FA Cup Fourth Round: Non-League Giant Killers and Premier League Powerhouses Take Centre Stage
The venerable FA Cup is back in full swing this weekend, promising more drama, upsets, and dreams of glory as the fourth round unfolds. Among the most captivating ties is the clash between non-league sensation Macclesfield and Premier League outfit Brentford, a match that has been selected for television coverage, highlighting the magic of the competition.
Macclesfield, affectionately known as ‘The Silkmen’, were undoubtedly the darlings of the third round. Their stunning victory over then-holders Crystal Palace etched their name in FA Cup folklore, marking the biggest shock in the competition’s history purely by league position. This remarkable achievement has earned them another crack at top-tier opposition, with high-flying Brentford set to visit the Moss Rose Ground on Monday evening. The encounter will take place shortly before the eagerly anticipated fifth-round draw, adding another layer of excitement to the proceedings.
Beyond Macclesfield’s fairytale run, the fourth round features a host of compelling fixtures. Premier League leaders Arsenal will host League One strugglers Wigan Athletic on Sunday. This fixture carries a nostalgic echo, serving as a rematch of the dramatic 2013-14 semi-finals, a tie that promises to rekindle old rivalries and deliver a compelling spectacle.
Your Guide to Watching the FA Cup Fourth Round
For fans eager to follow every kick, the good news is that almost every FA Cup fourth-round tie will be accessible. With the exception of the five matches scheduled for a 3pm kick-off on Saturday, all other encounters will be broadcast live on discovery+. Furthermore, specific televised matches will be available on dedicated channels:
Sunday, 15 February:
- 4:30pm: Arsenal v Wigan Athletic – Live on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+
Monday, 16 February:
- 7:30pm: Macclesfield v Brentford – Live on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+
When and How to Catch the Fifth-Round Draw
The anticipation will build on Monday, 16 February, as the draw for the FA Cup fifth round takes place. It is expected to occur shortly before Macclesfield’s captivating encounter with Brentford, which kicks off at 7:30pm GMT.
The broadcast coverage for the evening is scheduled to commence at 6:30pm GMT, with the draw itself anticipated to begin around 6:35pm GMT. This timing means fans can witness potential giant killers learn their next opponents live on air.
For those who want to tune into the fifth-round draw as it happens, you have several viewing options:
- TNT Sports 1: Catch the live broadcast on this dedicated sports channel.
- discovery+: Stream the draw live through the discovery+ platform.
- TNT Sports YouTube Channel: The draw will also be streamed live on the official TNT Sports YouTube channel, making it accessible to a wide audience.
The FA Cup continues to be a cornerstone of the footballing calendar, offering a unique blend of giant-killing potential and the ultimate prize for the nation’s biggest clubs. This weekend’s fourth round promises to deliver all of that and more, with stories of underdogs and established giants set to be written.
