Wrexham welcome Nottingham Forest to the Racecourse Ground tonight for an FA Cup third round clash that ranks among the club’s most high-profile fixtures in decades.
The Red Dragons arrive in red-hot form after winning four straight matches to move just one point off the Championship playoffs. They face Premier League opposition for the first time in their Hollywood era, and for the first time in any official competition since 1992.
Nottingham Forest come into the tie with different priorities. A 2-1 league win over West Ham has boosted their fight for Premier League survival, but league form remains the main focus for Sean Dyche’s side as they sit just above the relegation zone.
Wrexham will view this as a genuine giant-killing opportunity, while Forest will hope a positive FA Cup showing can spark momentum away from domestic pressures. Here’s a full betting preview from AllSportsPeople with predictions, odds and top tips for the FA Cup third-round clash.
Wrexham vs. Nottingham Forest preview: Who will win?
Wrexham arrive in strong form with four consecutive wins and recent FA Cup success against higher division teams. Nottingham Forest have struggled for consistency, so this could be a closer contest than the betting odds suggest. Once again, replays will not be used in the 2025-26 FA Cup campaign so we're backing Wrexham to take Forest into extra time!
Our Prediction: Wrexham 1-1 Nottingham Forest (6/1 Bet365)
Head-to-Head: Wrexham vs. Nottingham Forest
- This is only the second FA Cup meeting between the sides, with Wrexham winning the previous clash 3-1 at the City Ground in January 1982.
- The teams last faced each other in the 1993-94 League Cup second round, where a 3-3 draw in Wales was followed by a 3-1 home win for Nottingham Forest.
- This fixture marks Wrexham’s first encounter with Premier League opposition since 1992.
Wrexham vs. Nottingham Forest Form Guide
Wrexham - Last 5 Matches (All Competitions)
- Derby County 1-2 Wrexham (Championship)
- Blackburn Rovers 0-2 Wrexham (Championship)
- Wrexham 2-1 Preston North End (Championship)
- Wrexham 5-3 Sheffield United (Championship)
- Swansea City 2-1 Wrexham (Championship)
Nottingham Forest - Last 5 matches (Premier League)
- West Ham United 1-2 Nottingham Forest (Premier League)
- Aston Villa 3-1 Nottingham Forest (Premier League)
- Nottingham Forest 0-2 Everton (Premier League)
- Nottingham Forest 1-2 Manchester City (Premier League)
- Fulham 1-0 Nottingham Forest (Premier League)
Wrexham vs. Nottingham Forest Betting Tips
Wrexham are on a four match winning run and have won their last two FA Cup third round ties against higher division opponents. Nottingham Forest have managed just one win in their last five games, making the Wrexham/Draw double chance market attractive (10/11 AK Bets).
Wrexham have scored at least twice in four of their last five matches, while Forest have conceded in four of their previous five outings. The hosts’ attacking momentum points toward goals at both ends. Both teams to score is 4/5 with Ladbrokes.
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Wrexham vs. Nottingham Forest Team News, Injury Latest
Wrexham Team News
- Wrexham are dealing with multiple injury absences ahead of the FA Cup match.
- Danny Ward, Aaron James, Lewis Brunt, Ryan Hardie, Elliot Lee and Kieffer Moore are all ruled out.
- The injury list affects both defensive cover and attacking depth.
- Issa Kabore has returned from AFCON after Burkina Faso’s early exit and could feature on the bench if needed.
Nottingham Forest Team News
- Forest are without Ibrahim Sangare and Willy Boly, who remain on AFCON duty with Ivory Coast.
- John Victor, Ryan Yates, Chris Wood and Dan Ndoye are sidelined through injury.
- John Victor picked up his issue in the recent defeat to Aston Villa and misses out again.
- Despite the absences, Forest are expected to field a competitive XI.
Wrexham vs. Nottingham Forest Predicted Lineups
Here’s how we expect Wrexham and Nottingham Forest to line up for their FA Cup Third Round clash, with both sides likely to stay close to their preferred systems despite several injury absences.
Wrexham predicted lineup to play Nottingham Forest
Wrexham (3-1-4-2)
Okonkwo (GK); Cleworth, Hyam, Doyle; James; Longman, Sheaf, Thomason, Windass; Smith, Broadhead
- Out: Danny Ward, Aaron James, Andy Cannon, Elliot Lee, Kieffer Moore, Lewis Brunt, Ryan Hardie
Nottingham Forest predicted lineup to play Wrexham
Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1)
Sels (GK); Savona, Milenkovic, Morato, Zinchenko; Dominguez, Luiz; Bakwa, McAtee, Hutchinson; Awoniyi
- Out: Dan Ndoye, John Victor, Chris Wood, Ryan Yates
- Unavailable: Ibrahim Sangare, Willy Boly (AFCON)
Wrexham vs. Nottingham Forest odds
Here are the latest odds for the match at the time of writing, with best prices for each possible result after 90 minutes on AK Bets.
- Wrexham to Win: 31/10
- Nottingham Forest to Win: 19/20
- Draw: 27/10
Bet Builder Tips: Wrexham vs. Nottingham Forest
Our bet builder for Wrexham vs. Nottingham Forest is Wrexham/Draw Double chance, both teams to score and Sam Smith to score anytime, which was 23/4 on Ladbrokes at the time of writing.
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How to Watch Wrexham vs. Nottingham Forest: Live stream, TV channel
Here's all the key information on how to watch Wrexham vs. Nottingham Forest tonight.
- Date: Friday, January 9
- Venue: Racecourse Ground, Wrexham
- Time: 7:30 p.m GMT
- TV/Stream: TNT Sports 1