Wrexham vs Chelsea: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – March 7, 2026
One of the fifth-round FA Cup clashes will take place on Saturday in Wrexham at the Racecourse Ground, where Welsh side Wrexham will host London’s Chelsea. Let’s take a look at a bet on goals in this match, considering the hosts’ attacking style and the visitors’ clear class advantage.
Match preview
Wrexham are enjoying a thrilling campaign following their return to the Championship, the second tier of English football. The team is firmly in the play-off zone, sitting sixth, and recently knocked Premier League side Nottingham Forest out of the FA Cup, drawing 3-3 in regular time before triumphing in a penalty shootout. The Welsh club then continued their strong run with a narrow win over Ipswich, one of their direct promotion rivals.
However, the hosts’ squad situation is far from ideal. Several key players are sidelined with injuries, including Thomas O’Connor, Ben Sheaf, and Matty James, while doubts have arisen over the fitness of Issa Kaboré, George Dobson, and Nathan Broadhead ahead of the game. To make matters worse, main striker Kieffer Moore has struggled for goals in 2026, finding the net just once this year.
Chelsea head into this cup tie on the back of an emotional 4-1 victory over Aston Villa, a much-needed response after a recent 1-1 draw with Burnley and a 2-1 derby defeat to Arsenal. Liam Rosenior’s side have shown inconsistency in recent weeks – three wins, two draws, and two losses in their last seven matches. Nevertheless, the Londoners’ attacking power remains among the most dangerous in England.
Due to a congested fixture list, the coaching staff are almost certain to rotate the squad. Robert Sánchez is expected to return between the sticks, with Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoît Badiashile likely forming the central defensive partnership and Marc Cucurella on the left. In attack, Liam Delap and Pedro Neto may get their chances, while some key players could be rested ahead of the upcoming Champions League match.
Probable lineups
- Wrexham: Okonkwo, Doyle, Cleworth, Hyam, Vyner, O’Brien, Thomasson, Longman, Windass, Rathbone, Moore.
- Chelsea: Sánchez, James, Adarabioyo, Badiashile, Cucurella, Santos, Caicedo, Fernández, Neto, Garnacho, Delap.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Wrexham eliminated Nottingham Forest from this season’s FA Cup, winning on penalties after a 3-3 draw.
- Over the past six seasons, Chelsea have faced Championship clubs in the FA Cup nine times and won all nine matches.
- In their last five FA Cup games against second-tier sides, Chelsea have scored a total of 20 goals.
Prediction
Wrexham are enjoying a remarkable season and have already proven they can challenge Premier League opposition. However, injuries and a significant gap in squad quality could prove decisive against one of England’s elite clubs. Chelsea boast far greater squad depth and an explosive attacking line, so even with rotation, the Londoners are clear favorites and should progress to the next round.
