The FA Cup fifth-round tie between Wrexham and Chelsea will take place on 7 March at St James' Park. Wrexham vs Chelsea: prediction, betting odds and statistics.
Wrexham
In this century, the club have never gone beyond the FA Cup fourth round. However, the team have finally managed to reach the fifth round, doing so thanks to a 1:0 win over Ipswich in the previous stage. Before that, the Welsh side knocked out Premier League representatives Nottingham Forest – 3:3, a.e.t. 0:0, on pens 4:3. It is also worth noting that last season the team went out at their first hurdle against modest Harrogate (0:1).
- The club have not lost in 90 minutes in 10 of their last 13 FA Cup matches (7 wins and 3 draws).
- Both teams to score has landed in 7 of Wrexham's last 10 matches in this tournament.
- At least three goals have been scored in 9 of the team's last 12 FA Cup matches.
Potential Wrexham Lineup (3-5-2)*
Arthur Okonkwo – Callum Doyle, Dominic Hyam, Max Cleworth – Ryan Longman,
George Dobson, George Thomason, Ollie Rathbone, Lewis O'Brien – Josh Windass, Sam Smith.
Chelsea
The London side have played both of their matches in this season's cup away from home, and in both they recorded big wins. First, Charlton were thrashed (5:1), and then Hull City were beaten (4:0). Last season, the team went out in the fourth round – against Brighton (1:2). Meanwhile, from 2020 to 2022, Chelsea reached the FA Cup final three times, but lost on each occasion.
- In their last 10 matches in this tournament, the London side have avoided defeat in 90 minutes eight times (7 wins and 1 draw).
- At least three goals have been scored in 7 of Chelsea's last 8 FA Cup matches.
- Away from home, the team have not lost in 90 minutes in 11 of their last 14 matches in this tournament (9 wins and 2 draws).
Potential Chelsea Lineup (4-2-3-1)*
Robert Sanchez – Mamadou Sarr, Wesley Fofana, Jorrel Hato, Reece James – Andrey Santos, Moises Caicedo – Alejandro Garnacho, Estevao, Pedro Neto – Liam Delap.
Referee
Peter Banks (England)
Matches officiated – 21 (the Premier League and English cups, 2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 84;
Average yellow cards per match – 4;
Red cards shown – 3;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 33%.
Wrexham vs Chelsea: Match Prediction
Let us remind you that in 2020 the Welsh club were bought by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. After that, Wrexham surged up three divisions from the National League and this season have found themselves in the Championship for the first time. What is more, the team could even end up in the Premier League this year, as they have a decent chance of reaching the play-offs. In the FA Cup, they have also managed to reach the fifth round for the first time in this century, and they have no intention of stopping there. We believe that, with the backing of their supporters, even if the Welsh side lose, it will only be by a narrow margin.
It is also worth noting that, in the team's previous 20 matches in this tournament, Wrexham have lost by more than a one-goal margin only twice. Moreover, they have not done so once at home during this spell. Meanwhile, Chelsea have failed to win by a convincing margin in 11 of their previous 16 away FA Cup matches. On top of that, the London side will be coming off a gruelling Premier League match against Aston Villa. Then, on Wednesday, the team have an even tougher away test against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, so Chelsea will have their minds on Europe and will try not to use their key players.
Prediction: Wrexham (+1.5)
* For each team, the starting XI listed is from their previous match in this tournament.
