Chelsea interim manager Liam Rosenior has revealed he will include several academy players in the squad for their FA Cup fifth-round clash against Wrexham today March 7, 2026. This was confirmed by Chelsea on their official X account.
They posted:
Rosenior has confirmed that there will be Academy involvement in the #EmiratesFACup on Saturday.
Softfootball understands that the decision reflects Chelsea’s ongoing commitment to youth development while also managing player workload during a demanding Premier League schedule. Several U21 prospects are likely to be handed opportunities as the club balances its domestic priorities with cup competition.
Wrexham enter the tie with growing confidence after producing one of the standout moments of the FA Cup third round. The League One side eliminated Nottingham Forest on penalties following a dramatic 3–3 draw at the Racecourse Ground, delivering a memorable upset against top-flight opposition.
Backed by Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, Wrexham’s rise through the English football pyramid has been remarkable in recent years. Their steady progress since 2020 has transformed them into one of the most talked-about clubs outside the Premier League.
Many supporters are excited about seeing emerging Chelsea talents from the academy setup, others have warned against underestimating Wrexham, who currently sit third in League One and continue to show strong form.
However, Chelsea approach the match in positive spirits following an impressive 4–1 victory over Aston Villa, a performance that saw them climb to fifth position in the Premier League table.
The Blues dominated that contest with 57 percent possession and eight shots on target, underlining their attacking quality.
Despite Chelsea’s pedigree in cup competitions, Wrexham’s fearless style and recent giant-killing exploits suggest the fifth-round meeting could deliver another compelling FA Cup story.
