Middlesbrough face Wrexham in a blockbuster first-round tie in the 2026-27 Carabao Cup.
Victory would see Boro advance to the second round for the third time in four seasons, whilst Wrexham likewise are looking to progress beyond this stage for the third time in four seasons.
Team News
Middlesbrough have no fresh injury concerns after their 3-3 friendly draw against Espanyol.
Will Lankshear, Sebastian Berhalter and Max Arfsen are set for their Boro debuts following their arrivals this summer.
Fellow summer signing, Kyle Joseph is unlikely to start following his recovery from an ankle injury, whilst Myles Peart-Harris will have to wait until Boro’s opening Championship match for his debut due to a knock.
David Strelec (knock), Alex Bangura (unspecified), Alfie Jones (ankle), Riley McGree (hamstring) and Tommy Conway (ankle) are ruled out.
Wrexham manager, Phil Parkinson could hand debuts to summer signings, Danny Imray and Ben Whiteman.
When is Kick-Off?
Middlesbrough meet Wrexham at the Riverside Stadium on Friday 7 August at 8pm BST, live on ITV1, ITVX, Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Middlesbrough won their only previous League Cup meeting against Wrexham in September 1972 by a 2-0 result in the second round of the 1972-73 edition.
- Wrexham are chasing a first away victory against Middlesbrough in all cup competitions.
- Boro have previously twice suffered first-round exits in consecutive seasons in this competition – having first exited at this stage across three seasons (1983-84, 84-85 & 85-86) then in two straight campaigns (2021-22 & 22-23).
- Wrexham have lost at this stage in 27 of the 51 previous League Cup tournaments that they’ve participated in.
Prediction
Having lost last season’s Championship Play-Off Final in injury time, the timing of this tie feels fitting as it gives Middlesbrough a chance to shake off any hangover quickly with a high-quality test before the league campaign begins with promotion the main aim.
Wrexham likewise will view the timing of this tie as ideal too because it is a strong first competitive test as they too target promotion, and they also have done well to keep the core of their squad together without adding too many new signings into the mix yet.
I therefore do foresee this being a tight battle because both teams surely will view this as the first chance to lay a marker for not just their seasons but equally as a message to their rivals, although I do think Boro will nick this if the home crowd turns up with the right atmosphere.
Prediction: Middlesbrough 2-1 Wrexham
Result: Middlesbrough 1-0 Wrexham
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