Macclesfield must upstage another Premier League side if they are to continue their fairytale FA Cup run after drawing Brentford in the fourth round. The National League North team produced one of the greatest upsets in the competition's history when they defeated holders Crystal Palace 2-1 at Moss Rose on Saturday.
There is plenty of scope for upsets in the fourth round with seven Premier League teams travelling to lower league opposition. Among them is Chelsea's visit to Hull that will see new Blues boss Liam Rosenior return to the club where his managerial career began in earnest in 2022.
West Ham are currently stuck in the relegation zone and they must travel to League One outfit Burton in a fixture fraught with danger. The Hammers' 2-1 win against QPR in the third round was their first success since November 8.
Fulham, Sunderland, Leeds and Wolves also face banana skin games when they take on Stoke, Oxford, Birmingham and Grimsby respectively. Manchester City are at home for their tie against Salford or Swindon, who meet on January 20, while the FA Cup's most successful side Arsenal take on League One club Wigan at Emirates Stadium.
Liverpool FC will face Brighton after the Reds beat Barnsley in their third-round clash, and there is an all-Premier League clash between Aston Villa and Newcastle. Follow all the updates from the fourth round draw with our live blog below:
FA Cup fourth round live
- The draw for the FA Cup fourth round takes place before Liverpool vs Barnsley tonight
- 32 teams remain in the competition including Premier League leaders Arsenal and non-league club Macclesfield
- FA Cup fourth round draw in full
Non-league Macclesfield to face Brentford after FA Cup heroics as Arsenal welcome Wigan Athletic
Monday 12 January 2026 19:24 , Mike JonesNon-league club Macclesfield will face another Premier League side at the Moss Rose Stadium when they welcome Brentford in the FA Cup fourth round. John Rooney’s side provided the biggest shock of the competition and, statistically, the heaviest upset in FA Cup history when they defeated top-flight side and holders Crystal Palace at the weekend.
Macclesfield won 2-1 after goals from captain Paul Dawson and Isaac Buckley-Rickett on a historic day for the Silkmen who will hope to replicate that result when they take on the Bees in February.
Non-league Macclesfield to face Brentford in fourth round after FA Cup heroics
FA Cup fourth round draw live
Monday 12 January 2026 19:54 , Flo CliffordOn his winning goal, Buckley-Ricketts says: “I saw the ball come across and my first thought was to maybe let it bounce and get a strike off, but in my peripheral vision I saw the keeper rushing out. So then I thought, let me get a good contact on it.
“It wasn't as good as I wanted, and because of the slow motion it felt like it took four hours in my head. But a goal is a goal for me.”
FA Cup fourth round draw live
Monday 12 January 2026 19:48 , Flo CliffordBuckley-Ricketts continues: “We would have expected maybe one of the bigger boys, City, Chelsea. But Brentford at home, they are a Premier League team themselves.
“We have shown already what we can do at home, so why can't we do it again?”
FA Cup fourth round draw live
Monday 12 January 2026 19:41 , Flo CliffordMacclesfield’s Isaac Buckley-Ricketts has been speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live about their brilliant win over Crystal Palace in the third round.
He says: “Honestly, it's surreal. It has set in a bit more now because we have spent time with our families, we have seen all of the posts, people are calling.
“It's very humbling. A moment like that brings so many people together, brings so much joy and does a lot for the club and for football.”
FA Cup matchdays in full
Monday 12 January 2026 19:36 , Flo CliffordHere are the dates for the remaining rounds of FA Cup action.
Fourth round: Saturday 14 February 2026
Fifth round: Saturday 7 March 2026
Quarter-finals: Saturday 4 April 2026
Semi-finals: Saturday 25 April 2026
Final: Saturday 16 May 2026
When will the FA Cup fourth round take place?
Monday 12 January 2026 19:29 , Flo CliffordThe fixtures revealed in tonight’s draw will be played around the weekend of Saturday 14 February and Sunday 15 February.
'Another Premier League side is incredible' - John Rooney
Monday 12 January 2026 19:24 , Flo CliffordMacclesfield manager John Rooney has reacted to his side drawing Brentford at home in the fourth round.
He says: “We said before that we would have liked to get Liverpool, Chelsea, or Arsenal but another Premier League side is incredible.”
Another upset brewing at Moss Rose?
All-Premier League tie
Monday 12 January 2026 19:18 , Flo CliffordThere is just one all-Premier League tie, although that could become two if Liverpool see off Barnsley to set up a game against Brighton.
Aston Villa vs Newcastle
Premier League sides away from home
Monday 12 January 2026 19:12 , Flo CliffordSeven Premier League sides have been drawn to non-top flight opposition away from home - could any of these sides spring an upset?
One interesting tie is Hull City v Chelsea, in a clash of Liam Rosenior’s sides past and present.
Stoke City v Fulham
Oxford United v Sunderland
Hull City v Chelsea
Burton Albion v West Ham
Grimsby Town v Wolves,
Macclesfield v Brentford
Birmingham City v Leeds United.
They could potentially be joined by Barnsley v Brighton, if the Tykes beat Liverpool tonight.
Dream tie for Macclesfield
Monday 12 January 2026 19:08 , Flo CliffordNon-league minnows Macclesfield will have another shot at a giant-killing after their fairytale win over Crystal Palace.
They’ll be playing at home once again to another Premier League side, Brentford.
FA Cup fourth round draw in full
Monday 12 January 2026 18:52 , Mike JonesLiverpool or Barnsley vs Brighton
Stoke City vs Fulham
Oxford United vs Sunderland
Southampton vs Leicester
Wrexham vs Ipswich
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
Man City vs Salford or Swindon
Macclesfield vs Brentford
Birmingham City vs Leeds United
FA Cup fourth round draw live
Monday 12 January 2026 18:45 , Mike JonesFinally, Birmingham City will face Leeds United.
FA Cup fourth round draw live
Monday 12 January 2026 18:44 , Mike JonesMacclesfield, the non-league side have a home draw.
They will be playing Brentford!
FA Cup fourth round draw live
Monday 12 January 2026 18:44 , Mike JonesManchester City will host Salford or Swindon!
FA Cup fourth round draw live
Monday 12 January 2026 18:43 , Mike JonesAston Villa will be playing Newcastle in an all Premier League tie.
FA Cup fourth round draw live
Monday 12 January 2026 18:43 , Mike JonesGrimsby Town are drawn at home to Wolves.
FA Cup fourth round draw live
Monday 12 January 2026 18:42 , Mike JonesPort Vale are playing at home and will face Bristol City.
FA Cup fourth round draw live
Monday 12 January 2026 18:42 , Mike JonesNorwich City will be playing West Brom.
FA Cup fourth round draw live
Monday 12 January 2026 18:41 , Mike JonesBurnley are drawn against Mansfield Town at Turf Moor.
FA Cup fourth round draw live
Monday 12 January 2026 18:41 , Mike JonesBurton Albion will take on West Ham United.
FA Cup fourth round draw live
Monday 12 January 2026 18:40 , Mike JonesHull City will play Chelsea.
FA Cup fourth round draw live
Monday 12 January 2026 18:40 , Mike JonesArsenal are drawn at home to Wigan Athletic!
FA Cup fourth round draw live
Monday 12 January 2026 18:40 , Mike JonesWrexham have a home tie against Ipswich Town. A tough one for them.
FA Cup fourth round draw live
Monday 12 January 2026 18:39 , Mike JonesSouthampton are drawn against Leicester City in an all Championship tie.
FA Cup fourth round draw live
Monday 12 January 2026 18:39 , Mike JonesOxford United will face Sunderland.
FA Cup fourth round draw live
Monday 12 January 2026 18:38 , Mike JonesNext up is Stoke City,
They’ll take on Fulham.
FA Cup fourth round draw live
Monday 12 January 2026 18:38 , Mike JonesThe first team out of the pot is Liverpool or Barnsley.
Whichever team wins tonight will play...
... Brighton.
FA Cup fourth round draw live
Monday 12 January 2026 18:36 , Mike JonesDarren Fletcher and Ally McCoist are hosting the draw and Joleon Lescott has been brought in to draw the balls instead of Joe Cole.
We’ve got 16 fixtures to draw so let’s get into it...
FA Cup fourth round draw live
Monday 12 January 2026 18:30 , Mike JonesOkay then,
It’s almost time for the FA Cup draw to take place to determine who’ll face who in the fourth round.
Macclesfield will be hoping for a big Premier League name to visit their ground again and there are plenty of contenders.
Steve McMananman and Joe Cole will be drawing the balls.
FA Cup draw ball numbers
Monday 12 January 2026 18:23 , Mike Jones- Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Southampton
- Aston Villa
- Port Vale
- Wigan Athletic
- Ipswich Town
- Wrexham
- Chelsea
- Manchester City
- West Ham United
- Brentford
- Fulham
- Sunderland
- Liverpool or Barnsley
- Burnley
- Norwich City
- Arsenal
- Leeds United
- West Bromwich Albion
- Salford City or Swindon Town
- Burton Albion
- Grimsby Town
- Hull City
- Newcastle United
- Oxford United
- Leicester City
- Birmingham City
- Bristol City
- Stoke City
- Macclesfield
- Brighton & Hove Albion
- Mansfield Town
Arne Slot makes FA Cup pledge ahead of Liverpool’s clash against Barnsley
Monday 12 January 2026 18:15 , Richard JollyArne Slot has promised to take the FA Cup seriously as he vowed there will be no repeat of the weakened team that crashed out of the competition at Plymouth last season.
The Liverpool manager said all of the players who were involved in Thursday’s 0-0 draw with Arsenal will be in the squad to face Barnsley at Anfield on Monday, apart from the injured Conor Bradley, and hopes striker Hugo Ekitike will be fit to return.
Arne Slot makes FA Cup pledge ahead of Liverpool’s clash against Barnsley
The real Chelsea priority for Liam Rosenior becomes clear after FA Cup victory
Monday 12 January 2026 18:07 , Mike JonesLiam Rosenior crouched down inches from the pitch and then exploded, furiously clapping and encouraging Chelsea’s Jamie Gittens.
It was a glimpse into the manager, the man and what Chelsea can expect, in what was a good start to his reign and a 5-1 victory in the FA Cup third round over Charlton. Those seconds showed Rosenior is prioritising more than tactics as he succeeds Enzo Maresca.
The real Chelsea priority for Liam Rosenior becomes clear after FA Cup victory
FA Cup third round highlights
Monday 12 January 2026 18:00 , Mike JonesJovon Makama's hat-trick powered Championship strugglers Norwich to a 5-1 win over Walsall, with Matej Jurasek and Tony Springett also on target.
Hull saw off Blackburn 4-3 on penalties after a poor goalless draw over 120 minutes, with Dillon Phillips denying Yuki Ohashi and Moussa Baradji from the spot.
Ollie Bostock hit the winning penalty as West Brom beat Swansea 6-5 on penalties after their match finished 2-2 in south Wales.
Arthur Okonkwo’s penalty shootout heroics causes FA Cup shock as Wrexham beat Nottingham Forest
Monday 12 January 2026 17:53 , Mike JonesWrexham won an FA Cup third-round thriller in front of Hollywood owner Ryan Reynolds as Nottingham Forest were dumped out of the competition on penalties after a 3-3 draw.
Arthur Okonkwo was the Wrexham hero with stops from Igor Jesus and Omari Hutchinson giving them a 4-3 victory on spot-kicks after Josh Windass, Callum Doyle, George Thomason and Jay Rodriguez had converted from the spot.
Arthur Okonkwo’s heroics causes FA Cup shock as Wrexham beat Nottingham Forest
Wayne Rooney in tears as brother John manages Macclesfield to FA Cup shock against Crystal Palace
Monday 12 January 2026 17:45 , Mike JonesWayne Rooney was in tears as he watched his younger brother mastermind one of the greatest shocks in FA Cup history.
John Rooney’s Macclesfield side, who are mid-table in the National League North, the sixth tier of English football – knocked out FA Cup holders Crystal Palace in a dramatic 2-1 victory at Moss Rose.
Wayne Rooney in tears as brother John manages Macclesfield to famous FA Cup shock
FA Cup third round results
Monday 12 January 2026 17:37 , Mike JonesSheffield United 3-4 Mansfield Town
Louis Reed scored twice against his former club as League One Mansfield upset Championship side Sheffield United with a 4-3 win at Bramall Lane, having led 4-1 before Patrick Bamford and a Nathan Moriah-Welsh own goal gave the Blades hope.
FA Cup third round results
Monday 12 January 2026 17:30 , Mike JonesWest Ham 2-1 QPR
West Ham's new £26m striker Taty Castellanos scored an extra-time winner to see off QPR 2-1 after Richard Kone had cancelled out Crysencio Summerville's opener.
FA Cup matchdays in full
Monday 12 January 2026 17:23 , Mike JonesHere are the dates for the remaining rounds of FA Cup action.
Fourth round: Saturday 14 February 2026
Fifth round: Saturday 7 March 2026
Quarter-finals: Saturday 4 April 2026
Semi-finals: Saturday 25 April 2026
Final: Saturday 16 May 2026
Gabriel Martinelli banishes bad headlines and earns redemption in easy Arsenal FA Cup win
Monday 12 January 2026 17:15 , Mike JonesGabriel Martinelli hit the headlines for the right reasons by scoring a hat-trick as Arsenal overcame an early scare to thrash Championship strugglers Portsmouth 4-1 in the FA Cup third round.
Mikel Arteta’s Premier League leaders fell behind less than three minutes into a rain-soaked contest at Fratton Park when Pompey captain Colby Bishop finished from close range.
Martinelli banishes bad headlines and earns redemption in easy Arsenal FA Cup win
This worrying Thomas Frank trend poses a huge concern for Tottenham’s future
Monday 12 January 2026 17:08 , Miguel DelaneyAston Villa survive, and the nature of this FA Cup tie might mean Thomas Frank does, too. For this week at least.
His Tottenham Hotspur players at least gave it a go, which is all that most supporters would say they want. Many had been loudly booing with Villa 2-0 up at half-time. A few still were at full-time, but the anger had been tempered by a rousing second-half display in which they pushed Unai Emery’s side to the edge.
This worrying Thomas Frank trend poses a huge concern for Tottenham’s future
FA Cup third round highlights
Monday 12 January 2026 17:00 , Mike JonesDerby County 1-3 Leeds United
Willy Gnonto and Ao Tanaka scored within four minutes of one another as Leeds came from behind to beat Derby 3-1.
Ben Brereton Diaz put the hosts ahead after Joel Piroe's first-half penalty was saved, but after Gnonto and Tanaka turned it around, James Justin added a third.
FA Cup third round results
Monday 12 January 2026 16:52 , Mike JonesManchester United 1-2 Brighton
Danny Welbeck scored the pick of the goals to dump out managerless Manchester United as Brighton won 2-1 at Old Trafford.
Brajan Gruda nodded in the opener 12 minutes in, and Welbeck rifled a left-footed strike into the top corner after the hour.
Benjamin Sesko pulled one back but United youngster Shea Lacey was sent off for a second bookable offence late on.
FA Cup results
Monday 12 January 2026 16:45 , Mike JonesPortsmouth 1-4 Arsenal
Gabriel Martinelli's hat-trick saw Premier League leaders Arsenal overcome an early scare to beat Championship strugglers Portsmouth 4-1 in the FA Cup third round.
Portsmouth took a shock lead less than three minutes in through skipper Colby Bishop, but Andre Dozzell's own goal quickly levelled it.
Martinelli then took over, scoring either side of a missed penalty from Noni Madueke before completing his hat-trick in the 72nd minute.
Non-league Macclesfield stun holders Crystal Palace in one of the greatest FA Cup shocks
Monday 12 January 2026 16:37 , Jamie BraidwoodNon-league Macclesfield produced one of the greatest FA Cup shocks of all time by knocking out holders Crystal Palace in a stunning 2-1 upset at Moss Rose.
Eight months after Palace lifted their first major trophy by defeating Manchester City at Wembley, the Premier League side became the first FA Cup holders to lose to non-league opposition since Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1909.
Non-league Macclesfield produce historic FA Cup upset against holders Crystal Palace
Diogo Dalot says Man Utd must pull together and put FA Cup heartache behind them
Monday 12 January 2026 16:30 , Mike JonesDiogo Dalot says Manchester United’s players must pull together and put their FA Cup heartache behind them as the squad wait to find out who will lead them through the remainder of the season.
The Red Devils are set to end the campaign with more managers than cup matches having fallen at the first hurdle in both domestic competitions for the first time since 1981-82.
Diogo Dalot says Man Utd must pull together and put FA Cup heartache behind them
When will the FA Cup fourth round be played?
Monday 12 January 2026 16:22 , Mike JonesThe fourth round of the FA Cup will be played around the weekend of Saturday 14 February, with games likely to run from Friday to Monday, depending on TV picks.
How can I watch the FA Cup draw?
Monday 12 January 2026 16:15 , Mike JonesYou can watch the FA Cup fourth-round draw live on TNT Sports 1, discovery+ and the TNT Sports YouTube channel, as well as the FA Cup and TNT social media channels.
When is the FA Cup fourth-round draw?
Monday 12 January 2026 16:06 , Mike JonesThe fourth round draw will take place on Monday 12 January, ahead of Liverpool’s tie against Barnsley at 7:45pm GMT.
The draw will take place in the broadcast before kick-off, which starts at 6:30pm, with the draw set to start at around 6:35pm GMT.
FA Cup fourth round draw live
Monday 12 January 2026 16:00 , Mike JonesThe draw for the fourth round of the FA Cup is nearly upon us as big-hitters and underdogs find out who their next opponents will be.
The third round is taking this weekend, and holders Crystal Palace suffered the biggest shock in FA Cup history as they lost to National League North side Macclesfield on Saturday, while Premier League leaders Arsenal cruised past Portsmouth 24 hours later.
Liam Rosenior took charge of Chelsea for his first match in charge, a straightforward 5-1 win over Championship strugglers Charlton on Saturday night, with Darren Fletcher once again in caretaker charge for Manchester United – but he couldn’t stop them falling to a frustrating 2-1 defeat at home to Brighton.
The penultimate of the 32 places in the fourth round (with the postponed Salford v Swindon clash the other remaining tie) will be decided this evening, as Arne Slot’s Liverpool welcome mid-table League One side Barnsley to Anfield, hoping to avoid the sort of shocks that have dotted this weekend of third-round action.
Good afternoon!
Monday 12 January 2026 15:25 , Mike JonesWelcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s FA Cup fourth round draw.
As always the FA Cup threw up a number of surprising results in the third round with the biggest shock being non-league side Macclesfield beating the holders Crystal Palace.
Championship side Wrexham defeated Nottingham Forest of the Premier League while League One club Wigan Athletic beat Preston North End who sit fourth in the second division.
We’ll have all the updates from the draw this evening and then live coverage of Liverpool vs Barnsley which is the penultimate match of the third round fixtures.
