A look at how Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson can field his playing XI to get a shot at defeating Chelsea in the 5th round of the FA Cup tie.
The FA Cup clash between Premier League Chelsea and promotion-chasing Wrexham has finally arrived. While the fixture itself underscores their differing statuses, so too does the contrasting mood surrounding each camp.
Although the fixture holds significant importance for each club, it serves as a prelude to their visit to Paris for the UCL knockout against PSG. Needless to say, the Blues will likely rotate in the FA Cup game.
On the other hand, it’s a chance to create history for Wrexham. With their best FA Cup run dating back to the 1996/97 campaign, the Reds need a major Cupset to make it to the 6th round for the first time in around 30 years.
While this demands that Phil Parkinson fields his strongest XI against Chelsea, the manager’s options are limited. After fresh injuries to Issa Kabore, George Dobson & Nathan Broadhead, here’s a look at how Parky can set up his best available XI for a real shot at defeating the Blues.
GK: Arthur Okonkwo
Although Okonkwo wasn’t at his best against Charlton, the keeper pulled off a match-winning save late in the game. While this marked his first clean sheet in quite some time, Okonkwo has been a hero for Wrexham in the FA Cup outings and will be tasked to deliver a standout show again.
CB: Zak Vyner
Since arriving, Vyner’s initial toe injury has allowed for his slow integration into the Wrexham lineup. Now that he’s fit, Vyner could be handed his first start to allow Callum Doyle to move into a makeshift wing-back role amid Wrexham’s injury crisis.
CB: Dom Hyam
After an exceptional game against Portsmouth, Hyam had a subpar show against Charlton. While Hyam hasn’t been the most consistent defender recently, the Captain will back himself as Wrexham head into their most important clash in 2026 so far.
CB: Max Cleworth
An impressive outing against Charlton must have done the world of good to Cleworth after an inconsistent run of games. The academy graduate will be needed at his best to step up in a new three-man centre-back pairing against Chelsea.
LWB: Callum Doyle
Though the change of roles for Doyle in Thomason’s LWB slot feels unfair, it’s one of the only possibilities for Parky to keep up with recent injuries. Given Doyle’s exceptional crossing and his ability to drive forward, fans will hope for him to thrive in the Cup knockout in a new role.
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CM: George Thomason
With Dobson, Sheaf, and Matty James all injured, George Thomason can be recalled to his natural midfield role. Though this may be his first game in the middle of the park in recent months, he will need to slot in seamlessly to provide stability.
CM: Lewis O’Brien
The midfielder had a hot and cold February spell with a bunch of assists in some games, followed by poor shifts against Portsmouth & Charlton recently. But being the only natural midfield option available, O’Brien is a non-negotiable starter for Wrexham in the FA Cup contest.
RWB: Ryan Longman
Following the recurrence of Issa Kabore’s hamstring woes, Longman’s inclusion in the XI becomes mandatory. Notably, his last start saw him set up Josh Windass with a perfect cross in the box in the FA Cup win over Ipswich. Longman would be tasked to run it back for Wrexham in the Cup knockout against Chelsea.
CAM: Ollie Rathbone
Rathbone has been Wrexham’s go-to man for big moments, and a game against Chelsea demands that he starts. Ollie has scored the most goals for Wrexham across all competitions since his injury recovery, and fans would hope for him to deliver his magic tonight.
CAM: Josh Windass
Windass made an immediate impact in his brief cameo against Charlton, forcing a save with a shot from the edge of the box. With Broadhead injured, he’s in line for a start, and all eyes will be on him to provide a spark up front.
Josh Windass’ FA Cup pedigree is impressive, with five goals to his name in his last five starts in the competition. Given that this tally includes a brace against PL opponent Newcastle United in 2023, Windass can be Wrexham’s trump card against Chelsea.
ST: Sam Smith
Kieffer Moore started the last outing against Charlton, so Sam Smith is the favourite to get the nod against Chelsea. It follows from Phil Parkinson’s rotation between the two forwards to manage their game time.
Rotation aside, Smith has been Wrexham’s lead forward in both FA Cup ties this season. After starting against Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town, Smith is likely to retain that role for the fifth-round clash.
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