The stage is set for the FA Cup fourth round draw, with the football world still reeling from a weekend of seismic shocks. The draw will be conducted at Anfield this evening at 6.35pm, ahead of Liverpool's third-round clash with League One's Barnsley.
Giant-Killers Await Their Fate
All attention will be on the heroes of Macclesfield, who pulled off one of the competition's great upsets by defeating holders Crystal Palace 2-1. The non-league side, based just 40 miles from the draw venue, have written themselves into FA Cup folklore and will be hoping for another glamorous tie.
They are not the only potential banana skins for the 14 remaining Premier League clubs. Grimsby Town, fresh from their Carabao Cup victory over Manchester United earlier this season, are in the hat and dreaming of another giant-killing act. Meanwhile, the third-round tie between Salford City and Swindon Town was postponed due to a frozen pitch, meaning both League Two clubs will feature in tonight's draw.
Draw Conducted by Legends
The balls will be pulled out by Liverpool icons Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole, adding a touch of Merseyside glamour to the proceedings. The draw takes place with the backdrop of Liverpool's own cup tie against Barnsley, who are battling at the wrong end of League One.
Key Numbers in the Pot
The following ball numbers will be crucial for fans tracking the draw:
- 30 - Macclesfield
- 20 - Salford City/Swindon Town
- 22 - Grimsby Town
- 7 - Wrexham
- 8 - Chelsea
- 9 - Manchester City
- 14 - Liverpool/Barnsley
- 17 - Arsenal
With the magic of the FA Cup in full flow, tonight's draw promises to set up another chapter of potential drama and unforgettable moments. Can the non-league and lower-league sides secure another Premier League scalp? The answers will be revealed at Anfield.
