A glamour tie awaits at the Racecourse Ground in the last 16 of the FA Cup on Saturday evening as Wrexham host Chelsea. Both teams have had significant financial backing in recent years and will be able to showcase their wealth of talent on the pitch.
Wrexham won 1-0 at Charlton Athletic in the Championship last time out to strengthen their hopes of finishing in the play-off places come the end of the season, while Chelsea beat Aston Villa 4-1 on their travels to increase their chances of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League (UCL). Nonetheless, with both sides in a good place right now, we are expecting a thrilling FA Cup tie.
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Wrexham vs Chelsea prediction: Blues to tame Red Dragons?
Key stats
- Wrexham are on a three-game winning streak.
- Chelsea have won three of their last four away matches in all competitions.
- Chelsea are also unbeaten in the previous two H2Hs (W1, D1).
Correct score prediction: Wrexham 1-3 Chelsea
Wrexham are in great form and at home, could cause Chelsea plenty of problems. However, the Blues' overall Premier League quality should get them over the line.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Chelsea favourites with bookmakers
- HOME: 5/1 (6.00) – 16.7%
- DRAW: 4/1 (5.00) – 20.0%
- AWAY: 4/9 (1.44) – 69.2%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, Chelsea are the favourites with bookmakers to win and progress into the quarter-finals. A draw after normal time can be backed at 20%, while a Wrexham victory is deemed the most unlikely outcome at just under 17%.
Also, feel free to check out our football betting tips page for more of our expert FA Cup predictions.
Most recent H2Hs: First competitive meeting
This will be the first competitive meeting between the two sides. They have played a couple of friendly matches in recent times, with Chelsea winning one 5-0 and the other being a 2-2 draw.
Elite Club Friendlies 25/07/24
Chelsea
Wrexham
Europe Friendlies 24/07/24
Chelsea
Wrexham
Elite Club Friendlies 20/07/23
Chelsea
Wrexham
Wrexham preview: Few injury absentees
Lewis Brunt, Liberato Cacace, Thomas O'Connor, Aaron James and Ben Sheaf are all expected to be out with injuries. Wrexham have reported no fresh concerns at the time of writing.
Predicted lineup: Okonkwo (GK); Cleworth, Hyam, Doyle; Kabore, Dobson, O'Brien, Thomason; Rathbone, Broadhead & Moore
Last five results:
- 28/02/26: Charlton Athletic 0-1 Wrexham (Championship)
- 24/02/26: Wrexham 2-1 Portsmouth (Championship)
- 21/02/26: Wrexham 5-3 Ipswich Town (Championship)
- 17/02/26: Bristol City 2-2 Wrexham (Championship)
- 13/02/26: Wrexham 1-0 Ipswich Town (FA Cup)
Chelsea preview: Fofana still a doubt
Wesley Fofana remains an injury doubt for Chelsea, while the likes of Estevao and Jamie Gittens remain on the sidelines. The Blues are expected to rotate with a busy schedule coming up.
Predicted lineup: Sanchez (GK); Tosin, Sarr, Badiashile, Cucurella; Lavia, Santos; Neto, Guiu, Garnacho & Delap
Last five results:
- 04/03/26: Aston Villa 1-4 Chelsea (Premier League)
- 01/03/26: Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea (Premier League)
- 21/02/26: Chelsea 1-1 Burnley (Premier League)
- 13/02/26: Hull City 0-4 Chelsea (FA Cup)
- 10/02/26: Chelsea 2-2 Leeds United (Premier League)
Player to watch: Pedro Neto
After serving his suspension against Villa, Pedro Neto could start for Chelsea here. He scored a hat-trick in the previous round against Hull, and will aim to drive Chelsea into the FA Cup quarter-finals at Wrexham's expense.