The magic of the FA Cup was in full force this weekend, as sixth-tier Macclesfield pulled off one of the competition's greatest ever shocks by dethroning holders Crystal Palace. Their remarkable reward is another dream home fixture, this time against Premier League side Brentford in the fourth round.
A Historic Victory and a Premier League Prize
Macclesfield, who sit a staggering 117 places below Palace in the English football pyramid, humbled the titleholders in a stunning third-round upset. The non-league side's fairytale will now extend into February with the visit of Thomas Frank's top-flight Bees.
"We said before we'd have liked Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal," admitted Macclesfield coach John Rooney, brother of England legend Wayne. "But another Premier League team - it's incredible."
Palace were one of six Premier League teams eliminated in the third round, joining Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, Bournemouth, and Nottingham Forest on a weekend of high-profile casualties.
Fourth Round Draw Throws Up Intriguing Ties
The draw for the next stage, made on Monday, has produced several fascinating matchups. Newly appointed Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior will make an immediate return to one of his former clubs, taking the Blues to face Championship side Hull City.
Manchester City will host the winners of the replay between League Two's Salford City and Swindon Town. Arsenal welcome third-tier Wigan Athletic to the Emirates, while the only guaranteed all-Premier League clash sees Aston Villa host Newcastle United.
Liverpool, provided they overcome Barnsley in their own third-round replay, will welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to Anfield. Hollywood-owned Wrexham, having knocked out Nottingham Forest, will host fellow Championship club Ipswich Town.
Key Fixtures and Full Schedule
The fourth-round matches are scheduled to be played across the weekend of February 14 and 15. The complete draw is as follows:
- 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
- Manchester City vs Salford City or Swindon
- Macclesfield vs Brentford
- Birmingham City vs Leeds United
For Macclesfield and their fans, the focus is now firmly on preparing for another historic night under the lights, as they aim to continue their unforgettable journey in the world's oldest cup competition.
