Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson wants to summon the spirit of his Bradford City side who won at Chelsea in the FA Cup in 2015 when his current players host the Blues in this season’s fifth round on Saturday.
Parkinson and assistant manager Steve Parkin were in charge of the third-tier Bantams when they recovered from 2-0 behind to prevail 4-2 in the fourth round 11 years ago, knocking out opponents who would win the Premier League that season under Jose Mourinho.
“It was a great day out for the Bradford supporters, with no expectations,” reflected Parkin.
“Myself and Steve like to play with the same principle and reflect what Wrexham’s all about as an area – similarly to how we did when we were at Bradford.
“The underdog fighting spirit has got to be there because we know we’re up against a team who are Club World Cup champions.
“They have a lot of talent but it’s all about giving a really good account of ourselves and we’ll see where that takes us.”
Parkinson watched Chelsea win 4-1 at Aston Villa on Wednesday, Joao Pedro scoring a hat-trick and Cole Palmer netting the other as Liam Rosenior’s team moved fifth in the top flight.
“It’s great that Chelsea have given a young British manager an opportunity to manage a club of their stature,” said Parkinson. “He looks to be getting them playing the way he wants.”
Rosenior oversaw a first win in three league games for Chelsea, who also visit Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday (20:00) and host Newcastle three days later (17:30).
“It’s only significant if we back it up,” he said of the result against out-of-form Villa. “We have to be consistent.
“We have a massive FA Cup game, then a huge game with Paris, then another huge game against Newcastle. If we perform at that level, we’re going to be in a good place.”
Villa appeared annoyed by Chelsea huddling together in the centre circle before kick-off in both halves. “It wasn’t my idea,” explained Rosenior.
“It’s come from the players and I really like it because they’re showing a unity, togetherness and spirit.
“You need that: before you talk about tactics or systems, you need a group of players willing to run and fight for each other.
“In my time, there’s not been one game when they haven’t given everything or I’ve been disappointed with their application.
“That bodes well. They’re a good, tight group and they enjoy each other’s company. That’s half the battle.”
Goal number three for Joao Pedro. 👏#CFC | #AVLCHE pic.twitter.com/98qyz8sYJU
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 5, 2026
Wrexham v Chelsea team news
On-loan Manchester City wideman Issa Kabore (hamstring) and forward Nathan Broadhead (groin) are doubts for Wrexham.
George Dobson could play in a cast after the midfielder broke a bone in a wrist. “There’s talk of that,” Parkinson said.
“We need to see how he is. It’s not an injury that’s going to keep him out long term, but he’s had a small operation to put a screw in there.”
Winger Pedro Neto is available after suspension for Chelsea. Filip Jorgensen replaced Robert Sanchez against Villa for the Denmark international’s first start since January, with Rosenior explaining that he has no outright first-choice goalkeeper.
Forward Joao Pedro, who scored his first Premier League treble, was an unused substitute in the 4-0 win at Championship Club Hull City in the fourth round, when midfielder Enzo Fernandez also started on the bench.
Willian Estevao has returned to training following a hamstring issue and fellow winger Jamie Gittens is “progressing well with his rehab” from the same problem, Rosenior said before the win over Villa.
The second-half action from pitchside. 🎥#CFC | #AVLCHE pic.twitter.com/wi9UDcFdWp
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 5, 2026
