eagerly awaiting a North vs South showdown.

Wrexham enter the tie looking to reach their first League Cup quarterfinal since the 1977–78 season. The hosts made history by becoming the first club in English Football League history to secure three consecutive promotions, and recently returned to the Championship. Phil Parkinson’s side drew 1–1 with Middlesbrough in the league last time out and currently sit 16th in the table.

Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney purchased the club in 2021 with the ambition of reaching the Premier League within five years. So far, they remain on track.

After sealing Championship football this season, the Red Dragons are eyeing a remarkable fourth straight promotion if they can turn their campaign around.

Wrexham also have fond memories of European competition, having reached the European Cup Winners’ Cup quarterfinals in 1975 before losing to Anderlecht. They famously defeated Porto 1–0 in 1984, and now hope to add another landmark result by knocking out their Welsh rivals to reach the final eight.

Cardiff City, meanwhile, know all about life in the top flight after earning Premier League promotion twice. They first went up under Malky Mackay in 2013, before returning under Neil Warnock in 2017.

The Bluebirds travel to North Wales, aiming to build on their strong start following relegation to League One. After spending six seasons in the Championship, they dropped down this year but have responded superbly, currently sitting top of the table despite a 1–0 defeat to Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.

Bryan Barry-Murphy’s men are chasing their first League Cup quarterfinal appearance since 2011. Cardiff also hold the unique honour of being the only Welsh club to win the FA Cup, beating Arsenal 1–0 at Wembley in 1927.

They reached the Cup Winners’ Cup quarterfinals too, famously defeating Real Madrid 1–0 in the first leg at Ninian Park.

Cardiff will feel confident in their ability to rise to big knockout occasions again and spoil the party in North Wales.

The clubs have met 40 times, with Cardiff winning 19 matches to Wrexham’s nine, alongside eight draws. The most recent meeting came in League Two in March 2002, where Cardiff edged a 3–2 win at Ninian Park. Their last victory at Wrexham’s ground, then known as the Racecourse, came in November 2001 with a 3–1 success.

UK viewers can watch the match live on ITV1, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football, Sky Sports Ultra HDR, ITVX and STV Player. Kickoff is at 8pm.

The match will be broadcast live on ITV1, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football, Sky Sports Ultra HDR, ITVX and STV Player in the UK, with a kick-off time of 20:00 [GMT].