Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson says the Carabao Cup round of 16 tie against Cardiff City will be a ‘cracking night’.
In midweek, Wrexham beat Reading 2-0 in the Carabao Cup thanks to goals from Nathan Broadhead and Sam Smith, putting themselves into the round of 16 for the first time since the 1977/78 season.
And soon after, the draw was made. Wrexham will play Cardiff City in the round of 16 as the two Welsh rivals gear up for their first competitive meeting since 2002.
On top of that, Swansea City are also into the round of 16. Wrexham’s Championship rivals will play Manchester City at home, with the fixtures set to take place week commencing October 27th.
Phil Parkinson verdict on Wrexham vs Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup
Speaking ahead of Wrexham’s Championship game against Derby County this weekend, Phil Parkinson spoke about the draw against Cardiff City, which will happen at the Racecourse. Inevitably, Parkinson shared his delight at drawing Cardiff, despite missing out on a Premier League team.
Parkinson told Leader Live: “Everyone’s talking about a Premiership team, but I think a home tie against a fellow Welsh side is a great draw. It’s a very exciting one. Pleased with it.”
The Dragons boss also shared his thoughts on three Welsh teams making this round of the competition for the first time ever: “To get three Welsh teams in the last 16, first time in the history of the competition, is great for Welsh football, and for two of us to be drawn against each other, it’s really special. It’ll be a cracking night when it comes along.”
Cardiff City star gives Wrexham prediction
Speaking after the draw, previous Wrexham transfer target Callum Robinson was asked whether he thinks it’s a tough draw for his side, which he said ‘not really’, before then praising Wrexham’s journey and their summer transfer window.
Robinson said of Cardiff’s cup draw against Wrexham earlier this week: “It’ll be a good challenge for us. They’re in the Championship, they’ve brought a lot of players in, they’ve got a big squad. Fair play to them, they’ve got up there, and if you get to the Championship, obviously, you’ve earned it.
“But I think, us boys, we’ve started fast, we’ve done really well, and I feel like there’s nothing to fear. There was probably more fear of going Tuesday night to Burnley, away against a Premier League team, than there is probably going to Wrexham. We’ll give it a go and try and get through to the quarters.”
Should Wrexham beat Cardiff City then Parkinson’s side will be just a couple more games away from Wembley, and a potential fairy-tale cup run on this fairy-tale journey under Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac.
Wrexham’s game against Derby County kicks off at 12:30pm on Saturday.