Official lineups for the duel between Wrexham and Chelsea decisive for the FA Cup: where to watch live

Wrexham faces Chelsea this Saturday (7) in the fifth round of the FA Cup, in a knockout match at Racecourse Ground, stadium in the Welsh city of Wrexham. The duel starts at 5:45 pm local time (2:45 pm in Brasília). The home team, from Championship, is looking to surprise the giant from Premier League and advance to the quarterfinals for the first time in almost three decades. Chelsea enters as favorite, but Wrexham has a history of eliminating superior opponents in the competition.

The clash highlights the contrast between the divisions: Wrexham, buoyed by their recent rise, host Chelsea, eight-time FA champions Cup. Ingressos for the home sector sold out quickly, reflecting the expectations of local fans. Referee Peter Bankes commands the game, averaging around four cards per game in the competition.

Confirmed lineups and tactical strategies

Coach Phil Parkinson selected Wrexham in a 3-4-3 formation, focusing on defensive solidity and quick transitions. Arthur Okonkwo defends the goal, protected by the line of three defenders formed by Max Cleworth, Callum Doyle and the captain Dominic Hyam. The midfield has Ryan Longman, George Dobson, Lewis O’Brien and George Thomason for marking and offensive support. In attack, Oliver Rathbone, Sam Smith and another attacker exploit speed on the wings.

Absences impact the Welsh team, with Liberato Cacace and Ben Sheaf out due to injury. Issa Kaboré has an undefined situation, but the bench offers options such as Kieffer Moore and Jay Rodriguez for changes during the game. The strategy prioritizes defensive compaction and counterattacks on the familiar pitch of Racecourse Ground.

Chelsea, under the command of Liam Rosenior, adopts 4-2-3-1 to control possession of the ball. Robert Sánchez is the goalkeeper, with a defense made up of J. Acheampong, M. Sarr, J. Hato and the captain Tosin Adarabioyo. Romeo Lavia and B. Badiashile form the midfielder duo, with Lavia receiving the first start of the season. Pedro Neto, Andrey Santos and Alejandro Garnacho support center forward Liam Delap in attack.

Absences affect the Londoners, with Mykhaylo Mudryk suspended and Levi Colwill, Estêvão and Jamie Gittens injured. Tosin Adarabioyo and Pedro Neto overcame physical doubts and were confirmed. Malo Gusto and Reece James are available at the bank.

Challenges and expectations in the eliminatory duel

Chelsea must impose territorial dominance by exchanging passes in the offensive field. The London team seeks to avoid fouls close to the area to neutralize the opponent’s set pieces. Wrexham bets on quickly recovering the ball and playing on the flanks, taking advantage of the support of the fans.

The difference in divisions and investments favors Chelsea, but Wrexham has a positive performance in corners and lateral free kicks in Championship. The Welsh team eliminated strong opponents in previous rounds, creating expectations for an upset.

Match broadcast and coverage

The match is broadcast live on ESPN and Disney+ on Brasil. No Reino Unido, BBC One and TNT Sports show the game. Nos Estados Unidos, ESPN+ offers complete coverage. The English federation maintains arbitration with Peter Bankes on the main whistle.

FA regulations Cup provide for extra time and penalties in the event of a draw. The winner advances to the quarterfinals.

Context of the confrontation between different divisions

Wrexham seeks to repeat historic feats in the World Cup, with fans mobilized to fill the stadium. Chelsea aims to continue its search for the title, taking advantage of squad rotation in the middle of the season.

The duel revives the English knockout classic, with potential for surprises.