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Wrexham vs. Nottingham Forest: FA Cup Clash Details

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, January 7th 2026 at 7:48 GMT by ESPN

Wrexham’s FA Cup Run Continues: A Deep Dive into the Nottingham Forest Clash

Wrexham AFC, the Welsh club captivating audiences worldwide thanks to its Hollywood ownership and remarkable rise through the English football pyramid, continues its FA Cup journey with a highly anticipated third-round match against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, January 7th. This game represents a significant test for the Red Dragons, pitting them against a Premier League opponent and offering a potential pathway to further national attention. Here’s a comprehensive summary of the key details surrounding the match, including team news, broadcast information, and the background leading up to this exciting encounter.

The Stakes & Context: Beyond the Hollywood Story

The FA Cup, steeped in tradition, offers Wrexham a chance to make a statement beyond the compelling narrative of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's ownership. While the club’s story is undeniably attracting new fans, their on-field performances are equally driving their success. Currently competing in League Two, Wrexham is aiming to become the first Welsh team to win the FA Cup since Swansea Town in 1912. This ambition isn't just a dream; their recent form suggests they are a formidable opponent, capable of upsetting teams from higher divisions.

Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, approaches the game with their own priorities. Under the management of Nuno Espírito Santo, Forest is battling to solidify their Premier League status, currently hovering just above the relegation zone. The FA Cup offers a potential – though likely secondary – opportunity to build momentum and potentially secure European qualification. For Forest, the game represents a chance to avoid an embarrassing defeat against a team fueled by significant media attention and a passionate fanbase.

Match Details & Broadcast Information

The match will be played at the Racecourse Ground in Wrexham on Sunday, January 7th, with a kickoff time of 14:15 GMT (9:15 AM ET). Crucially for North American audiences, the game will be broadcast live on ESPN+ in the United States. For viewers in the UK, it will be available on BBC One and iPlayer, offering broad accessibility for fans eager to witness the clash. ESPN's coverage will include pre-game analysis and post-match reaction, providing context and insight into the game.

Referee Gavin Wood will oversee the match, with assistant referees Adrian Waters and Matthew Jones. The appointment of Wood is noteworthy as he recently returned to officiating after a period away due to a health scare, adding an interesting human element to the proceedings.

Team News & Injury Concerns – Wrexham’s Challenges

Wrexham are facing several key injury concerns heading into the game. The most significant absentee is striker Paul Mullin, who suffered a ligament injury in a recent match against Mansfield Town. Mullin, a prolific goalscorer and fan favorite, is expected to be sidelined for a considerable period, significantly impacting Wrexham’s attacking options. Manager Phil Parkinson has confirmed Mullin will definitely miss the game.

Adding to Wrexham’s woes, defender Will Boyle is also out with a knee injury, further weakening the defense. Midfielder Jordan Davies is a doubt due to a calf issue. Parkinson has indicated that he will assess Davies' fitness closer to kickoff, but his participation is uncertain. The absences of these key players force Parkinson to rotate his squad and potentially rely on players who haven’t seen as much playing time this season. He’s likely to lean on players like Ollie Palmer to fill the void left by Mullin, and adjustments will be needed in defense to compensate for Boyle’s absence.

Nottingham Forest’s Squad – Options for Nuno

Nottingham Forest are also dealing with injury concerns, although their situation appears less critical. Winger Morgan Gibbs-White remains sidelined with a knee problem, a significant loss for Forest’s attacking creativity. Defender Chris Wood is also a doubt with a hip injury. However, Forest boasts a deeper squad than Wrexham, allowing Nuno Espírito Santo more flexibility in team selection.

Recent reports indicate that Forest may utilize the FA Cup tie to give playing time to squad players and assess potential January transfer targets. While they will still field a competitive team, the priority remains Premier League survival, and resting key players could be a factor in team selection.

What to Expect: A David vs. Goliath Battle

The match promises to be a captivating contest between a League Two side brimming with ambition and a Premier League team striving for consistency. Wrexham will undoubtedly be motivated by the opportunity to prove themselves against top-tier opposition and capitalize on the passionate support of their home crowd. However, Nottingham Forest's superior quality and experience are likely to pose a significant challenge.

The key for Wrexham will be to remain defensively solid and exploit any vulnerabilities in the Forest defense. Without Mullin, goals may be harder to come by, meaning set-pieces and counter-attacks could be crucial. For Nottingham Forest, the focus will be on controlling possession, limiting Wrexham's attacking opportunities, and converting their chances.

Ultimately, the game is a classic FA Cup tie with the potential for a major upset. While Forest are the clear favorites, Wrexham’s recent form and unwavering spirit suggest they are more than capable of causing a shock. The match is not only a showcase of footballing talent but also a testament to the enduring magic of the FA Cup, where anything is possible.