The magic of the FA Cup returns to the Racecourse Ground on Friday night as Championship high-flyers Wrexham welcome Premier League outfit Nottingham Forest for a high-stakes third-round encounter.
This fixture marks a significant milestone in the Red Dragons’ “Hollywood era,” as they face top-flight opposition for the first time since their 2021 takeover and their first competitive meeting with a Premier League side since 1992. While Phil Parkinson’s men enter the tie on the back of four consecutive victories, Sean Dyche’s Forest arrive in North Wales seeking to build momentum.
A crucial midweek win over West Ham ended a dismal four-game losing streak for the visitors, providing a much-needed lift before this potential banana skin in the cup. With the Racecourse expected to be at its atmospheric best, Wrexham will be dreaming of another famous giant-killing to add to their storied history in this competition.
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
The hosts are grappling with a significant injury crisis despite their stellar league form. Phil Parkinson will be without top-scorer Kieffer Moore (hamstring) and fellow striker Ryan Hardie (knee). Long-term absentees Elliot Lee (knee), Danny Ward (elbow), Andy Cannon (ACL), and Aaron James (knee) also remain unavailable. Sam Smith is expected to lead the line after scoring in his last two outings.
Nottingham Forest
Sean Dyche may rotate his squad as Forest prioritise Premier League survival. The visitors are missing Chris Wood (knee), Ryan Yates (hamstring), and goalkeeper John Victor (calf). Dan Ndoye and Callum Hudson-Odoi are both considered doubts with minor knocks. Furthermore, Willy Boly and Ibrahim Sangaré are away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Form
Wrexham
Wrexham have a legendary reputation against Forest in this competition, having famously won 3-1 at the City Ground in January 1982. Phil Parkinson’s side has won their last four matches in all competitions, climbing to ninth in the Championship and sitting just one point off the play-off places. Defensively, they have been solid, keeping four clean sheets in their last six matches.
Nottingham Forest
After showing sparks under Dyche, Forest have struggled for consistency lately, managing only two shutouts in their previous five games. The midweek win over fellow strugglers West Ham will give renewed urge for the visitors who look to reach the fourth round for the third consecutive season.
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 broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+, with coverage starting at 19:00 GMT.
Read more- Ruben Amorim – 12 of the best quotes from former Man Utd head coach
See Also- Glasner makes Guehi transfer prediction amid Liverpool and City links
