Wrexham Prepares for FA Cup Clash Against Nottingham Forest
Wrexham AFC has long awaited the chance to face a Premier League opponent, and that opportunity has finally arrived.
Nearly five years after being acquired by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, manager Phil Parkinson's wish will come true on Friday night.
The Red Dragons will host Nottingham Forest at 19:30 GMT in the third round of the FA Cup, marking the first time during Parkinson's tenure that the club will compete against top-flight opposition.
While some may argue that gaining promotion to the Premier League is the ultimate goal, this cup match represents a significant milestone in Wrexham's journey.
"It’s one of those ties that everybody’s looking forward to," Parkinson remarked.
"We’ve been waiting for a Premier League team here at the Stok Cae Ras, and we’re excited to welcome a strong Nottingham Forest side tomorrow night. They have an excellent manager in Sean Dyche, and we expect a fantastic atmosphere. We’re looking forward to a break from league action and enjoying a night of cup football."
What Are the Chances of an Upset?
Wrexham enters this cup match on a high note, having won four consecutive league matches in the Championship for the first time in their history.
Since their 3-1 defeat to Queens Park Rangers on September 13, Wrexham has shown remarkable improvement, accumulating 36 points over the last 21 matches—more than all but leaders Coventry City and Ipswich Town.
"I think we’ve evolved into the division, similar to our journey in League One last year," Parkinson noted. "It takes time for new and existing players to adapt, but I believe we’re in a good place now. Our performance against Derby County showcased our progress, and we’re enjoying the challenges of this league."
Wrexham’s recent 2-1 victory over Derby County has brought them within a point of the playoff spots, contributing to a positive atmosphere in North Wales.
In contrast, Nottingham Forest has faced a challenging season following their memorable 2024-25 campaign. The team has shown vulnerabilities that Wrexham could capitalize on.
Forest has struggled with their scoring efficiency, with only Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers performing worse than their expected goals (xG) metrics. They possess the second-lowest shot conversion rate in the Premier League at 8.08%, and have scored just 21 goals this season, fewer than all but Wolves.
Additionally, Forest has conceded 12 goals after the 76th minute—more than any other team—and has failed to score in 10 of their 21 league matches this season, holding the worst record in that regard.
However, there is a silver lining for Dyche's squad, as they recently broke a four-game losing streak with a 2-1 victory against West Ham United, marking their first comeback win in the Premier League since their promotion.
This victory has eased relegation concerns, putting them seven points clear of the relegation zone ahead of their FA Cup clash.
FA Cup Tradition Lives On
Wrexham has a storied history in the FA Cup, with their famous 2-1 victory over Arsenal in 1992 still regarded as one of the greatest upsets in the competition's history.
The club has reached the quarter-finals on three occasions and has previously triumphed over top-flight teams such as Ipswich Town, Newcastle United, West Ham United, and Middlesbrough.
Parkinson and his squad are acutely aware of the challenge posed by Nottingham Forest, especially as Wrexham enters the FA Cup at the third-round stage for the first time in 43 years.
Yet, while the dream of Premier League promotion remains within reach, the FA Cup holds a special place in Wrexham's culture.
"This morning, we had a meeting with the players to discuss what we expect from Nottingham Forest on the pitch," Parkinson explained. "We also reviewed the club’s history in the FA Cup, sharing footage from our wins against Arsenal, Newcastle, and West Ham, and emphasizing the importance of continuing that legacy."
Midfielder George Dobson is eager to contribute to Wrexham’s quest for FA Cup glory, expressing his enthusiasm for the match against a Premier League club.
"I’ve been looking back through the club's FA Cup history, and it’s been a great insight into some incredible moments over the years," Dobson said. "We’re all looking forward to the opportunity to create our own history against a strong Premier League side."