The Emirates FA Cup is back this weekend, with the fourth round proper on the way.
Ahead of the action, here are five stories developing across the competition to keep an eye out for.
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The journey continues
Macclesfield’s 2-1 win over holders Crystal Palace in the third round goes down as one of the greatest shocks in FA Cup history with 117 league places separating the two teams. And the National League North side continue their astounding journey in this season’s competition with a home tie against Brentford on Monday night.
The Silkmen – managed by John Rooney, younger brother of former FA Cup winner Wayne Rooney – could make further history by becoming the first non-League team in over a century to knock out two top-flight teams in a single season.
Macclesfield saw off Crystal Palace in the third round proper
Familiar territory
Having got off to a winning start in charge of the Blues, Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior returns to his old stomping ground this weekend when the Premier League side travel to Hull City.
Rosenior – who played for the club between 2010 and 2015, clocking over 160 appearances before going on to manage the Tigers between 2022 and 2024 – made it to the FA Cup final with Hull in 2013-14 when they were eventually beaten by Arsenal under the famous arch to finish as runners-up.
Chelsea’s Liam Rosenior took charge of his first game against Charlton Athletic
A first-ever meeting
Saturday’s action gets underway at Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium as the Brewers welcome top tier opposition West Ham United to Staffordshire, looking to cause an upset.
As it happens, the League One side have never come up against the Hammers before in any competition, with Burton – who have overcome Brackley Town and Boreham Wood in this season’s competition en route to the fourth round – becoming the 150th different team West Ham – whose journey began with a win over QPR last time out – have faced in a competitive fixture.
On the road again
Another away tie is on the cards for Leeds United this weekend as they make the trip to Birmingham City. And it certainly isn’t the first time the Whites have hit the road in the FA Cup.
Leeds – who have won the competition previously in 1972, beating Arsenal in the final at the old Wembley Stadium – have been now drawn away from home in 37 of their 47 FA Cup ties, including 16 of their last 19 which includes this tie.
Repeat performance
In another match-up between a Premier League and an EFL team, Arsenal host Wigan Athletic in a replay of the 2013-14 semi-final. The Latics, who lifted the trophy the season prior in 2012-13, were knocked out by the Gunners.
Arsenal beat Wigan Athletic on penalties in the 2013-14 FA Cup semi-final
It ended 1-1 at Wembley Stadium in April 2014 with Arsenal winning 4-2 on penalties and over a decade on, this weekend’s tie will take place at the Emirates Stadium with League One side Wigan having beaten Hemel Hempstead Town, Barrow and Preston North End so far in this season’s competition while Arsenal comfortably saw off Portsmouth in the third round.
