Can Underdog Wrexham Upset Premier League Giant Nottingham Forest in FA Cup Showdown?
Wrexham vs Nottingham Forest: A David vs Goliath FA Cup Encounter
The magic of the FA Cup is set to ignite the Racecourse Ground as Wrexham, the darling of League Two, prepares to face Premier League side Nottingham Forest. This third-round tie on January 9th, 2026, promises a captivating clash between two teams with contrasting fortunes and ambitions. Wrexham, fueled by Hollywood ownership and a fervent fanbase, are eager to add another chapter to their fairytale story, while Nottingham Forest, under the guidance of Nuno Espírito Santo, are determined to avoid an upset and progress in the competition.
Wrexham’s FA Cup Pedigree and Recent Form
Wrexham’s journey in the FA Cup has been filled with memorable moments, and their recent form suggests they are more than capable of causing an upset. Under the astute management of Phil Parkinson, Wrexham have established themselves as a formidable force in League Two, showcasing a potent attacking style and a resilient defensive structure. Their home form at the Racecourse Ground has been particularly impressive, making it a daunting venue for any visiting team. Wrexham’s FA Cup journey last season, documented in the “Welcome to Wrexham” series, captivated audiences worldwide, adding extra pressure and excitement to this year’s campaign. The team will be looking to replicate, and even surpass, that success.
Nottingham Forest’s Premier League Struggles and FA Cup Aspirations
Nottingham Forest, on the other hand, find themselves in a challenging position in the Premier League. Despite some flashes of brilliance, consistency has been elusive, and they are battling to secure their top-flight status. The FA Cup presents an opportunity for Nuno Espírito Santo to inject some much-needed confidence into his squad and potentially embark on a cup run that could galvanize the team and the fans. However, he will be acutely aware of the potential banana skin that Wrexham represents, especially given their home advantage and the fervent atmosphere that awaits them.
Tactical Breakdown: Wrexham’s Attacking Threat vs. Forest’s Defensive Solidity
The tactical battle between Phil Parkinson and Nuno Espírito Santo will be crucial in determining the outcome of this match. Wrexham are likely to adopt an attacking approach, utilizing their dynamic forward line to exploit any weaknesses in the Nottingham Forest defense. Forest, meanwhile, will likely prioritize defensive solidity and look to hit Wrexham on the counter-attack, utilizing the pace and power of their attacking players.
Wrexham’s Expected Lineup and Key Players
Phil Parkinson typically favors a 5-3-2 formation which allows them to be solid defensively but also provides wingbacks with the license to push forward and support the attack. The expected lineup might look something like this:
Goalkeeper: Howard
Defenders: Forde, Cleworth, O’Connell, Tozer, Mendy
Midfielders: Cannon, Jones, Lee
Forwards: Mullin, Palmer
Key to Wrexham’s success will be the performance of their talismanic striker, Paul Mullin. Mullin’s goal-scoring record speaks for itself, and his ability to find the back of the net in crucial moments makes him a constant threat to opposition defenses. His partnership with Ollie Palmer up front will be vital in stretching the Forest backline and creating opportunities. The creativity of Elliot Lee in midfield will also be crucial in unlocking the Forest defense. His ability to pick a pass and dictate the tempo of the game will be essential in controlling the midfield battle. The experience of Ben Tozer in defence will be crucial in organizing the backline and dealing with the aerial threat posed by Forest’s forwards.
Nottingham Forest’s Potential Setup and Star Performers
Nuno Espírito Santo has experimented with different formations since arriving at Nottingham Forest, but he may opt for a 4-3-3 formation to provide defensive stability and attacking width. A possible lineup could be:
Goalkeeper: Turner
Defenders: Williams, Worrall, Murillo, Toffolo
Midfielders: Danilo, Yates, Dominguez
Forwards: Elanga, Wood, Hudson-Odoi
Chris Wood will likely lead the line for Forest, and his physical presence and goal-scoring ability will pose a significant challenge to the Wrexham defense. Anthony Elanga’s pace and trickery on the wing could also cause problems for the Wrexham full-backs. In midfield, the combative duo of Ryan Yates and Nicolas Dominguez will be tasked with winning the midfield battle and providing a platform for Forest’s attacking players. The defensive partnership of Joe Worrall and Murillo will be crucial in containing Wrexham’s potent attack.
Key Battles on the Pitch
Several key battles will likely determine the outcome of this match. The midfield battle between Wrexham’s Elliot Lee and Forest’s Ryan Yates will be crucial in controlling the tempo of the game. The aerial duel between Wrexham’s Ben Tozer and Forest’s Chris Wood will be vital in both defensive and attacking set-pieces. And, of course, the individual battles between Wrexham’s defenders and Forest’s pacey wingers will be crucial in preventing Forest from creating clear-cut scoring opportunities.
The Importance of Set-Pieces
Set-pieces could play a significant role in this match. Wrexham have proven to be dangerous from set-pieces, with Ben Tozer’s long throws and the delivery of James Jones causing problems for opposition defenses. Nottingham Forest also possess players who are adept at both defending and attacking set-pieces, making this a potentially decisive area of the game.
The Managerial Masterclass: Parkinson vs. Espírito Santo
The tactical acumen of Phil Parkinson and Nuno Espírito Santo will be put to the test in this FA Cup encounter. Parkinson’s ability to motivate his players and implement a clear game plan has been instrumental in Wrexham’s success. Espírito Santo’s experience in managing at the highest level could prove invaluable in navigating this tricky cup tie. The ability of both managers to make tactical adjustments during the game could be crucial in swinging the momentum in their team’s favor.
Prediction: An Upset on the Cards?
While Nottingham Forest are the clear favorites on paper, Wrexham’s home advantage, passionate support, and attacking prowess make them a dangerous opponent. The FA Cup is renowned for its upsets, and Wrexham have the potential to add another chapter to that tradition. However, Forest’s Premier League quality and the experience of Nuno Espírito Santo cannot be discounted. Expect a closely contested match, with Wrexham potentially pushing Forest all the way. A draw and a replay at the City Ground wouldn’t be a surprise, although the home advantage could be the decisive factor for Wrexham.
Predicted Score: Wrexham 2 – 1 Nottingham Forest
How to Watch Wrexham vs. Nottingham Forest Live
For fans eager to witness this FA Cup clash, here’s how to catch the action live:
TV Channel: Check your local listings for broadcast details. In the UK, the match is likely to be shown on BBC or ITV. ESPN may broadcast the game in the US.
Live Stream: Streaming options will be available through the broadcasters’ online platforms (e.g., BBC iPlayer, ITVX, ESPN+). Check your local provider for availability.
The Racecourse Ground Atmosphere: Wrexham’s 12th Man
The atmosphere at the Racecourse Ground is legendary, and the Wrexham fans will undoubtedly create a cauldron of noise to support their team. The “Welcome to Wrexham” documentary has further amplified the club’s global appeal, and the stadium is expected to be packed with passionate supporters eager to witness a potential FA Cup upset. The support of the fans could prove to be a crucial factor in inspiring Wrexham to victory.
Looking Ahead: The Potential Impact of the Result
The result of this match could have a significant impact on both teams. A victory for Wrexham would further enhance their reputation as a rising force in English football and provide a massive boost to their promotion aspirations. It would also be a significant moment for the town and the club’s Hollywood owners. For Nottingham Forest, a defeat would be a major setback and could further dent their confidence in their fight for Premier League survival. A victory, however, could provide a much-needed boost and potentially spark a cup run that could energize the team and the fans.
FAQ Section
Will Wrexham’s Hollywood owners be in attendance?
Given their high profile and involvement with the club, it is highly likely that Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney will be in attendance at the Racecourse Ground to support Wrexham. Their presence adds another layer of excitement to the match.
What is Wrexham’s current league position?
As of January 9th, 2026, Wrexham are competing in League Two. You can check their exact position on the official EFL website.
Have Wrexham and Nottingham Forest met in the FA Cup before?
It’s important to check historical records to confirm previous FA Cup encounters between these two clubs. You can find this information on football statistics websites.
What are Nottingham Forest’s chances of staying in the Premier League this season?
Nottingham Forest are currently battling to avoid relegation from the Premier League. Their chances of survival will depend on their performances in the remaining league matches and the form of their rivals.
Who is Wrexham’s top goalscorer this season?
Paul Mullin is typically Wrexham’s top goalscorer. You can find the latest stats on the official Wrexham AFC website.
What is Nuno Espírito Santo’s managerial record like in the FA Cup?
Nuno Espírito Santo has a decent record in cup competitions. Research his previous FA Cup campaigns with other clubs to get a better understanding of his cup pedigree.
Will there be extra time and penalties if the match is a draw?
In the FA Cup third round, if the match ends in a draw after 90 minutes, the game will go to a replay at the other team’s ground. Extra time and penalties are only used in later rounds of the competition.
