Wrexham is set to host Nottingham Forest in a highly anticipated FA Cup clash on Friday night, marking one of the most significant matches in their history since becoming the focus of Hollywood ownership. This matchup is particularly historic, as it will be Wrexham’s first encounter with Premier League opposition in their ‘Hollywood era’ and the first time they face top-flight teams in an official competition since 1992.
Fans can catch the match live on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+ in the UK, ESPN+ in the U.S., SonyLIV in India, and Stan Sport in Australia. The kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. GMT (2:30 p.m. ET) at the Racecourse Ground in Wrexham, with Paul Tierney officiating the match.
Injury concerns are present for both teams. For Wrexham, key players like goalkeeper Danny Ward and forward Kieffer Moore will be missing, while Nottingham Forest will have to navigate potential absences, including Callum Hudson-Odoi and Dan Ndoye, both listed as doubtful.
As the teams prepare for the match, Wrexham sits in a respectable ninth place in the Championship, just shy of playoff positions. The club is leveraging the excitement surrounding the FA Cup to build its profile further, hoping for a deep run in the tournament, as they have not yet experienced significant success since their Hollywood ownership began. Their best performances in the FA Cup have only taken them to the fourth round in the past two seasons.
Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, enters the match following a narrow victory over West Ham, easing some of the pressure that has been building under coach Sean Dyche due to their inconsistent performances. This cup match presents a unique challenge for Forest, which is perceived as a lose-lose situation; while a win might not alleviate fan expectations, a loss would heavily weigh on their Premier League precariousness.
Both clubs are keen to balance their ambitions for the season, with Wrexham eager to showcase their aspirations for promotion to the Premier League and Nottingham Forest determined to secure their place in the top flight. The journey for both teams is intensified by their respective fan bases, who will create an electric atmosphere at the Racecourse Ground.
As Wrexham aims for a surprising upset, they will tap into the momentum gained from a four-game winning streak. Meanwhile, Forest will look to build confidence and maintain their upward trajectory. With both teams facing pivotal moments in their seasons, fans can expect a thrilling encounter that captures the true essence of the FA Cup.