These two clubs have not met since 2002, with Wrexham winning only one of their last seven encounters with Cardiff, while the Bluebirds have won four of their last six visits to the Racecourse.
Wrexham vs Cardiff preview
This season is the first time ever that Wrexham have been in a higher division than their Welsh rivals Cardiff, so this'll be a hotly-contested Carabao Cup tie. To get this far, the Reds have dumped out Hull, Preston and Reading, making this their best League Cup run since 1977/78 when they were quarter-finalists. Meantime, as has been well documented, the Town have enjoyed back-to-back-to-back promotions, going from the National League to the EFL Championship in double quick time.
Well, Phil Parkinson's side have made a solid if unspectacular start to life in the second-tier, currently 16th, losing just one of their last seven matches, holding high-flying Middlesbrough to a 1-1 draw on Saturday. Josh Windass broke the deadlock at the Riverside, only for Boro to equalise ten minutes from time on Teeside. On Friday night, Wrexham welcome league-leaders Coventry to North Wales but, make no mistake about it, they're desperate for victory in this Carabao Cup tie too.
Cardiff City meantime, in contrast to their Welsh rivals, they were relegated to the third-tier for the first time since 2002/03 last season, but don't look like hanging around very long. The Bluebirds are currently top of EFL League One, winning eight of 13 fixtures to date, albeit they have lost three of their last six, beaten 1-0 by Bolton on the road at the weekend, the winner coming in stoppage time.
Meantime, in the Carabao Cup, Brian Barry-Murphy's team dumped out Swindon and Cheltenham at home in the early rounds, before causing an upset in round three, overcoming Premier League Burnley; Joel Colwill and Callum Robinson the scorers at Turf Moor. Thus, this is Cardiff's first appearance in the fourth round since they were beaten finalists against Liverpool on penalties in 2011, so can the Bluebirds burst Wrexham's bubble at the Racecourse in this Welsh derby?
Wrexham vs Cardiff City head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 36.
- Wrexham Wins: 9. Draws: 8. Cardiff City Wins: 19.
Wrexham team news
Phil Parkinson is without Danny Ward, George Thomason, Andy Cannon and Jay Rodríguez due to injury, so former Arsenal youngster Arthur Okonkwo will continue in goal.
In attack, Josh Windass' goal against Middlesbrough could see him get the nod over Nathan Broadhead, while centre-back Lewis Brunt picked up an injury in that one, so either Dan Scarr or Conor Coady will come into the team.
Wrexham predicted lineup vs Cardiff City: (3-5-2): Okonkwo; Hyam, Cleworth, Coady; Kaboré, James, Dobson, Thomason, Longman; Windass, Moore.
Wrexham player to watch vs Cardiff
Wales international Kieffer Moore has been Wrexham's main man for goals this season, netting five times so far, including finding the target at Preston during his sole EFL Cup appearance of the campaign, so will he be the hero against his former side?
Cardiff team news
Brian Barry-Murphy could be without left-back Joel Bagan, who sustained an injury at Bolton, so either Ronan Kpakio or Calum Chambers is expected to come into defence.
In attack, Chelsea loanee Omari Kellyman will want to showcase his talent, while brothers Rubin and Joel Colwill are key figures in this Cardiff team.
Cardiff City predicted lineup vs Wrexham: (4-3-3): Trott; Ng, Lawlor, Fish, Kpakio; Robertson, Turnbull, R Colwill; Kellyman, Robinson, Salech.
Cardiff player to watch vs Wrexham
Veteran striker Callum Robinson has five goals to his name this campaign, on target during the round three victory over Burnley, so can he fire Cardiff to a surprise win in North Wales?
Wrexham vs Cardiff prediction
We are backing Wrexham for victory at the Racecourse Ground, likely to be too strong for their opponents from a lower division, thereby reaching the last eight: Wrexham 3-1 Cardiff City.
Wrexham vs Cardiff FAQs - Carabao Cup
How to watch Wrexham vs Cardiff in the Carabao Cup on TV channel?
Wrexham vs Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: ITV1, Sky Sports Main Event, Football & Ultra HD.
- USA: Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Wrexham vs Cardiff in the Carabao Cup on live streaming?
Wrexham vs Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: ITVX, SkyGo & NOW TV.
- USA: Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Wrexham vs Cardiff in the Carabao Cup?
Wrexham vs Cardiff City takes place on Tuesday 28 October 2025, with kick off at 20:00 (GMT), 16:00 (EDT) & 13:00 (PDT).