The draw for the fourth round of the FA Cup is complete and Premier League giants Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City have found out who they will be facing next month
The FA Cup’s fourth-round draw has set the stage for an exhilarating weekend of football, with major Premier League clubs discovering their next opponents in their pursuit of one of the most coveted trophies in English football. Holders Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester City headline the lineup as they gear up for challenging fixtures.
Manchester United Host Leicester in a Blockbuster Clash
Holders Manchester United, fresh off a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Arsenal in the third round, will host Leicester City at Old Trafford. Manager Ruben Amorim will be eager to keep the Red Devils’ title defense alive, building on their impressive display against Arsenal despite going down to ten men after Diogo Dalot’s red card. Leicester, no strangers to FA Cup success themselves, are poised to test United’s resilience.
Liverpool Travel to Plymouth Argyle
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool face League One side Plymouth Argyle, who will be eager to cause an upset. The Reds, having navigated their way past lower-league opposition in previous years, know the importance of maintaining focus against underdog opponents. Klopp’s squad depth will likely play a crucial role as Liverpool aim to balance domestic and European commitments.
Chelsea Set for a Brighton Showdown
Chelsea will lock horns with Brighton in a thrilling all-Premier League encounter. The Blues, buoyed by a dominant 5-0 victory over Morecambe in the third round, will face a stern test against Brighton, who have established themselves as a formidable side under manager Roberto De Zerbi. Both teams are expected to field strong lineups, making this one of the round’s marquee matches.
Manchester City Eye Progress Against Leyton Orient or Derby
Runners-up last season, Manchester City await the winner of the replay between Leyton Orient and Derby County. Pep Guardiola’s men, known for their ruthlessness in cup competitions, will look to avoid any slip-ups as they aim for another deep Cup run. Regardless of their opponent, City will enter the tie as overwhelming favorites.
Tottenham Edge Past Tamworth to Face Aston Villa
Tottenham Hotspur survived a scare against non-league side Tamworth, eventually winning 3-0 in extra time. They now face Aston Villa in what promises to be a tightly contested match. Villa, under Unai Emery, have shown remarkable consistency this season and will be keen to make a statement against Spurs.
Dagenham and Redbridge Represent Non-League Hopes
With Tamworth’s exit, Dagenham and Redbridge remain the only non-league side in the competition. They face Millwall in a third-round tie, with the winner set to host Leeds United in the fourth round. Non-league teams have historically provided the FA Cup’s most magical moments, and Dagenham will hope to continue that tradition.
Other Key Fixtures
- Brighton vs Chelsea: A clash between two ambitious Premier League sides promises fireworks.
- Exeter City vs Nottingham Forest: Forest, currently fighting for survival in the Premier League, face an Exeter side eyeing a giant-killing.
- Everton vs Bournemouth: Everton’s managerial situation adds intrigue as they host Bournemouth in a critical tie.
- Birmingham City vs Newcastle United: Newcastle, enjoying a resurgence under Eddie Howe, will look to avoid a potential banana skin against Birmingham.
- Southampton or Swansea vs Burnley: Championship leaders Burnley await the winner of the replay, with Vincent Kompany’s men eyeing silverware.
Reactions from Managers
Ruben Amorim, Manchester United’s manager, emphasized the importance of focus. “The FA Cup holds a special place for this club. Our game against Leicester will be challenging, but we are ready to give everything to continue our defense,” Amorim stated.
Arne Slot expressed caution ahead of Liverpool’s tie with Plymouth. “These are the games where focus is key. Plymouth will play with great determination, and we must match their intensity,” said Slot.
Pep Guardiola, while confident, urged his players not to underestimate any opponent. “The FA Cup is unique, and surprises can happen. We must prepare as if we’re facing the strongest team,” Guardiola noted.
The draw for the #EmiratesFACup fourth round is complete
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) January 12, 2025
Key Dates and Broadcast Information
The fourth-round fixtures are scheduled for the weekend of February 8, with TV broadcast schedules expected to be announced soon. Fans can anticipate thrilling matchups as the journey to Wembley continues.
The FA Cup, renowned for its unpredictability and drama, has once again set the stage for an action-packed round. As Premier League giants face off against underdogs and formidable foes, the magic of the cup promises to deliver unforgettable moments.
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