Wrexham vs Nottingham Forest – FA Cup Third Round Preview
This isn’t just another FA Cup third round fixture; it’s a collision of trajectories. Wrexham arrive on the back of four straight victories in all competitions, breathing life into a season that had its own struggles, while Forest sit precariously above the Premier League relegation zone and desperately need a cup run to reignite confidence. The Racecourse Ground is set to be an electric cauldron, with Phil Parkinson emphasising belief but also the real strain of injuries across his squad’s spine. Forest’s Sean Dyche, meanwhile, spoke this week about the necessity of intensity and attitude, hinting at a rotated side but underlining the importance of performance. Tactically this could be a chess match: fresh legs and commitment from the hosts meets Forest’s experience and need to control tempo. Tonight, momentum might do as much talking as tactics. Expect a battle for the ball first and space second.
Injury & Availability Breakdown
| Wrexham – Availability |
|---|
| Long‑Term / IR | Andy Cannon | ACL injury |
| Long‑Term / IR | Elliot Lee | Knee injury |
| Out / Ruled Out | Kieffer Moore | Hamstring injury |
| Out / Ruled Out | Ryan Hardie | Knee injury |
| Questionable | Lewis Brunt | Thigh injury |
| Questionable | Danny Ward | Elbow injury |
| Nottingham Forest – Availability |
|---|
| Long‑Term / IR | Chris Wood | Knee injury (scan pending) |
| Out / Ruled Out | John Victor | Calf injury |
| Questionable | Dan Ndoye | Thigh knock |
| Questionable | Callum Hudson‑Odoi | Minor knock |
| Away / International Duty | Willy Boly | Ivory Coast AFCON |
| Away / International Duty | Ibrahim Sangaré | Ivory Coast AFCON |
Probable Starting XI & Key Personnel
| Wrexham | Forest |
|---|
| Okonkwo (GK) | Sels (GK) |
| Cleworth | Savona |
| Hyam | Milenkovic |
| Doyle | Morato |
| James | Williams |
| Sheaf | Anderson |
| Longman | Luiz |
| Windass | McAtee |
| Broadhead | Gibbs‑White |
| Thomason | Bakwa |
| Smith | Jesus |
Wrexham’s pressing style and willingness to take risks could challenge Forest’s defensive organisation early, and the absence of Moore and Hardie may force Parkinson to improvise in attack. Forest’s approach under Dyche will likely focus on compactness and quick transitions, but with Wood still doubtful, their striking potency may be limited. The midfield battle, particularly Sheaf versus Anderson, could dictate the tempo and determine which team dominates possession. Set-pieces are expected to play a key role, with both sides possessing tall players capable of scoring from corners or free kicks. Momentum swings, tactical adjustments, and individual brilliance might decide the outcome of this tie. This FA Cup clash promises intensity, strategy, and moments that could define both clubs’ seasons.
Watch and Download Wrexham vs Nottingham Forest full match replay and highlights, At Friday, January 09, 2026. The match played at STōK Cae Ras, in FA Cup, England.
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