The FA Cup is a crucible, where underdogs and giants clash, where history bends beneath the weight of sheer will. On January 9, 2026, Wrexham stands at the threshold of its greatest test yet as they prepare to host Nottingham Forest at Racecourse Ground. For Wrexham, this isn't just another cup tie; it's an opportunity to carve their name deeper into the annals of English football against a team rooted in Premier League pedigree but struggling to find its footing.
Predicted Lineups: Wrexham: GK: Arthur Okonkwo, DEF: Callum Doyle, Dominic Hyam, Max Cleworth, MID: Matty James, George Thomason, Ryan Longman, Josh Windass; FWD: Nathan Broadhead, Kieffer Moore. Nottingham Forest: GK: John Victor, DEF: Neco Williams, Murillo, Nikola Milenković, Ola Aina; MID: Morgan Gibbs-White, Nicolás Domínguez; FWD: Igor Jesus.
As both teams approach this match with very different trajectories-Wrexham surging after back-to-back Championship victories while Nottingham limps in on a string of lackluster performances-the stakes couldn't be higher. A place in the next round means not only survival in this tournament but also momentum that could reverberate through their league campaigns.
Wrexham's recent form shows a team awakening. With three wins from their last five matches-including a smash-and-grab victory over Derby and a clinical performance against Blackburn-there's an air of confidence surrounding them. Their resilience shone brightest during their thrilling 5-3 encounter with Sheffield United when they refused to buckle under pressure despite being on the ropes at times. They've transformed grit into goal-scoring opportunities lately-a luxury they must capitalize on if they hope to outmaneuver a higher-ranked opponent.
In stark contrast sits Nottingham Forest-three consecutive defeats in league play weigh heavily on their shoulders. Once lauded for ambitious moves during the transfer window and having scored goals against illustrious foes like Tottenham earlier this season (a dazzling 3-0 triumph), they now face scrutiny as whispers of a relegation battle loom ever larger. The defeat to Aston Villa was particularly telling; despite accumulating more shots than Villa-10 compared to Villa's 11-they still succumbed by a two-goal margin due largely to defensive lapses and an inability to maintain possession under pressure.
Recent match statistics are revealing. Wrexham has seen an uptick in expected goals (xG), averaging nearly 1.4 xG over their last five games while Forest flounders below 1 xG across theirs. Notably absent from Nottingham's game plan has been decisive finishing-inconsistent strikers like Igor Jesus have netted only five times all season-but it's their midfield stalwart Morgan Gibbs-White who must find form if they're to regain control and rhythm against a hungry Wrexham side.
The tactical battle is palpable here: Wrexham thrives on direct play that brings pressure upfront with Nathan Broadhead and Kieffer Moore leading the charge-both capable of capitalizing on even slight defensive errors from Forest's shaky back line. If Moore can draw defenders away and create space for others or get on the end of service provided by Windass and Longman-a repeat of his potent brace against Sheffield looks likely.
Conversely, Nottingham must recalibrate if they're going to exploit Wrexham's weaknesses. Their formation might shift slightly toward a more conservative approach; defending deep could prevent gaps for Wrexham's forwards while allowing Gibbs-White creative freedom higher up the pitch-he's averaged three assists this season but hasn't found his stride since late December when he looked imperious.
Historically speaking, encounters between these teams are sprinkled throughout time with surprising outcomes often favoring tenacity over tactics-and if ever there was a moment for Wrexham to remind us how fairy tales are forged in adversity, this is it.
Their defense has shown fragility when pressed hard: expect Forest's players such as Callum Hudson-Odoi and Douglas Luiz to exploit any signs of weariness should they get ahead early on. Tackling will be crucial here too-each side has demonstrated vulnerability in defending duels recently: Wrexham winning roughly half while Nottingham sees some improvement but still hovering around average performance levels.
With home ground advantage pulsating through every blade of grass at Racecourse Ground-a sea of red ready to witness history unfold-Wrexham finds itself poised at an interesting junction: Can they breach the walls built by years spent staring up from lower leagues? As emotions ride high amid chants echoing off cold stadium walls-we can almost hear it coming-the roar erupting like thunder upon confirming what all dreamers hold dear: that moments like these belong not merely to skill or strategy alone but rather courage displayed upon grand stages!
Thus as kickoff approaches-the narrative already written feels electric with anticipation: let's call it for what it is: If grit beats guile tonight among those standing atop lofty ladders versus those rising hard-won steps back toward greatness-the true upset shall unveil itself! I see it unfolding; I predict Wrexham takes it all-not without struggle-but perhaps tonight will resonate long beyond mere scorelines.