Rewind to this time last year: Wrexham beat Coventry City in the FA Cup third round and then took Sheffield United to a replay.
Phil Parkinson’s side captivated a nation with its Hollywood underdog story. Since then, the Dragons have been characterized by intelligent game-play, larger sponsorships and an Emmy-winning documentary, Welcome to Wrexham, which chronicles the purchase and stewardship of the club by co-owner actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
On Monday, Wrexham visits Blackburn Rovers (on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+), who currently sit 17th in the Championship. And while the Rovers look like the clear winners on paper, the Welsh team has what it takes to produce another shocking upset.
Quick Hits
This is the first meeting in the FA Cup between Wrexham and Blackburn Rovers. The last time these teams faced each other was in league play in March 1982, when the Welsh side won 1-0.
The Dragons are featuring in the FA Cup fourth round in consecutive seasons for the first time since 1998-99 and 1999-2000.
Wrexham forward Sam Dalby has been involved in 11 goals in his last nine appearances in the tournament (four goals, seven assists).
The Rovers were a dominant force in the FA Cup in the late 19th century and have six trophies from the tournament in their cabinet. Their most recent crown was won in the 1927-28 season.
Current form
The Rovers enter this match in a dismal state. Jon Dahl Tomasson's side has had a glum start to its campaign (just 33 points from 28 games) and is winless in its last seven in the Championship — a far cry from the solid seventh-place finish last season. If Wrexham can find a way to capitalize on Blackburn's lack of confidence, as well as its defensive shortcomings, a Welsh win is not beyond the realm of possibility. However, Blackburn thrashed Cambridge United 5-2 in the third round of the FA Cup and will look to carry that momentum into Monday's match.
On the other hand, while Wrexham plays in EFL League Two — two leagues below Blackburn — the team has had a strong first half of the season. Currently second in its division (five points behind leaders Stockport County bu with a game in hand), Wrexham's attacking prowess is far beyond its league. That said, most of Wrexham's losses this season have come while on the road. Wrexham's stats away from home will be something the Rovers will look to exploit.
The pressure of last season's Cinderella story is also something to consider — is the expectation of success weighing too heavily on Wrexham's shoulders? While the Dragons are soaring through League Two, they barely scraped by in the third round of the FA Cup over Shrewsbury, where centre-back Thomas O'Connor provided the only goal in the 72nd minute.
Players to watch
For the Rovers, keep an eye on 28-year-old Sammie Szmodics. He bagged a hat trick in Blackburn's win over Cambridge and has made 19 goal contributions in the Championship this season.
The midfielder thrives in Tomasson's 4-3-3 formation as it allows him to play long balls and score from fast-paced counterattacks. Typically, Szmodics will drop deep to receive the ball, then weave into the opponent's box. On Monday, he'll likely try these tactics against Wrexham's high press. If he's successful in finding the net, look for the Englishman to produce his iconic salute celebration in front of Wrexham's travelling fans.
On the other hand, while many people have Wrexham star striker Paul Mullin on their radar, don't count out Elliott Lee. Like Mullin, the 29-year-old kicked off 2024 with a new contract, keeping him in North Wales until the summer of 2027. But this season, the tables have reversed. Lee surpassed Mullin as Wrexham's top scorer with 13 goals in 27 League Two games.
On the pitch, Lee boasts an energetic playing style and an ability to score game-changing goals. The former West Ham and Luton Town athlete has quick feet and admirable ball control, but truly shines when motivating and leading his teammates.
The match kicks off on Monday at 2:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. PT. Catch all the action on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.
