Wrexham vs Chelsea: Preview, Time and Where to Watch Zak Vyner in Action Against Premier League Giants

Wrexham are set to host Chelsea at the Racecourse Ground this Saturday in a highly anticipated FA Cup fifth-round clash, their first competitive meeting since 1982.

The Championship side is aiming for a monumental upset against the Premier League giants.

Phil Parkinson's team has already demonstrated their giant-killing potential by knocking out Nottingham Forest to reach this stage for the first time since the 1996-97 season. However, overcoming the eight-time FA Cup winners will require an even greater performance.

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All eyes will be on North Wales as Wrexham, backed by Hollywood owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, attempt to stun Chelsea and secure a place in the quarter-finals for the first time in 29 years. Their last run to the last eight ended in defeat to Chesterfield, but this ambitious new era has brought fresh hope.

The Red Dragons have enjoyed a favourable home draw since the third round, where they eliminated Premier League side Forest in a thrilling 3-3 draw that went to penalties. They followed that victory with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Ipswich Town in the previous round.

Playing at home again will be a significant boost for Wrexham, who are currently on a three-game winning streak at the Racecourse Ground, scoring eight goals and conceding four in that span. Despite a few setbacks in 2026, the team's overall form suggests an upset is possible.

Parkinson's side has been on a remarkable run in the league. After sitting 14th in the Championship before Christmas, they have won nine of their last 13 matches, a surge that began with a 5-3 victory over Sheffield United on Boxing Day and has propelled them to sixth in the table.

Having had a full week to prepare, Wrexham will be looking to end Chelsea's formidable 24-game winning streak against lower-division opponents in the FA Cup. The last time the Blues were defeated by a lower-tier team was in a shocking 4-2 loss to Bradford City in 2015, a side managed by none other than Phil Parkinson.

Under current manager Liam Rosenior, Chelsea have comfortably dispatched their lower-league opposition so far, with a 5-1 thrashing of Charlton Athletic and a 4-0 victory over Hull City in the third and fourth rounds, respectively.

While recent league results against Leeds United, Burnley, and Arsenal may have dampened spirits, the Champions League hopefuls bounced back with a commanding 4-1 win over Aston Villa on Wednesday, largely inspired by Joao Pedro. That victory will provide a timely confidence boost ahead of another trip to Wales.

Chelsea's last visit to the country resulted in a 3-1 EFL Cup win against Cardiff City in December, though that was under former manager Enzo Maresca. Rosenior will be wary of his team's tendency to fluctuate between brilliance and mediocrity and will know not to underestimate the threat posed by Wrexham in front of a passionate home crowd.

After a week of rest, Parkinson may hand a start to veteran striker Kieffer Moore, the team's top scorer in the Championship with 11 goals. Supporting him could be Josh Windass, who has nine league goals and an impressive FA Cup record of five goals in his last five starts.

For Chelsea, manager Liam Rosenior faces several selection dilemmas. Filip Jorgensen is pushing for a start in goal ahead of Robert Sanchez, while Marc Cucurella and Romeo Lavia are back in contention for a place in the starting lineup.

Rosenior might be tempted to rest Joao Pedro after his heroics against Aston Villa, potentially giving Liam Delap a start up front. Reece James and Cole Palmer, whose minutes have been carefully managed recently, could feature from the bench.

The match will kick off at 8.45pm Kenyan time.

Wrexham: Okonkwo; Cleworth, Hyam, Doyle; Kabore, Dobson, O’Brien, Thomason; Windass, Broadhead; Moore

Chelsea: Jorgensen; Gusto, Chalobah, Sarr, Hato; Caicedo, Santos; Neto, Fernandez, Garnacho; Delap