AFC Wrexham vs Nottingham Forest Predictions, Lineups & Betting Tips

AFC Wrexham vs Nottingham Forest Predictions, Lineups & Betting Tips

Match Details: January 09, 2026 | STōK Cae Ras | Emirates FA Cup | 19:30 GMT

With January arriving, it is finally time where we head to the FA Cup third round proper as EFL Championship and Hollywood-owned outfit AFC Wrexham welcome one of the most historic clubs in the country in Nottingham Forest to the STōK Cae Ras with a spot in round four on the line.

The hosts will be looking for their deepest run in the competition under Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny, with their previous best being two fourth round appearances in the 2022/23 and 23/24 seasons. It is, however, very unfortunate that they are given a side with history in the competition, in two-time winners Nottingham Forest. The Reds have had some deep runs in recent years too, making the last eight in 2022, and the semi-finals just last season.

We believe that this could be a surprisingly tight affair, but also a clash which could erupt, so we are backing both teams to score and over 2.5 goals being scored.

Key Betting Tip: BTTS & Over 2.5 Goals at 2.38 odds on BOYLESports represents excellent value based on the tip provided by our algorithm.

This match looks exciting from the outlook of game which could feature a lot of goals. Forest are currently struggling to no end in the league, and are in danger of being relegated, despite playing in the Europa League this campaign. They will be desperate to earn a big win to kickstart some form, while Wrexham are being given a massive opportunity to take the game to one of England’s best and most historic clubs.

odds subject to change.

Alternative Tip: Wrexham to Win – 5.00 - there is some great looking odds from BOYLESports on this market. The Red Dragons are flying domestically at the moment, finding wins in each of their last four. They will strongly believe they can perform for their fans and get what would be a massive victory.

AFC Wrexham vs Nottingham Forest Lineups

Wrexham Predicted XI (3-1-4-2): Arthur Okonkwo; Callum Doyle, Dominic Hyam, Max Cleworth; Matthew James; George Thomason, Ben Sheaf, Josh Windass, Ryan Longman; Sam Smith, Nathan Broadhead.

Team News: The North Wales outfit will be without a number of key players for this clash. These include Aaron James, Andy Cannon, Danny Ward, Elliot Lee, Kieffer Moore, Lewis Brunt and Ryan Hardie who will all miss out through injury.

Forest Predicted XI (4-5-1): Matz Sels; Oleksandr Zinchenko, Morato, Murillo, Ola Aina; Omari Hutchinson, Douglas Luiz, Nicolas Dominguez, James McAtee, Dilane Bakwa; Taiyo Awoniyi.

Team News: As for Forest, Sean Dyche finds himself without some key players and may be forced to rotate, considering they have a league game against West Ham just days before this tie. Callum Hudson-Odoi and Dan Ndoye are both doubts, while John Victor, Ryan Yates and Chris Wood are all sidelined.

AFC Wrexham and Nottingham Forest: Recent Matches Analysis

Wrexham Last 5 Matches:

• Wrexham 2-1 Derby (A)
• Wrexham 2-0 Blackburn (A)
• Wrexham 2-1 Preston (H)
• Wrexham 5-3 Sheff Utd (H)
• Wrexham 1-2 Swansea (A)

The Welsh outfit have had an incredible festive run of games. Kicking off with an eight-goal thrilling victory over Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United, they have won a further three games in a row since, leading to their incredible climb up the Championship table to ninth place. After winning three consecutive promotions from the fifth tier of English football to the second, Phil Parkinson’s side lie just six points off the automatic promotion places, and just one off a playoff spot.

Nottingham Forest Last 5 Matches:

• Forest 1-3 Villa (A)
• Forest 0-2 Everton (H)
• Forest 1-2 Man City (H)
• Forest 0-1 Fulham (A)
• Forest 3-0 Spurs (H)

It has been a very frustrating time for Forest fans over the last few weeks. Starting in November, their victory over Leeds was the start of what became a run of six wins in eight games in all competitions, but they have since lost four games on the bounce (West Ham pending), and are not in a great position heading into the second half of the season. It is tough to say how seriously they will take this competition because of their league worries, but a strong win could kickstart a survival-like run of form.

AFC Wrexham vs Nottingham Forest Predictions

Our advanced algorithm analyses over 200 data points to generate these predictions with confidence in a high-scoring affair. The model factors in current form, head-to-head records, player availability, and tactical matchups.

Best AFC Wrexham vs Nottingham Forest Betting Tips

Football Park’s Best Bet: BTTS & Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.38 - Recent form suggests confidence in both sides scoring plus at least three goals scored in total. With a staggering 60% chance of over 2.5 goals being scored, and a 72% of both sides finding the net, according to our incredible in-house algorithm, this seems like a strong value option.

Key Players to Watch: AFC Wrexham vs Nottingham Forest

Josh Windass (Wrexham): With Moore out through injury, the Welsh side will likely depend on their second-top scorer to provide the goods. Since arriving on a free from Sheffield Wednesday, Windass has been incredible for them, recording 10 goal contributions in just 22 appearances.

Omari Hutchinson (Forest): It is tough to say how strong Forest will go, but if they opt for Hutchinson on the wing (which they likely will do considering current injuries), the Englishman looks a great chance in giving the fans a bright performance which could be enough for the Tricky Trees to progress.

AFC Wrexham vs Nottingham Forest Match Facts

Referee: Information not available.

Broadcast Details:

UK/INT’L: discovery+, TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate at 19:30 GMT.

Stadium Information: Located in Wrexham, Wales, the STōK Cae Ras can hold up to just over 12,000 supporters, and this venue is expected to be packed for this clash, with this clash having much at stake for both sides.

AFC Wrexham vs Nottingham Forest: Final Prediction

AFC Wrexham 2-2 Nottingham Forest - Wrexham to win on penalties