The draw for the fourth round of the FA Cup has been confirmed, setting the stage for the last 32 teams after a weekend packed with drama and historic upsets in the third round.
Weekend of Shocks Sets the Stage
The draw follows a sensational weekend of action that will be remembered for one of the greatest giant-killings in the competition's long history. Sixth-tier Macclesfield pulled off an unbelievable victory by defeating the holders, Crystal Palace, on Saturday. This result stands as arguably the biggest shock the tournament has ever witnessed.
They were not the only underdogs to triumph. Mansfield Town secured a impressive 4-3 win away at Sheffield United's Bramall Lane. Premier League sides suffered across the board, with Manchester United knocked out by Brighton at Old Trafford, Tottenham Hotspur defeated by Aston Villa, and Bournemouth losing to Newcastle United on penalties.
There was also a demonstration of sheer dominance, as Manchester City delivered a 10-1 thrashing of League One's Exeter City at the Etihad Stadium. One third-round tie remains, with Liverpool set to host Barnsley at Anfield on Monday night.
The Full Fourth Round Draw
The draw, conducted for the matches to be played next month, has produced some tantalising fixtures. The key ties for the Premier League's heavyweights are as follows:
- Arsenal will face Wigan Athletic at home.
- Chelsea have been drawn away to Hull City.
- Manchester City will play the winners of the replay between Salford City and Swindon Town.
- Aston Villa will host Newcastle United in a all-Premier League clash.
- Brighton, having eliminated Manchester United, will travel to face either Liverpool or Barnsley.
The historic giant-killers, Macclesfield, have been rewarded with a home tie against Championship side Brentford. The full draw list is: 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 Brom; Port Vale vs Bristol City; Grimsby Town vs Wolves; Aston Villa vs Newcastle United; Manchester City vs Salford City or Swindon; Macclesfield vs Brentford; Birmingham City vs Leeds United.
Key Dates and What Comes Next
The fourth round fixtures are scheduled to be played over the weekend of February 14. All eyes will now turn to the remaining third-round replay before the focus shifts entirely to the next stage of the world's oldest domestic cup competition. The draw ensures a blend of potential Premier League showdowns and opportunities for further fairy-tale runs from the lower leagues.
