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Wrexham vs. Nottingham Forest: FA Cup Clash

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, January 9th 2026 at 6:32 GMT by Sporting News

Wrexham, Wales - January 9th, 2026 - The Racecourse Ground is set to host a captivating FA Cup third-round tie as League Two's Wrexham welcome Premier League side Nottingham Forest. This match is more than just a football fixture; it's a David versus Goliath story amplified by Hollywood ownership and a fairytale run that has captured global attention.

Since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney completed their takeover of Wrexham AFC, the club has experienced a remarkable resurgence. From the depths of non-league football, they've secured promotion back into the Football League and are now making waves in the FA Cup, reaching this stage through a series of impressive performances. The club's form has been potent, currently sitting 2nd in League Two with a record of 16 wins from 25 matches. Their attack has been particularly impressive, netting 54 goals while maintaining a relatively solid defense, conceding 28.

Nottingham Forest, on the other hand, find themselves in a more precarious position. Sitting 16th in the Premier League after 20 matches, with 7 wins, they are looking to stabilize their season and avoid relegation worries. While their goal difference is balanced (22 scored, 28 conceded), consistency has been their main issue. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo will likely view the FA Cup as an opportunity to progress and potentially experiment with squad rotation, giving valuable minutes to fringe players.

Recent Form & Key Stats

Wrexham's recent form in the FA Cup is particularly noteworthy. They've secured victories in their last three matches in the competition, boasting a combined goal tally of 10. This suggests a team capable of finding the net and possessing a strong mentality when facing cup opposition. However, the step up in quality from League Two to the Premier League is significant.

Nottingham Forest's recent performances have been inconsistent. They've only managed one win in their last five games across all competitions, highlighting a lack of momentum. While they possess individual quality, translating that into consistent results has proven challenging. The pressure of Premier League survival undoubtedly plays a role in their fluctuating form.

Predicted Lineups

Wrexham are expected to field a strong side, likely led by goalkeeper Howard, a solid defensive trio of Barnett, O'Connell, and Tozer, and a midfield featuring the experienced Lee, Evans, and McClean. Upfront, the dynamic partnership of Dalby, Mullin, and Palmer will be tasked with breaking down the Forest defense.

Nottingham Forest's lineup is likely to see changes, with Turner in goal. Montiel, Worral, and Omobamidele are expected to form the defensive line, while Aina, Sangare, Danilo, and Hudson-Odoi will control the midfield. Wood and Gibbs-White are predicted to lead the attack.

Odds & Bet Builder Tips

The bookmakers clearly favor Nottingham Forest, with odds of 1/3 for a win. Wrexham are considered significant underdogs at 6/1, while a draw is priced at 4/1. These odds reflect the vast disparity in league standings and financial resources.

For those looking to place a bet, several options present value. 'Both Teams to Score' at 4/5 appears a reasonable proposition, given Wrexham's attacking prowess and Forest's leaky defense. 'Over 2.5 Goals' at 5/6 is also attractive, considering Wrexham's high-scoring FA Cup matches. A more adventurous bet could be 'Paul Mullin to score anytime' at 2/1; the striker has been in excellent form for Wrexham and is a proven goalscorer.

TV Details

UK viewers can watch the match live on ITV1 and stream it on ITVX. The game promises to be a captivating spectacle, with the magic of the FA Cup potentially leading to an upset. The cameras will be focused not just on the football, but on the incredible story of Wrexham and their Hollywood owners, adding another layer of intrigue to this compelling fixture.