Shrewsbury vs Wrexham prediction: ENGLAND: FA Cup betting tips on match 2024-01-06 14:00.
Although Shrewsbury aren’t quite the main rivals of Hollywood-backed Welsh side Wrexham, this cross border rivalry remains strong between the two sets of fans, even though they haven’t met since 2008! Despite sitting pretty in League One, Shrewsbury find themselves as the home outsiders here given Wrexham’s flying form at the top end of League Two, with these rivals set to face each other in league action next season should the visitors achieve their targets.
Making their seventh consecutive third round appearance, Shrewsbury have stifled some of England’s best during that time, earning replays against the likes of Liverpool, West Ham, and Wolves in recent years. If that’s not enough to inspire this team to overcome their slight underdog status, then perhaps looking back to the 2003 Shrewsbury side who famously shocked Premier League Everton 2-1 at this very stage will.
The magic of the FA Cup finally returns for Wrexham, who are treated to a derby day clash against Shrewsbury in what is just the hosts’ third appearance in the third round across the last 11 years. The Welsh club have already enjoyed a couple of famous FA Cup dates under the ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, defeating Championship Coventry 4-3 away from home before earning a replay against Sheffield United after a stunning 3-3 draw.
Just a month away from the three-year anniversary of their famous takeover, the prestigious owners’ and their Disney camera crew will be hoping for a blockbuster episode. The famous Hollywood finish produced by club legend Mickey Thomas when scoring the first of two late goals to defeat reigning English champions Arsenal 2-1 in the third round back in January 1992 could inspire this current crop, with that game remaining arguably their highest profile victory in club history.
Players to watch: Ryan Bowman has scored three of Shrewsbury’s six FA Cup goals en route to the third round, whilst all three of his competitive scoring appearances this season saw him net the winner. Trying to outdo him will be former Premier League player Steven Fletcher, who scored his first hat-trick since 2007/08 in the New Year’s Day league action for Wrexham.
Hot streak: Each of Shrewsbury’s last eight FA Cup matches have seen both teams score and over 2.5 total goals (W6, L2).