#wrexham

Watford Goal Marks End of Difficult Period for Rathbone Ollie Rathbone described his last-minute equalizer for Wrexham against Watford last season as a pivotal moment that helped him move past a challenging phase in his career. The attacking midfielder scored within a minute of coming on as a substitute to secure a 2-2 draw with the Hornets in December, marking his first league outing of the season after missing several months due to a serious ankle injury sustained during pre-season. The goal was a turning point for Rathbone, who had struggled to regain his form after the injury. “It was definitely a huge moment in my season, and in my career really,” he said, emphasizing how the strike allowed him to close a difficult chapter and refocus on his development. He referred to the goal as a “fond memory,” highlighting its role in helping him transition from a period of struggle to renewed confidence. Rathbone’s return to action had been delayed, and the match against Watford represented his first league appearance of the season. He admitted that missing pre-season had left him feeling “far behind” when he returned to training, struggling to regain his rhythm and performance levels. “You don’t really understand how big and important pre-season is until you miss it,” he explained, noting that the absence had hindered his progress early in the previous campaign. The 29-year-old feels he is now in a stronger position to showcase his best form this season. He scored eight goals in 30 appearances across all competitions last season but acknowledged that his earlier struggles had been a barrier to his growth. “To see how much further forward I am than last year, it’s chalk and cheese really,” he said, underscoring the progress he feels he has made.#wrexham #phil_parkinson #watford #ollie_rathbone #racecourse_ground

Cardiff vs. Wrexham: Preview, Predictions and Lineups Wrexham will open their Championship campaign with a visit to Cardiff City on Monday, marking the start of a new season for the Welsh side. Phil Parkinson’s team secured their best-ever finish in club history last term by placing seventh, narrowly missing out on playoff qualification. The club anticipates a more competitive second tier this season, with the playoff spots expanded from four to six teams. Wrexham’s return to the Championship last year was marked by a challenging start, and they will be eager to make an immediate impact against a formidable opponent. Cardiff, who defeated Wrexham in the Carabao Cup last season, will be bolstered by a strong home crowd at the Cardiff City Stadium, adding to the intensity of the encounter. The match is expected to be a closely contested affair, as both teams employ direct styles of play. Cardiff aims to reclaim their position as the top-ranked Welsh club in the Championship, while Wrexham seeks to challenge for playoff spots. Despite their ambitions, both sides will face hurdles. Wrexham’s attacking concerns persist, with the team failing to score in three consecutive matches and only managing four goals in their last six games. The absence of key striker Josh Windass, who remains sidelined, has compounded their struggles, and neither Sam Smith nor Kieffer Moore has been a standout performer at this level. Meanwhile, Cardiff’s goalkeeping situation is set to be addressed, as Anthony Patterson, their new first-choice goalkeeper, is expected to make his debut against Wrexham. This decision aims to resolve the uncertainty that plagued the position during the summer.#wrexham #phil_parkinson #carabao_cup #cardiff_city_stadium #cardiff_city

Wrexham's Premier League Bid: How Ready Are the Hollywood-Owned Club from Wales for a Championship Promotion Race? Wrexham, the Welsh football club owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, is once again in the spotlight as it eyes a potential leap to the Premier League. After narrowly missing out on the Championship play-off places by two points last season, the club is now assessing its readiness to challenge for promotion in the 2026/27 campaign. Sky Sports has analyzed their prospects, highlighting both their progress and the hurdles they face. The club’s journey to the Championship has been marked by resilience and ambition. Over the past five years, Wrexham has achieved a historic third consecutive promotion, securing a place in the second tier of English football. Last season, they finished as play-off contenders, finishing just two points behind Hull City, who now compete in the Premier League. Despite the disappointment of missing out, the club’s management remains optimistic, citing the lessons learned from their near-miss. Financially, Wrexham has made significant strides. Their net spending during the 2025 summer transfer window surpassed that of Chelsea and seven other Premier League clubs, signaling a commitment to competing at the highest level. The investment has translated into squad upgrades, with seven of their 13 summer signings becoming regular international players and six boasting Premier League experience. Additionally, a substantial cash injection has been allocated to expand the Racecourse Ground’s capacity, with a new stand under construction to meet growing demand. The club’s Hollywood owners have framed their strategy as a “home renovation” project, focusing on incremental improvements rather than overhauling the entire operation.#wrexham #premier_league #ryan_reynolds #rob_mcelhenney #sky_sports

Middlesbrough and Wrexham Set for Competitive Clash in EFL Cup Middlesbrough manager Phil Parkinson has highlighted the club’s aggressive summer transfer strategy, emphasizing their intent to rebuild as a competitive force in the Championship. The Teesside side, which narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premier League after a 1-0 defeat to Hull City in the Championship play-off final at Wembley in May, has invested heavily in strengthening their squad ahead of the 2025/26 season. Parkinson noted that the club’s financial approach includes both immediate signings and long-term planning, with a focus on creating a squad capable of challenging for top positions. The club’s transfer activity has been marked by significant financial returns. Last season’s English Football League Championship player of the season, Hayden Hackney, was sold to Everton for a base fee of at least £16 million, while the club is expected to secure a minimum of £20.4 million from the sale of Morgan Rogers to Chelsea. Rogers, who joined Aston Villa in 2024, had a sell-on clause in his contract that now benefits Middlesbrough. These transactions have provided the club with substantial funds to reinvest in their squad. Boro have made several high-profile signings this summer, including Jeremy Sarmiento, Myles Peart-Harris, Kyle Joseph, Will Lankshear, Sebastian Berhalter, and Max Arfsten. These additions, alongside the financial windfall from transfers, signal a clear commitment to competing at the highest level in the Championship. Parkinson praised the club’s approach, stating, “They’ve spent quite a bit, but obviously they’ve brought a lot in for Hackney and they’ve got a sell-on clause as well for Rogers, so they’ve brought in money. But obviously they’re looking to spend it and make themselves competitive again.#wrexham #phil_parkinson #morgan_rogers #middlesbrough #hayden_hackney

Man United vs. Wrexham: Andrey Santos in Travelling Squad, Benjamin Sesko Absent Manchester United’s pre-season friendly against Wrexham in Helsinki has seen the inclusion of Andrey Santos in the travelling squad, marking a potential debut for the Brazilian midfielder. The 22-year-old, who joined the club on a permanent transfer from Chelsea on Monday, is set to make his first appearance in United colours. The deal, valued at up to £50 million, represents a significant investment in the squad’s midfield depth. Santos, who has been training at Carrington since his arrival, is part of a 25-man group for the match, blending experienced players with younger talent. The squad includes several senior players, though notable absences persist. Fellow new signing Youri Tielemans, along with other key figures, remains sidelined following their participation in the World Cup. Benjamin Sesko, the Slovenian striker, is not part of the travelling party, as he continues his recovery from a shin injury that kept him out of the last three games of the previous season. His absence may create opportunities for younger forwards such as Chidi Obi and Ethan Wheatley, though JJ Gabriel is notably excluded from the squad. The first-team regulars present in the squad include Harry Maguire, Bryan Mbeumo, Patrick Dorgu, Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Ayden Heaven, Mason Mount, and Joshua Zirkzee. Youngsters Harry Amass and Shea Lacey are also included, reflecting the club’s focus on integrating emerging talent. Right-back Jaydan Kamason is expected to seek a starting role, while midfielders Jacob Devaney, Dan Gore, and Jim Thwaites have joined the squad alongside Tyler and Jack Fletcher.#manchester_united #wrexham #benjamin_sesko #andrey_santos #youri_tielemans

Paul Mullin leaves Wrexham a hero and TV star, if not ‘the third-most famous footballer in the U.S.’ Paul Mullin’s departure from Wrexham after a transformative spell with the club marked the end of an era for the Welsh side. The striker, whose 110 goals in 172 appearances over four seasons propelled Wrexham to unprecedented heights, confirmed his exit following the conclusion of his contract. An agreement to settle the final year of his deal meant Mullin would become a free agent, leaving behind a legacy that will be etched into the club’s history. His contributions were instrumental in Wrexham’s meteoric rise, including three consecutive promotions that elevated the club from the National League to the English Football League. Mullin’s impact extended far beyond the pitch. His goal-scoring prowess, highlighted by a record 38 league goals in the 2022-23 season, was pivotal in securing Wrexham’s return to the EFL. The striker’s heroics included a dramatic late double in stoppage time during the 2024 FA Cup third-round clash against Shrewsbury, which sent the club to Wembley for the first time under the ownership of Rob Mac and Ryan Reynolds. His performances also earned him the FA Cup Golden Boot award in 2023 after netting eight goals in the competition. Beyond his on-field achievements, Mullin became a symbol of Wrexham’s revival during the Hollywood era. Co-owner Rob Mac once dubbed him “the most famous footballer in the United States after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo,” a title that, while possibly outdated after the 2026 World Cup, still underscored his global recognition. His personal story further endeared him to fans. Mullin’s bond with his young son, Albi, who was diagnosed with autism, resonated deeply with supporters.#fa_cup #wrexham #ryan_reynolds #rob_mac #paul_mullin

Oxford United vs. Wrexham: Preview, Predictions and Lineups Wrexham will hope to build upon their positive momentum when they travel to face relegation-threatened Oxford United on Tuesday. The Red Dragons head into the match seventh in the EFL Championship table, just two points behind Hull City in the final playoff position. The teams that finish in the top two of the division receive automatic promotion to the Premier League, while the sides that finish between third and sixth compete in the end-of-season playoffs to decide the final promotion place. With only three matches left of the regular season, Wrexham must overcome the two-point deficit between themselves and Hull City, plus hold off the challenge from Derby County, who sit a point behind them. Oxford are 22nd in the EFL Championship table and know they realistically must win if they are to remain in the division next season. Wrexham will head into the match full of confidence after they recorded their most comfortable home victory of the season when they defeated Stoke City 2–0 last weekend. Phil Parkinson’s side know they must take care of their own business before they can dream of sneaking into the EFL Championship playoff positions. However, they have won just one of their last four away matches and know it will be tough to beat a team that is fighting for survival. The team’s tactical decisions in the upcoming match will be critical, particularly in goal and defense. Danny Ward, the goalkeeper, made just his fifth start of the season in the weekend win over Stoke City and appears to have earned the trust of Parkinson for the run-in. Ward’s inclusion in the starting lineup was a surprise, as he replaced the rotated Arthur Okonkwo, and he kept a clean sheet in the process.#wrexham #phil_parkinson #oxford_united #danny_ward #kassam_stadium

Wrexham Aims for Promotion as Championship Race Intensifies With just five matches remaining in the EFL Championship season, Wrexham is in dire need of a win to keep pace in the race for promotion. After losing to Southampton in midweek, the Red Dragons face Birmingham on Sunday, seeking to close in on the top six. The team, owned by actors Rob Mac and Ryan Reynolds since late 2020, has become a global phenomenon through the FX series "Welcome to Wrexham." Their journey from the fifth-tier National League to the Championship is a testament to their rapid rise. Wrexham’s ascent began with the Hollywood takeover, which sparked a remarkable transformation. Here’s a breakdown of their progression since 2020: 2020-21: Finished 8th in the National League. 2021-22: Secured 2nd place in the National League but lost the playoff to Grimsby Town. 2022-23: Claimed 1st place in the National League and earned promotion to League Two. 2023-24: Placed 2nd in League Two, advancing to League One. 2024-25: Finished 2nd in League One, securing a spot in the EFL Championship. Now, the Red Dragons are targeting the ultimate goal: a place in the Premier League. Their current position in the Championship standings reflects their progress. As of April 11, the table shows: Coventry: 85 points, 42 goal differential, 42 matches played. Ipswich Town: 75 points, 31 goal differential, 40 matches played. Millwall: 73 points, 9 goal differential, 42 matches played. Middlesbrough: 72 points, 20 goal differential, 42 matches played. Southampton: 69 points, 20 goal differential, 41 matches played. Hull City: 68 points, 4 goal differential, 42 matches played. Wrexham: 64 points, 5 goal differential, 41 matches played. Derby County: 63 points, 8 goal differential, 42 matches played.#wrexham #ryan_reynolds #rob_mac #st_andrews_stadium #welcome_to_wrexham

Tom Brady Teases Wrexham Owners After Birmingham's Championship Win Birmingham City’s 2-0 victory over Wrexham in the Championship on Sunday sparked a lighthearted jab from NFL legend Tom Brady, who teased the Welsh club’s owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac, for their role in the match. Brady, a minority owner of Birmingham, posted on his Instagram stories: “Big W. It’s always more fun to beat your friends.” The comment came after Birmingham’s win, which ended a five-game winless streak and marked a significant step in their push for promotion to the Premier League. The match, played at St Andrew’s, saw Carlos Vicente and Christoph Klarer score the only goals, securing Birmingham’s first win in five games. The result left Wrexham in a precarious position, now four points behind Hull City in seventh place. With the top two teams guaranteed automatic promotion to the Premier League, Wrexham’s playoff hopes remain alive but fragile. The defeat also highlighted the stark contrast between the two clubs’ trajectories. Birmingham, owned by Brady since August 2023, is aiming to climb the divisions, while Wrexham, led by Reynolds and Mac since 2021, has already achieved three consecutive promotions after starting in the Football League. Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson acknowledged the disappointment of the loss but refused to concede their playoff chances are over. “We’ve had a tough week this week,” he said. “But we’re not down and out yet. It’s not over yet. People will probably write us off, and you can understand that to a certain degree, but inside the dressing room, we’re not writing ourselves off and we’re one win away from getting ourselves going again.” Parkinson’s comments reflect the pressure on Wrexham, which has struggled to maintain consistency this season despite their rapid rise through the leagues.#wrexham #ryan_reynolds #tom_brady #rob_mac #birmingham_city

Birmingham City vs Wrexham: Kieffer Moore Hopes to Prevail in ‘Massive’ Clash Birmingham City’s striker Kieffer Moore is determined to help his team secure a crucial victory in their upcoming match against Wrexham, a fixture dubbed the ‘Hollywood derby’ due to its high stakes and the presence of notable figures. The game, set for a 12 p.m. kickoff, has drawn significant attention beyond the pitch, with NFL star Tom Brady and Wrexham’s American co-owners, Ryan Reynolds and Ray Mac, making headlines. However, Moore emphasized that the focus must remain on the performance of the players. The rivalry between Birmingham City and Wrexham has intensified in recent weeks, with both teams vying for playoff positions in the Championship. The two sides previously drew 1-1 at Wrexham’s home ground in early October, and the Red Dragons are eager to capitalize on their recent form to close the gap in the race for promotion. Moore, who has been a key figure for Birmingham City, is keen to ensure his team avoids a repeat of the previous stalemate and instead secures a decisive win. Wrexham, meanwhile, faces the challenge of maintaining their momentum after a mixed run of results. The Welsh club has relied on their attacking prowess to stay competitive, but they will need to defend more effectively against Birmingham’s threat. The match is expected to be a tightly contested affair, with both teams possessing the firepower to dominate. Moore’s ability to score crucial goals will be pivotal for Birmingham, while Wrexham’s defense will need to remain resolute to avoid conceding key points. The context of the match is further amplified by the broader implications for both clubs.#wrexham #ryan_reynolds #tom_brady #birmingham_city #kieffer_moore

EFL Championship LIVE: Birmingham City vs Wrexham - score, text commentary, match stats & head-to-head - BBC Sport Birmingham City host Wrexham in the Championship at St Andrew’s. Kick-off is at 12:00 BST. The Blues have lost three consecutive league matches and have dropped to 17th in the table. Wrexham, meanwhile, were thrashed 5-1 by Southampton in midweek and now sit four points outside the play-off places. Live updates and fan input are available via the ‘Send us your views’ box. The match begins with tension as both teams face challenges. A collision between Kai Wagner and Issa Kabore leaves both players requiring treatment. Referee decisions are expected to be lenient, as noted by Barry Horne, a former Wales and Wrexham midfielder on BBC Radio Wales. Early incidents see Lewis O’Brien and Kieffer Moore fall but are waved through by the referee. Wrexham, struggling with slow starts in recent games, rely on manager Phil Parkinson’s tactics to weather the early pressure. Arthur Okonkwo is called into action again as Callum Doyle’s poor back pass forces the keeper into a hurried clearance under pressure from Jay Stansfield. Wrexham’s early struggles continue, with Barry Horne criticizing their inability to capitalize on Birmingham’s quick transitions from defense to attack. A bright start from Birmingham sees Phil Neumann’s long ball find Jay Stansfield on the right, but Ibrahim Osman’s header is saved by Okonkwo. The crowd’s energy is high, with pre-match entertainment including blue smoke and fireworks. Simon Davies, a BBC Radio Wales commentator, notes the Wrexham supporters filling the away end, The Railway End. Both teams are on the field, and the match is set to begin. The rivalry between Birmingham and Wrexham is well-documented, having both gained automatic promotion from League One last season.#wrexham #phil_parkinson #birmingham_city #bbc_sport #barry_horne

Birmingham City vs Wrexham: Championship Clash with Playoff Implications The Championship season enters its final stretch with a crucial match between seventh-placed Wrexham and 16th-place Birmingham City, both vying for survival and playoff relevance. With just seven games remaining, Wrexham faces a daunting task to secure a top-six finish and a playoff berth, while Birmingham must avoid a complete collapse after a disastrous run of form. The game, set for Sunday, April 12, at St Andrew’s Stadium in Birmingham, carries significant implications for both teams’ managerial futures and playoff aspirations. Wrexham, currently two points behind sixth-place Southampton, suffered a 5-1 humiliation at the hands of the Saints, which not only dented their playoff hopes but also worsened their goal difference. The result left them with a +5 goal difference compared to Southampton’s +19, highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities. Manager Phil Parkinson expressed disappointment with his team’s performance, acknowledging the need for a strong response. The visitors, however, face an uphill battle, as their last six Championship games have yielded only seven points, raising concerns about their ability to recover. Birmingham City, meanwhile, finds itself in a dire situation. Manager Chris Davies is under intense pressure after a six-game losing streak, with the club sitting 11 points behind Wrexham. The club’s recent form—just one win in eight matches—has sparked speculation about Davies’ job security. Despite their struggles, Birmingham’s home record offers a glimmer of hope. They have lost only three of their 20 Championship home fixtures this season, though two of their past four home games have ended in defeats.#wrexham #phil_parkinson #chris_davies #birmingham_city #st_andrews_stadium

West Bromwich Albion vs Wrexham Match Preview and Details The EFL Championship resumed its 40th matchweek following the March international break, with West Bromwich Albion hosting Wrexham at The Hawthorns. The fixture marks a significant encounter between two teams with starkly different positions in the league table. West Brom, currently near the relegation zone, faces Wrexham, which sits in the promotion playoff positions. The match is expected to be a test of resilience and tactical adaptability, given the gap in form between the two clubs. The teams’ recent performances highlight the disparity in their fortunes. In the previous matchweek, West Brom secured a crucial away victory against Bristol City, with George Campbell scoring the decisive goal. Meanwhile, Wrexham demonstrated their fighting spirit by overturning a deficit against Sheffield United. The Welsh side trailed 1-0 in the 49th minute but staged a remarkable comeback, with Josh Windass and Sam Smith netting the goals that secured the 2-1 win. This resilience has positioned Wrexham as a formidable contender for promotion, while West Brom’s struggles to avoid the drop remain a concern. The rivalry between West Brom and Wrexham has historical significance, with their previous meeting on August 16, 2025, at the STōK Cae Ras serving as a key reference point. In that matchweek 2 encounter, West Brom emerged victorious with a 3-2 scoreline, thanks to two goals from Isaac Price and one from Jed Wallace. The current match will be their first meeting of the season, adding an extra layer of intrigue. For the upcoming fixture, both teams have confirmed their lineups.#wrexham #stk_cae_ras #the_hawthorns #west_bromwich_albion #european_football_league

Predicting Ed Still's Watford XI to take on Wrexham Watford faces two consecutive home matches this week as the club seeks to avoid slipping further down the league table in the final stretch of the season. A win over Wrexham could keep faint hopes of securing a play-off spot alive, prompting manager Ed Still to make tactical adjustments to maximize the team’s chances. The lineup for the encounter is expected to reflect both form and necessity, with several key decisions shaping the final XI. Goalkeeper Egil Selvik is set to start after stabilizing his performance following a shaky run of results. His reliability in goal will be crucial, especially with the team needing to maintain defensive solidity. On the right flank, James Abankwah is likely to retain his position despite it not being his preferred role. His pace and attacking threat were evident in recent games, leaving Still with few alternatives. Defensive stability is a priority, with Mattie Pollock expected to reclaim his place in the center-back pairing. His return comes at the expense of Stephen Mfuni, who is sidelined for the season due to injury. Pollock’s presence provides a solid foundation, while Saba Goglichidze is also set to start. Despite a costly error in the previous match, the Georgian defender has been consistent overall and is unlikely to be replaced. Left-back Marc Bola remains a gamble, with his fitness a concern as Mfuni’s absence deepens the squad’s injury woes. If Bola is unavailable, Still’s options are limited, highlighting the precariousness of the defensive setup. In midfield, Imran Louza is expected to stay in the starting XI despite a dip in his recent form. His experience and contributions will be vital, especially with Edoardo Bove yet to be fully ready for competition.#wrexham #watford #ed_still #egil_selvik #james_abankwah

Watford vs Wrexham: Live Streaming Options, Kick-Off Time, and Match Preview Watford and Wrexham are set to face off in a Championship clash at Vicarage Road, with the match scheduled for 17 March at 14:45 EST (19:45 GMT). Fans looking to watch the game online can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to bypass geo-restrictions and access their preferred streaming services. Services like ExpressVPN allow users to change their virtual location, enabling them to view the match as if they were in a region where it is broadcast. A step-by-step guide to setting up a VPN for live streaming is available for those unfamiliar with the process. Wrexham, traveling to Vicarage Road, are aiming to secure a crucial result that keeps their playoff ambitions alive. The Welsh side recently secured a 2–0 victory over Swansea in a derby match, which not only boosted their morale but also kept them within striking distance of fifth place in the Championship table. After a tough weekend that included a 3–0 defeat to West Brom, Wrexham remain three points behind fifth-place Southampton. Manager Phil Parkinson will be urging his players to maintain focus, especially with six of their final nine fixtures on the road. The team has performed well away from home, earning 27 points from 17 away games and avoiding defeat since December. Watford, on the other hand, face a precarious situation. A win is their only realistic chance of staying in the promotion race, as they sit just a point above Wrexham. Manager Ed Still has overseen a balanced start to the season, with two wins, two draws, and two losses, but a 3–1 defeat at Stoke has left them vulnerable. The Hornets’ reputation for frequent managerial changes adds pressure on Still to prove his long-term value while keeping the team competitive for a top-six finish.#wrexham #phil_parkinson #watford #vicarage_road #ed_still

Watford Edge Past Wrexham in Championship Clash Watford secured a crucial victory over Wrexham in their EFL Championship clash, boosting their play-off prospects and handing the visitors their first away defeat of 2026. The Hornets dominated proceedings, with Marc Bola opening the scoring after a bright start, followed by a second goal from Edo Kayembe before halftime. Edoardo Bove sealed the win in added time, ensuring Watford closed the gap on sixth-place Wrexham to five points. The match began with Watford asserting their control, as Bola’s strike in the first half showcased their attacking intent. The 23-year-old forward, who joined from Roma in the recent transfer window, found the net with a well-placed shot that caught Wrexham’s defense off guard. The Hornets doubled their lead shortly after, with Kayembe capitalizing on a counterattack that left Arthur Okonkwo stranded. The second-half saw Wrexham push for an equalizer, with Max Cleworth’s header reducing the deficit, but Watford’s resilience proved decisive. Bove’s late goal, following a long throw from Zak Vyner, proved to be the final blow. The victory highlighted Watford’s ability to capitalize on opportunities, particularly in the final third. Despite Wrexham’s efforts to mount a comeback, the Hornets’ defensive organization and clinical finishing kept them ahead. The result also marked a significant moment for Wrexham, as they suffered their first away defeat of the season under manager Phil Parkinson. The match was punctuated by key substitutions, with Watford making several changes to maintain their momentum. Mattie Pollock, who had been sidelined by injury, returned to bolster their defense, while Kevin Keben and Nampalys Mendy added fresh energy.#wrexham #watford #marc_bola #edo_kayembe #edoardo_bove

FA Cup draw: Manchester City to face Liverpool in quarterfinal Manchester City will host Liverpool in the FA Cup quarterfinals following Monday’s draw, marking one of the most anticipated matchups of the competition. The encounter is set to take place around the weekend of April 4, with the Premier League giants facing off in a clash that promises to be a highlight of the tournament. Port Vale, a Sky Bet League One team struggling near the bottom of the table, will travel to Chelsea in the quarterfinals. The club, currently eight points adrift of safety, made history by advancing to the quarterfinals for the first time since 1954 after a stunning 2-1 victory over Sunderland on Sunday. Their inclusion in the draw has been described as a significant upset, as they become the lowest-ranked team remaining in the competition. Chelsea, meanwhile, will face a challenging test against the 10-man Wrexham, who narrowly avoided an upset after a dramatic 4-2 extra-time victory at Stok Cae Ras. The Welsh side, which had been reduced to 10 men, showed resilience to secure a place in the quarterfinals. The match also sparked a VAR review, with Wrexham’s Dobson receiving a red card for a challenge on Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, raising questions about the decision. Premier League leaders Arsenal will travel to Championship side Southampton, who secured a 1-0 win over Fulham in the final moments of the match thanks to a penalty from Ross Stewart. The Gunners, having defeated Mansfield in their previous round, will look to maintain their dominance in the FA Cup. The quarterfinals will also feature a tie between West Ham and Brentford, with the winner set to host Leeds United. Leeds, who comfortably beat Norwich 3-0 on Sunday, will be looking to build on their recent form and progress further in the competition.#liverpool #wrexham #chelsea #manchester_city #port_vale

FA Cup quarter-final draw: Who Chelsea can face, ball number & how to watch Chelsea secured their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals after defeating Wrexham in a thrilling fifth-round clash. The match, which ended 4-2 in favor of the Blues, saw Chelsea overcome a resilient Wrexham side that had twice taken the lead through goals from Sam Smith and Callum Doyle. Chelsea’s victory was secured by a combination of an own goal, a strike from Josh Acheampong, and goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Joao Pedro. The win marks another significant step in Chelsea’s campaign, bringing them closer to the Wembley final. The draw for the quarter-finals is set for Monday, March 9, 2026, at approximately 7:05 PM UK time. The event will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1, discovery+, and the TNT Sports YouTube channel for viewers in the United Kingdom. Chelsea, assigned ball number 7 for the draw, will face one of several potential opponents, including West Ham United or Brentford. The exact matchups will be revealed during the draw, which will determine the teams set to compete in the next stage of the competition. Other notable teams advancing to the quarter-finals include Arsenal and Manchester City, both of whom progressed after victories over Mansfield Town and Newcastle United, respectively. Meanwhile, Sunderland’s run came to an end as they were eliminated by Port Vale, a League One side, in a surprising result. Fulham and Southampton also secured their spots, with Southampton overcoming Fulham and Liverpool defeating Wolves. The quarter-final matches are scheduled to take place over the weekend of April 4, 2026. A single victory in the quarter-finals will see Chelsea advance to the semi-finals, keeping their Wembley dream alive. The draw will provide clarity on the challenges ahead, with Chelsea’s opponents yet to be confirmed.#wrexham #chelsea #tnt_sports #alejandro_garnacho #joao_pedro

FA Cup: Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool make quarterfinals Premier League leaders Arsenal advanced to the FA Cup quarterfinals after a hard-fought 2-1 victory away to Mansfield Town. The hosts, who had eliminated Burnley in the previous round, defended stoutly in the first half, but Noni Madueke broke the deadlock with a left-footed finish in the 40th minute. Mansfield responded with a spirited second-half display, with substitute Will Evans equalizing in the 50th minute after capitalizing on a loose ball. However, Arsenal regained the lead when substitute Eberechi Eze struck a powerful shot into the top corner, securing their place in the last eight. Manchester City also progressed to the quarterfinals with a 3-1 comeback win against Newcastle United. Newcastle took an early lead through Harvey Barnes in the 18th minute, but City equalized before halftime via Savinho. Omar Marmoush then scored twice in the second half, first from close range and later with a long-range strike, to seal the victory. Chelsea faced a tougher challenge against Championship side Wrexham, eventually prevailing 4-2 after extra time. Wrexham struck first through Sam Smith in the 18th minute, but Chelsea leveled just before halftime thanks to an own goal by goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo. Wrexham regained the lead through Callum Doyle in the 79th minute, but Josh Acheampong quickly equalized. Wrexham’s hopes were dashed when George Dobson was sent off, and Chelsea took control in extra time with Alejandro Garnacho scoring the winner. Joao Pedro added a late goal to confirm the victory. Liverpool became the first team to reach the quarterfinals with a 3-1 win away to Wolverhampton Wanderers. The result also marked Liverpool’s revenge for a 2-1 league defeat at the same venue earlier in the week.#arsenal #liverpool #wrexham #chelsea #manchester_city

Arsenal, Chelsea Aim to Avoid FA Cup Upsets As the FA Cup fifth round approaches, Arsenal and Chelsea are preparing to face teams from lower divisions, aiming to avoid unexpected upsets. Wrexham, now owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac, hopes to stage a significant upset against Chelsea at the Racecourse Ground. Meanwhile, Liverpool seeks to avenge a recent defeat to Wolves, while Mansfield looks to make history by defeating Premier League leaders Arsenal. Wrexham, currently sixth in the Championship, is fighting for promotion to the Premier League, a goal that would bring visits from top-tier clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester City. The club’s manager, Phil Parkinson, emphasized the importance of belief and an underdog mentality ahead of the match against Chelsea. Wrexham has already defeated Nottingham Forest in the third round and aims to build on that momentum. Parkinson referenced the club’s historic FA Cup win over Arsenal in 1992, highlighting the significance of the upcoming clash. Mansfield, managed by Nigel Clough, faces Arsenal in a match that could mark a historic upset. Clough, the son of legendary manager Brian Clough, has led the club to the FA Cup last 16 for the first time in 51 years after defeating Burnley in the fourth round. Despite being 16th in the third tier, Mansfield’s victory over Arsenal would be a remarkable achievement. Clough acknowledged the challenge posed by Arsenal, noting the quality of their squad and the difficulty of overcoming such a high-profile team. Liverpool, meanwhile, returns to Molineux to face Wolves after a shocking 2-1 defeat in the Premier League. Captain Virgil van Dijk criticized the team’s performance, calling it “slow and predictable,” as Wolves secured their third league win of the season.#wrexham #phil_parkinson #ryan_reynolds #rob_mac #mansfield