Wrexham and Cardiff City reignite their Welsh rivalry in a high-stakes EFL Cup round-of-16 clash at the Racecourse Ground, marking their first encounter since 2002. Both teams, riding contrasting fortunes after Wrexham’s promotion and Cardiff’s relegation, aim to secure a coveted quarter-final spot in this historic competition.
Scheduled for 20:00 GMT+0 on October 28, 2025, at the 13,341-capacity Racecourse Ground in Wrexham, the match will be officiated by referee Ward G. from England. As part of the EFL Cup’s knockout stage, this fixture pits Championship side Wrexham against League One leaders Cardiff, promising a fierce battle.
Betting Tips and Match Insights
Prepare for our Wrexham vs Cardiff prediction today, rooted in recent form and historical context. Wrexham’s steady Championship performances contrast with Cardiff’s dominant League One campaign, setting up a compelling matchup. Head-to-head history, though dated, offers clues to potential outcomes. Key player contributions and tactical approaches shape betting markets. These insights guide our strategic picks.
Wrexham Results
Wrexham, under Phil Parkinson, have adapted to the Championship with grit. Their EFL Cup run showcases their knockout pedigree. The Racecourse Ground faithful will push for another upset.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 25/10/2025 | CHA | Middlesbrough vs Wrexham | 1-1 | D |
| 22/10/2025 | CHA | Wrexham vs Oxford Utd | 1-0 | W |
| 18/10/2025 | CHA | Stoke vs Wrexham | 1-0 | L |
| 03/10/2025 | CHA | Wrexham vs Birmingham | 1-1 | D |
| 30/09/2025 | CHA | Leicester vs Wrexham | 1-1 | D |
Wrexham’s recent form shows one win and three draws in five, reflecting resilience. Their home win over Oxford highlights defensive solidity. Scoring remains modest, averaging one goal per game. Conceding just three goals in five matches bolsters confidence. The draw at Middlesbrough underscores their ability to compete with stronger sides.
Cardiff Results
Cardiff, led by Brian Barry-Murphy, dominate League One after relegation. Their EFL Cup victories, including against Burnley, signal ambition. This away test challenges their momentum.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 25/10/2025 | LO | Bolton vs Cardiff | 1-0 | L |
| 18/10/2025 | LO | Cardiff vs Reading | 2-1 | W |
| 07/10/2025 | TRO | Cardiff vs Newport | 0-1 | L |
| 04/10/2025 | LO | Cardiff vs Leyton Orient | 4-3 | W |
| 30/09/2025 | LO | Cardiff vs Burton | 0-1 | L |
Cardiff’s three wins in five League One games showcase attacking flair, scoring 21 goals in 13. Their away loss to Bolton exposed defensive lapses. Home victories highlight their scoring prowess. Conceding 11 goals in 13 games suggests vulnerabilities. The Burnley upset fuels belief in cup competitions.
Head-to-Head Between Wrexham and Cardiff (Last 5 Matches)
Historical meetings between Wrexham and Cardiff are rare, with no clashes since 2002. Cardiff’s edge in earlier encounters adds intrigue. These results, though dated, inform expectations.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 22/03/2002 | LO | Cardiff vs Wrexham | 3-2 |
| 04/11/2001 | LO | Wrexham vs Cardiff | 1-3 |
| 22/01/2000 | LO | Wrexham vs Cardiff | 2-1 |
| 20/08/1999 | LO | Cardiff vs Wrexham | 1-1 |
| 08/05/1999 | LO | Wrexham vs Cardiff | 2-0 |
Cardiff’s two wins in the last five head-to-heads contrast with Wrexham’s two home victories, suggesting a competitive edge at Racecourse Ground.
Predicted Starting Lineups for Wrexham vs Cardiff
The following lineups forecast the starting elevens for the Wrexham vs Cardiff EFL Cup round-of-16 match on October 28, 2025, at Racecourse Ground. These predictions are based on recent team performances, tactical setups, and player availability, excluding those sidelined by injuries or other reasons. Below are the expected starters for both teams, aligned with their likely formations.
Wrexham Predicted Lineup
Okonkwo (GK), Cleworth (DF), Hyam (DF), Doyle (DF), Kabore (MF), Dobson (MF), James (MF), Longman (MF), Windass (AM), O’Brien (AM), Moore (FW)

Cardiff Predicted Lineup
Trott (GK), Kpakio (DF), Fish (DF), Lawlor (DF), Bagan (DF), Robertson (MF), Turnbull (MF), Kellyman (AM), Colwill (AM), Willock (AM), Salech (FW)

Injured and Questionable Players
Several players from Wrexham and Cardiff are expected to miss this EFL Cup encounter due to injuries or other reasons, impacting team selections. The table below lists the unavailable players, their respective teams, and the reasons for their absence, based on the latest updates.
| Team | Player | Injury/Reason |
| Wrexham | Harry Ashfield | Ankle Injury |
| Wrexham | Andy Cannon | Knee Injury |
| Wrexham | Aaron James | Inactive |
| Wrexham | Elliot Lee | Inactive |
| Wrexham | Jay Rodriguez | Leg Injury |
| Wrexham | Danny Ward | Elbow Injury |
| Wrexham | Lewis Brunt | Injury |
| Wrexham | Oliver Rathbone | Inactive |
| Wrexham | Ben Sheaf | Inactive |
| Cardiff | Ethan King | Knee Injury |
| Cardiff | Ollie Tanner | Ankle Injury |
| Cardiff | Jak Alnwick | Hamstring Injury |
Key Factors to Consider
Multiple elements could tilt this EFL Cup showdown. Team form, injuries, and venue dynamics are critical. These points sharpen betting perspectives.
- Wrexham’s unbeaten run in three EFL Cup games shows knockout strength;
- Cardiff’s League One lead with 26 points reflects consistency;
- Wrexham’s Ben Sheaf, Oliver Rathbone, Danny Ward, Jay Rodriguez, Elliot Lee, and Andy Cannon are injured;
- Cardiff’s Jak Alnwick and Ollie Tanner are sidelined by injuries;
- Wrexham’s Nathan Broadhead scored crucial cup goals;
- Cardiff’s Yousef Salech leads with 13 League One goals;
- No reported scandals affect either squad;
- Wrexham’s home form includes one win in recent Championship games;
- Cardiff’s away loss to Bolton ended a strong run;
- Racecourse Ground’s 13,341 fans amplify Wrexham’s intensity;
- Cardiff’s 2-1 Burnley upset highlights cup pedigree;
- Wrexham’s Lewis Brunt is doubtful after recent injury.
Free Tips on Wrexham vs Cardiff
This section provides free betting tips for the Wrexham vs Cardiff EFL Cup clash, drawn from historical match data and team encounters. Focusing on venue-specific trends and statistical patterns, these tips aim to identify high-value betting opportunities. Tailored for this Welsh derby, they leverage past productivity to guide informed wagers.
- Check weather forecasts, as Wrexham’s October conditions may include rain, potentially slowing the Racecourse Ground’s grass pitch and suiting Cardiff’s counter-attacking style;
- Assess recent schedules, with both teams having light fixtures, minimizing fatigue and ensuring full-strength lineups;
- Consider tactical matchups, where Wrexham’s direct approach faces Cardiff’s high-scoring League One attack, likely leading to goals;
- Evaluate referee tendencies, as Ward G.’s average of 4.1 cards per match suggests value in over bookings markets;
- Factor in upcoming fixtures, with neither side facing immediate league pressure, allowing focus on this cup tie.
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Wrexham vs Cardiff Match Prediction 2025
Wrexham are poised to edge Cardiff in a tight EFL Cup battle, leveraging home advantage and cup momentum. Their 2-0 win over Reading in the third round and unbeaten Championship form, with one win and three draws in five, underline their resilience. Nathan Broadhead’s goal-scoring form bolsters their attack, despite multiple injuries thinning their squad. Cardiff’s League One dominance, with 21 goals in 13 games, is tempered by their away loss to Bolton and injuries to key players like Jak Alnwick. Head-to-heads show Wrexham winning two of three at home, giving them a psychological edge. The Wrexham vs Cardiff odds favor Wrexham slightly, reflecting their 16th-placed Championship standing over Cardiff’s League One status. Cardiff’s 2.1 goals per game average suggests scoring potential, but Wrexham’s defensive solidity, conceding three in five, supports a low-scoring affair. The Racecourse Ground crowd will lift Wrexham to a 2-1 victory, likely via set pieces or late strikes.
Our Prediction: Wrexham 2-1 Cardiff
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Result | Wrexham Win | 2.24 |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes | 1.74 |
| Total Goals | Over 2.5 | 1.91 |
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