Wrexham vs Nottingham Forest predictions: In-form Dragons can pull off big upset
Nick Pulford
Wrexham had a perfect Christmas with four wins out of four in the festive fixtures
Nottingham Forest eased the pressure on boss Sean Dyche with a 2-1 win at West Ham on Tuesday
Recommended bet: Wrexham to win
The Racecourse Ground will be rocking in anticipation of a big upset as Championship side Wrexham try to carry their strong recent league form into the FA Cup third round against Nottingham Forest.
The Red Dragons have won their last four games in the Championship, scoring 11 goals, and are now just a point off a play-off spot as they chase a fourth straight promotion in their remarkable rise from the National League.
Forest are 17th in the Premier League but look a little more secure after Tuesday’s 2-1 win at West Ham moved them seven points clear of the relegation zone.
That stopped the rot for under-pressure boss Sean Dyche after a run of four consecutive league defeats but now they face another quick turnaround for this testing away trip.
Team news
The main target for both clubs is to be in the Premier League next season and that will influence team selection.
Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson could make changes at the back, bringing in goalkeeper Callum Burton and experienced defender Conor Coady.
Midfielder George Dobson and forward Ollie Rathbone are also in line for starts.
Dyche is likely to leave out several of his regular first choices. Nicolo Savona, Morato, Zach Abbott and Oleksandr Zinchenko could line up in defence.
James McAtee looks set for a midfield spot and Taiwo Awoniyi is likely to lead the attack.
The latest Wrexham vs Nottingham Forest odds are available on LiveScore Bet
The stats
Wrexham have won five and drawn two of their last seven at home.
The Red Dragons have scored in all 16 home games this season.
Five of Wrexham’s last six games have had over 2.5 goals.
Forest have won four out of five when scoring away under Dyche.
Five of Forest’s last seven away games have had over 2.5 goals.
The Tricky Trees have conceded in their last five away games.
The latest Wrexham vs Nottingham Forest odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
An in-form Championship side at home to a struggling Premier League opponent looks a good set-up for an FA Cup upset and Wrexham can write another chapter in their fairytale story by dumping out Forest.
Throughout their rise from the depths of non-league football, Wrexham have been built on strong foundations at home and this season has been no exception.
Parkinson’s side have lost only three out of 16 at home in all competitions and their form at the Racecourse Ground is growing stronger, with five wins and two draws in their last seven.
Forest reached last season’s FA Cup semi-finals but won only once in 90 minutes in that run and their second-string side could struggle in front of a raucous home crowd.
On the positive side, when Dyche has changed his team significantly in four Europa League games, it is worth noting that Forest have still performed strongly, winning three and drawing one.
However, they have been reliant on keeping a clean sheet for most of their good results on the road and that is far from guaranteed against Wrexham.
The hosts will be a threat from set-pieces and that is a weakness for Forest, who conceded again from a corner at West Ham on Tuesday.
