Prediction: Wrexam vs Chelsea

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: ZetBet

For the first time since 1982, Wrexham and Chelsea meet in competitive action as the Welsh club host the Premier League giants in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Saturday.

The Racecourse Ground will be a cauldron of noise as Phil Parkinson’s side aim for a headline‑making upset. Already responsible for eliminating Nottingham Forest earlier in the competition, Wrexham now attempt to reach the quarter‑finals for the first time since the 1996–97 campaign—a challenge that will require their best performance yet.

Wrexham

The FA Cup spotlight shines firmly on North Wales this weekend. Inspired by Hollywood owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, Wrexham have already captured imaginations by reaching the last 16—and the Red Dragons now seek another milestone by felling eight‑time winners Chelsea.

Their last appearance in the quarter‑finals came in 1997, when they eventually fell to Chesterfield, but Parkinson’s current squad has shown they can rise to the occasion. Benefiting from a favourable draw of home ties, Wrexham edged out Nottingham Forest on penalties following a dramatic 3–3 thriller, before grinding out a 1–0 win over Ipswich Town in round four.

The Racecourse Ground has been kind to them. Wrexham have won three successive home matches in all competitions, scoring eight goals while conceding four. And their recent form suggests they pose a genuine threat. After sitting 14th in the Championship before Christmas, Parkinson’s team have won nine of their last 13 league matches—starting with a 5–3 Boxing Day victory at Sheffield United—to climb into the playoff positions.

It may not have been a flawless campaign, but their trajectory in 2026 underlines belief that an upset on Saturday is not beyond reach.

Team News

Wrexham remain without several players: Matty James (toe), Liberato Cacace and Thomas O’Connor (both hamstring), and Ben Sheaf (knee) are all sidelined. Long‑term absentees Aaron James (knee) and Lewis Brunt (thigh) also remain unavailable.

After a full week of preparation, Parkinson could hand Kieffer Moore his first start in this season’s FA Cup. The veteran striker leads Wrexham’s Championship scoring chart with 11 goals. Moore may be supported by Josh Windass, who has nine league goals and an excellent FA Cup record—five goals in his last five starts.

Chelsea

Chelsea arrive in Wales aiming to extend their 24‑match winning streak against lower‑league opposition in the FA Cup—one bettered only by Arsenal (28) and Manchester United (30). Their last shock defeat in the competition came in 2015, when Bradford City famously overturned a two‑goal deficit at Stamford Bridge in a match won by then‑Bradford boss Phil Parkinson.

Fast‑forward to 2026 and, under Liam Rosenior, Chelsea have again showcased their FA Cup ruthlessness. They dispatched Charlton Athletic 5–1 and brushed aside Hull City 4–0 in the previous rounds. However, recent league form had raised concerns, with disappointing results against Leeds United, Burnley and Arsenal slowing their top‑four chase.

They rediscovered their rhythm at the perfect moment, though. A João Pedro‑inspired 4–1 victory over Aston Villa on Wednesday provided a timely morale boost ahead of this tricky away trip. Chelsea already have fond memories of travelling to Wales this season, having beaten Cardiff City 3–1 in December under then‑manager Enzo Maresca.

But Rosenior knows his team can switch from electric to erratic without warning. In a packed, hostile Racecourse Ground, underestimating Wrexham would be a dangerous misstep.

Team News

Rosenior has several choices to make. Goalkeeper Filip Jørgensen is pushing to keep his place ahead of Robert Sánchez, while returning duo Marc Cucurella and Roméo Lavia could compete for starting spots.

João Pedro may be rested after his decisive showing against Villa, with Liam Delap a possible starter. Reece James and Cole Palmer may again have their minutes managed and could begin on the bench.

Pedro Neto—charged by the FA for improper conduct after his red card against Arsenal—is eligible to return after serving his suspension in midweek. Chelsea will still be without Levi Colwill (knee), while Dario Essugo, Estevão Willian and Jamie Gittens remain sidelined. Wesley Fofana will be assessed after picking up a knock at Villa Park.

Conclusion

Wrexham’s ambition, home advantage and strong recent form mean Chelsea cannot take this tie lightly. The Championship side are capable of troubling the Blues, and the atmosphere at the Racecourse Ground will be intense.

However, over the full 90 minutes, Chelsea’s quality, depth and attacking firepower should prove decisive. Wrexham will make a fight of it—but Rosenior’s men are likely to avoid an FA Cup upset and move into the quarter‑finals. Miracles happen, but this time it’s really hard to imagine one.

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: ZetBet