As the FA Cup enters its fourth round this weekend, excitement builds among football fans as 32 teams prepare to compete for England’s most prestigious trophy. Premier League heavyweights, including Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City, are set to face lower division teams as they vie for a place in the quarterfinals.
The fourth round features a mix of intriguing matchups, highlighted by two all-Premier League clashes: Liverpool will go head-to-head with Brighton and Hove Albion, while Aston Villa will take on Newcastle United. In addition, several Championship teams will compete against each other, including a noteworthy encounter between Wrexham and Ipswich Town as both teams seek promotion to the Premier League, along with a matchup between Norwich City and West Bromwich Albion.
Of the contenders, 14 are from the Premier League, showcasing the strength of the top flight; however, reigning champions Crystal Palace faced a stunning upset in the previous round, eliminated by a non-league team. This adds to the drama of the tournament as fans look forward to the upcoming matches.
Key match details for the fourth round include:
– Friday, Feb. 13: Hull City vs. Chelsea at 2:45 p.m. (ESPN2)
– Saturday, Feb. 14: Multiple fixtures, including Manchester City vs. Salford City at 10 a.m. (ESPN Select) and Liverpool vs. Brighton and Hove Albion at 3 p.m. (ESPN Select)
– Sunday, Feb. 15: Birmingham City vs. Leeds United at 7 a.m. (ESPN) and Arsenal vs. Wigan Athletic at 11:30 a.m. (ESPN Select)
– Monday, Feb. 16: Macclesfield Town vs. Brentford at 2:45 p.m. (ESPN Select)
Amidst these matchups, Macclesfield Town stands out as the last non-league team in the competition after a historic victory over Crystal Palace. They are poised to face Brentford, who are enjoying a strong season under coach Keith Andrews and are a formidable opponent for the underdogs.
Manchester City, known for their dominance, will meet Salford City in a local derby, putting them at a significant advantage given their last encounter resulted in an 8-0 rout. With City’s recent form following a thrilling comeback against Liverpool, they are likely to field a strong squad against Salford.
Chelsea, under new coach Liam Rosenior, is eager to rebound from a recent draw against Leeds. This match against Hull City will not only serve as a chance for the team to gain momentum but will also be a homecoming for Rosenior, who previously managed at Hull. His focus remains on improving the squad’s attacking output, particularly after struggles in recent games.
As the FA Cup progresses, fans remain hopeful that the competition will bring thrilling matches and unforgettable moments, further enriching the legacy of this historic tournament.