The FA Cup excitement returns to the Racecourse Ground on Friday as Wrexham hosts Nottingham Forest in a key third-round match.
This game is an important moment for Wrexham in their “Hollywood era,” as it’s their first encounter with a Premier League team since their 2021 takeover and the first competitive match against a top-flight opponent since 1992. Wrexham comes into this match with four straight wins, while Forest aims to gain momentum after a tough stretch.
A crucial win over West Ham midweek helped Forest break a four-game losing streak, providing a boost before this challenging cup match. The atmosphere at the Racecourse is expected to be electric, as Wrexham hopes for another memorable upset in the cup.
Wrexham vs Nottingham Forest – FA Cup Preview and Team News
- Date: Friday, 9 January 2026
- Kick-off: 19:30 GMT
- Venue: Racecourse Ground (STōK Cae Ras), Wrexham
- Referee: Paul Tierney
- VAR: Not in use
Team News
Wrexham
Wrexham is facing an injury crisis despite recent good form. Coach Phil Parkinson will be without leading scorer Kieffer Moore (hamstring) and striker Ryan Hardie (knee). Long-term injuries also affect Elliot Lee (knee), Danny Ward (elbow), Andy Cannon (ACL), and Aaron James (knee). Sam Smith is likely to start after scoring in his last two games.
Nottingham Forest
Coach Sean Dyche might rotate his players as Forest focuses on Premier League survival. The team will miss Chris Wood (knee), Ryan Yates (hamstring), and goalkeeper John Victor (calf). Dan Ndoye and Callum Hudson-Odoi are doubtful due to minor injuries, and Willy Boly and Ibrahim Sangaré are unavailable due to international duty.
Form
Wrexham
Wrexham has a strong history against Forest in this tournament, famously winning 3-1 at the City Ground in January 1982. The team has won their last four matches in all competitions, moving up to ninth in the Championship, just one point off the playoff spots. They’ve been defensively solid, maintaining four clean sheets in their last six matches.
Nottingham Forest
Forest has shown some promise under Dyche but has struggled with consistency recently, recording only two clean sheets in their last five games. The win over West Ham has given them a renewed spirit as they aim to reach the fourth round for the third year in a row.
Predicted Lineups
Wrexham predicted XI: Okonkwo; Cleworth, Hyam, Doyle; James, Sheaf; Longman, Windass, Broadhead, Thomason; Smith
Nottingham Forest predicted XI: Sels; Savona, Milenkovic, Morato, Williams; Anderson, Luiz; McAtee, Gibbs-White, Bakwa; Jesus
How to watch Wrexham vs Nottingham Forest?
The match will be available live in the UK on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+, with coverage starting at 19:00 GMT.
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