Wrexham v Sheffield United predictions: Wrexham can deliver a blockbuster upset

Where to watch

BBC One, 4.30pm Sunday

Best bet

Wrexham
1pt 7-2 bet365

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Team news

Wrexham
Andy Cannon is pushing for a start but is unlikely to replace Thomas O'Connor and Luke Young in midfield, while Ollie Palmer could again partner Paul Mullin up front.

Sheffield United
Ciaran Clark, John Fleck and Rhian Brewster are part of an extensive Blades injury list. Teenager Daniel Jebbison could partner Billy Sharp in attack with Paul Heckingbottom likely to shuffle his pack.

Match preview

There could be an FA Cup upset of blockbuster proportions on Sunday afternoon as National League moneybags Wrexham host a Sheffield United side on the doorstep of the Premier League.

The Blades are well positioned to secure promotion back to the big time in the coming months but they may need to be at their best to beat a Wrexham side whose Hollywood owners have lofty ambitions of their own.

Wrexham have already beaten one Championship side, Coventry in the third round, to get to this stage and the Red Dragons have lost just twice in the National League this season. 

After missing out on promotion last term, they look destined to make amends. The investment in their squad hints that even League Two may not be good enough to contain them, especially under a coach as accomplished as Phil Parkinson.

Paul Mullin is just one of Wrexham's recent high-profile recruits. The 28-year-old dropped out of the EFL to join the Red Dragons in 2021 after being named the League Two player of the year for his 32-goal contribution in Cambridge's successful promotion push.

Mullin bagged a further 32 goals in all competitions last term and has 27 this season, bagging six in Wrexham's run to the fourth round of the FA Cup, including his team’s fourth in the win at Coventry and is aiming to become the first player to score in the first, second, third and fourth rounds since 1984-85.

Sunday will be a huge test for Wrexham's ambitions, though.

Sheffield United boast the Championship’s best defence and are playing with confidence, although Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom may have to get creative with his team selection due to a mounting injury list.

He will still be able to field an experienced line-up, with Chris Basham one of those set to come in and his duel with Mullin is sure to be one of the subplots of a thrilling afternoon.

Victory for Wrexham would take them into the fifth round for the first time since 1997 and while they have maintained their form in the Championship, the Blades’ injuries make them vulnerable. In any case, securing promotion to the Premier League is a much bigger priority for the Yorkshiremen.

Wrexham too have promotion in their sights but they perhaps have extra wriggle room as they continue to rebuild their profile.

The Racecourse is certain to be bouncing and the Welsh outfit could give their fans the awarding-winning performance they and the club's owners crave.

Key stat

Wrexham have a 100 per cent record at home this season, winning 16 out of 16 in all competitions.

Probable teams

Wrexham (5-3-2): Howard; Forde, Tozer, Hayden, Tunnicliffe, McFadzean; Lee, Young, O’Connor; Mullin, Palmer
Subs: Lainton, Hall-Johnson, Butler, Lennon, Jones, Cannon, Bickerstaff, Dalby, McAlinden

Sheffield United XI (3-5-2): Davies; Basham, Egan, Robinson; Bogle, Doyle, Norwood, McAtee, Lowe; Jebbison, Sharp
Subs: Foderingham, Baldock, Ahmedhodzic, Buyabu, Osborn, Coulibaly, Berge, McBurnie, Ndiaye

Inside info

Wrexham

Penalty taker Paul Mullin
Assist ace Elliot Lee
Set-piece aerial threat Thomas O’Connor
Card magnet Luke Young

Sheffield United

Penalty taker Billy Sharp
Assist ace James McAtee
Set-piece aerial threat John Egan
Card magnet Oliver Norwood

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