Championship side Wrexham head into the cup contest against Nottingham Forest having won four successive league matches in the second tier for the first time in their history.
Such has been their improvement in the Championship, since losing 3-1 to Queens Park Rangers on 13 September, only leaders Coventry City and Ipswich Town have gained more points than Wrexham’s total of 36 points from their past 21 games.
“I think we’ve evolved into the division,” said boss Phil Parkinson. “It always takes a while with new players and existing players to find their way in the league.
“But I feel we’re in a good place at the moment and I think the Derby game epitomised how we’ve been playing and we’re obviously enjoying the challenge of the division.”
Sunday’s 2-1 win at Derby County moved the Red Dragons to within a point of the play-off places, so it’s fair to say the mood is a positive one in north Wales at present.
After a memorable 2024-25 campaign for Nottingham Forest, this season has been far more of a struggle, and there are vulnerabilities for Wrexham to exploit.
Only Crystal Palace (-11.68) and Wolves (-4.62) are under-performing on their expected goals (xG) by more than Forest (-4.06) are, which shows they are struggling to put away the chances they are making.
At 8.08%, Forest have the second-worst shot conversion rate in the top-flight, while only Wolves (15) have scored fewer Premier League goals than Forest (21) this season.
They have also conceded 12 goals after 76 minutes in the top flight, more than any other side, and Forest have failed to score in 10 of their 21 Premier League games this term, with no side having a worse record.
The positive for Dyche’s men at least is that they ended their four-game losing run by beating West Ham 2-1 on Tuesday.
It was the first time Forest have come from behind to win in the Premier League since being promoted in 2022.
Crucially, it moved them seven points clear of the relegation zone to ease the nerves ahead of their break from league action.
