The magic of the FA Cup continues to shine brightly on sixth-tier Macclesfield, who have been handed another dream home draw against Premier League opposition. After producing one of the competition's greatest ever shocks by eliminating holders Crystal Palace, the Silkmen will now host Brentford in the fourth round.
A Fairytale Run Rewarded
Macclesfield's stunning victory over a Palace side 117 places above them in the English football pyramid was the headline story of the third round. Their reward, confirmed in Monday's draw, is a second consecutive home fixture against top-flight opponents. Club coach John Rooney, younger brother of England legend Wayne, expressed the squad's delight at the prospect.
"We said before we'd have liked Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal," Rooney admitted. "But to get another Premier League team at our ground is just incredible for everyone connected with the club." The matches are scheduled to be played over the weekend of February 14 and 15.
Premier League Casualties and Key Ties
Palace were one of six Premier League teams to be knocked out in the third round, a list that also included Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, Bournemouth, and Nottingham Forest. Their conquerors, Wrexham—the Hollywood-owned Championship club—will host Ipswich Town in the next stage.
The draw has thrown up several other intriguing fixtures. Newly hired Chelsea coach Liam Rosenior will make an emotional return to one of his former clubs, taking the Blues to face Hull City in the Championship. Manchester City await the winners of the replay between Salford City and Swindon Town, while Arsenal will host third-tier Wigan Athletic.
Aston Villa versus Newcastle United is the only guaranteed all-Premier League clash. Another could materialise if Liverpool, who face Barnsley on Monday, progress to host Brighton & Hove Albion.
Complete FA Cup Fourth Round Draw
- Liverpool or Barnsley vs Brighton
- Stoke City vs Fulham
- Oxford United vs Sunderland
- Southampton vs Leicester City
- Wrexham vs Ipswich Town
- Arsenal vs Wigan Athletic
- Hull City vs Chelsea
- Burton Albion vs West Ham
- Burnley vs Mansfield Town
- Norwich City vs West Bromwich Albion
- Port Vale vs Bristol City
- Grimsby Town vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Aston Villa vs Newcastle United
- Manchester City vs Salford City or Swindon
- Macclesfield vs Brentford
- Birmingham City vs Leeds United
What Comes Next?
All eyes will now turn to Moss Rose, where Macclesfield will attempt to write another unforgettable chapter in their remarkable cup story. For Brentford, it represents a potentially tricky away assignment against a team with nothing to lose and a nation behind them. The fourth round promises to deliver more drama, romance, and the possibility of further seismic shocks in the world's oldest domestic cup competition.
