Exciting FA Cup Fourth Round Draw: David vs. Goliath Scenarios Unfold
Macclesfield FC secures another high-profile matchup in the FA Cup fourth round against Brentford, creating an underdog story for the ages. The draw also presents intriguing clashes such as Chelsea facing Hull City under new management and Arsenal taking on former cup winners Wigan Athletic.
Macclesfield FC will welcome the Premier League's Brentford to their Moss Rose home in the next round of the 2025-26 FA Cup after the fourth round draw handed the non-league side another glamorous tie against top flight opposition. The Silkmen sensationally beat holders Crystal Palace in the third round to complete one of the greatest FA Cup shocks of all-time.Macclesfield manager John Rooney said beforehand that he wanted another Premier League team when the fourth round draw was made. And while the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool were all paired with other teams, the visit of Brentford is certainly not to be sniffed at. The Bees currently sit fifth in the Premier League, with well over 100 places between them and Macclesfield, who compete in the sixth-tier National League North, in the league pyramid.One of the standout ties of the round sees new Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior take the Blues to face Hull City, the club he represented 161 times as a player and later managed for 78 games. Chelsea beat Championship opposition in Charlton Athletic in Rosenior’s first match in charge and will again be strong favourites to progress against the Tigers.Arsenal were given an even more comfortable fourth round tie, drawn at home to 2013 winners Wigan Athletic, who now compete in League One.Manchester City put 10 goals past League One's Exeter over the weekend and will now face even lower-ranked opposition in the next round. Pep Guardiola’s side will host either Salford City or Swindon Town at the Etihad Stadium, who must still play their third round game on January 20.Liverpool's fate if they get past Barnsley on Monday night is a visit from Brighton, conquerors of Manchester United in the third round.Wrexham will fancy their chances of progressing in an all-Championship tie against Ipswich Town, while there is remarkably only one guaranteed all-Premier League clash: Aston Villa vs Newcastle United.The biggest chance of a major upset could come as Grimsby Town, who have already beaten Manchester United in the Carabao Cup ths season, host a woeful Wolves team.Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!Overall there are 16 ties to be played in the fourth round.Liverpool or Barnsley vs Brighton & Hove AlbionStoke City vs FulhamOxford United vs SunderlandSouthampton vs Leicester CityWrexham vs Ipswich TownArsenal vs Wigan AthleticHull City vs ChelseaBurton Albion vs West Ham UnitedBurnley vs Mansfield TownNorwich City vs West Bromwich AlbionPort Vale vs Bristol CityGrimsby Town vs Wolverhampton WanderersAston Villa vs Newcastle UnitedManchester City vs Salford City or Swindon TownMacclesfield FC vs BrentfordBirmingham City vs Leeds UnitedAdd GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingAll 16 ties at this stage of the competition are intended to be played from Friday, February 13 to Monday, February 16, speading the games over an entire long weekend. Even though it will be Valentine's Day, there is sure to be no love lost with a place in the fifth round at stake.Every winner in the fourth round will pocket £127,000 in prize money. While that it a drop in the ocean for Premier League clubs, it would be an enormous sum of money for Macclesfield. The Silkmen have already amassed a significant fund this season after entering in the qualifying rounds, with the third-round victory over Crystal Palace taking their overall earnings to almost £270,000 already.
Macclesfield FC's Dream Run Continues
In a fairy-tale journey that has captured the hearts of football fans everywhere, Macclesfield FC will once again lock horns with Premier League opposition as they prepare to host Brentford at Moss Rose. Manager John Rooney's wish for another elite matchup has come true, setting the stage for another potential giant-killing feat by the non-league outfit.
Chelsea's Reunion with Hull City
The fourth round draw has pitted Liam Rosenior's Chelsea against his former club Hull City. With a rich history that ties him to the Tigers, Rosenior will lead his new side into what promises to be an emotional encounter. Having navigated past Charlton Athletic, Chelsea will be aiming to continue their cup journey against familiar foes.
Arsenal's Favorable Pairing with Wigan Athletic
Arsenal, the 2013 FA Cup winners, have been handed a relatively comfortable tie against Wigan Athletic. The Gunners will look to assert their dominance at home as they aim to progress further in the competition. Despite the difference in leagues, cup football can often deliver surprises.
Manchester City's Quest for More Goals
Fresh off a stunning 10-0 victory over Exeter, Manchester City now face either Salford City or Swindon Town in the fourth round. Pep Guardiola's side will be expected to showcase their prowess once again, as they aim to maintain their momentum in the cup campaign.
Exciting Matchups and Potential Upsets
The fourth round draw has set the stage for compelling fixtures, including a notable clash between Aston Villa and Newcastle United. Grimsby Town, known for their upset over Manchester United earlier in the season, will have their sights set on another major scalp when they take on Wolves. With a mix of intriguing matchups and potential upsets, the FA Cup continues to deliver drama and excitement.
