FA Cup fourth round: Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City, Chelsea, Newcastle and more in action this weekend
Saturday’s fourth-round drama produced several statement wins and set up a mouth-watering Sunday schedule. Big-name teams progressed while a handful of shocks underlined the competition’s threat to the form book. Here’s what to expect across the remaining ties this weekend and the key storylines heading into Monday night.
Saturday’s headline results — momentum and warnings
Premier League heavyweights largely avoided slip-ups on Saturday. Liverpool delivered a convincing 3-0 victory over Brighton, asserting control in a cup tie that might otherwise have invited complacency. Manchester City eased past Salford City 2-0 to book their place in the next round, while Chelsea opened the fourth-round weekend with a commanding 4-0 win at Hull on Friday.
Newcastle grabbed a notable 3-1 win at Aston Villa, emphasising their appetite for silverware this season. Norwich overcame West Brom 3-1, and Southampton edged Leicester after extra time in a tie that went down to the wire. There were reminders that the Cup can bite: Burnley were eliminated by League Two Mansfield Town, a result that underlines how seriously lower-league sides approach these fixtures.
Non-league and lower-league pride continues to be a theme; Wrexham’s 1-0 win over Ipswich showed the unpredictability that makes this competition compelling, while Burton’s narrow extra-time loss to West Ham was another tight encounter that demanded full focus from the top-flight visitors.
Sunday’s fixtures to watch and what’s at stake
Sunday brings a concentrated slate of ties with clear storylines. Birmingham City host Leeds United at 12: 00 PM ET. Leeds arrive in encouraging form under Daniel Farke — a run with just two defeats in 13 league matches has steadied them in the top flight — but Birmingham are unbeaten in eight and sit comfortably in the Championship, meaning this is far from a routine cup outing for the visitors. Leeds have a long history of being drawn away in the competition, and that trend continues to pose an upset risk.
At 1: 30 PM ET, Grimsby Town host Wolves at Blundell Park. This is a classic Cup clash of stark contrasts: Grimsby, riding a nine-game unbeaten run in League Two and famous this season for giant-killing in the cups, will welcome Wolves to a pitch described as difficult after a recent midweek win left the surface in poor condition. Wolves arrive with little else to play for domestically and will hope a Cup run can salvage momentum, but the conditions and Grimsby’s form make this far from a straightforward trip.
Oxford United meet Sunderland at 2: 00 PM ET in a replay of a previous Kassam Stadium meeting when Oxford claimed a 2-0 win. Sunderland have since climbed to the Premier League and are now favourites on paper, but Oxford’s domestic struggles and Sunderland’s contrasting league fortunes add a tactical subplot to this encounter. Also kicking off at 2: 00 PM ET, Stoke City host Fulham in a tie that tests whether Stoke can harness home advantage against a Premier League opponent.
Arsenal conclude Sunday’s action at 4: 30 PM ET with a trip to face Wigan. The Gunners will be looking to avoid any complacency against a side that has history in this competition; Wigan’s past success at big moments is a reminder that Cup nights can produce surprises.
Looking ahead: Monday night and wider implications
One final fourth-round fixture completes the weekend when Macclesfield host Brentford at 7: 30 PM ET on Monday. Beyond progression, these matches carry implications for squad management and momentum. Premier League clubs must balance league demands with Cup ambition, while lower-league sides see the competition as a platform for financial rewards and prestige.
For fans and neutrals, the fourth round continues to deliver a mix of controlled favourites and genuine upset potential. From big scorers in dominant wins to mud-splattered pitches that favour underdogs, the weekend promises both narrative-rich ties and vital preparation for the busy calendar ahead.
