FA Cup Fourth Round Fixtures Set to Thrill Fans
The FA Cup is back in action this weekend, promising to deliver a series of exciting matches as the fourth round kicks off. With 32 teams vying for a chance to progress towards the iconic final at Wembley, fans can look forward to live broadcasts of 11 fixtures across various channels.
Memorable Third Round Upsets
The previous round of the FA Cup was nothing short of dramatic, highlighted by the shocking elimination of holders Crystal Palace at the hands of non-league side Macclesfield. This unexpected turn of events has set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling fourth round, as teams regroup and strategize for the next challenge.
New Broadcasting Landscape
This season marks the introduction of a new television deal, amplifying the FA Cup’s visibility. TNT Sports and discovery+ have secured the rights to broadcast every third-round fixture, apart from those affected by the traditional 3pm Saturday blackout. Meanwhile, the BBC will feature only a couple of televised matches, both of which aired on Saturday. ITV has stepped back from broadcasting FA Cup matches following a new four-year agreement between the BBC and TNT Sports.
Highlighting This Weekend’s Key Matches
The excitement begins on Friday, February 13, with Hull City hosting Chelsea, airing on BBC One, iPlayer, TNT Sports 1, and discovery+. Wrexham will also take on Ipswich Town on BBC Wales platforms and discovery+.
Saturday’s fixtures will see teams like Burton Albion face West Ham United and a high-stakes match between Aston Villa and Newcastle United. Liverpool will clash with Brighton & Hove Albion later in the day, promising a fierce contest for both clubs.
The action continues on Sunday with Birmingham City squaring off against Leeds United and Grimsby Town welcoming Wolverhampton Wanderers. Arsenal will look to assert their dominance against Wigan Athletic in a fixture that has historical significance for both clubs.
Monday night will conclude the round with Macclesfield taking on Brentford, providing the final chance for teams to secure their place in the next stage of the tournament.
Understanding the Changes in the FA Cup
Notably, the FA has decided to eliminate replays during the full rounds of the competition, a change that was implemented last season and has carried over into the current campaign. This decision adds an extra layer of urgency to the matches, as teams must secure a win to advance.
Looking Ahead to the Fifth Round
As the fourth round unfolds, attention will soon shift to the fifth-round draw, which is scheduled for Monday, February 16. Fans can catch the draw during the pre-match coverage of the Macclesfield versus Brentford game, available on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+.
With the excitement of the FA Cup in full swing, enthusiasts are gearing up for an unforgettable weekend of football. The stage is set, and the passion of the tournament continues to captivate fans across the nation.
Reviewed by: News Desk
Edited with AI assistance + Human research