The FA Cup fourth round kicked off with an exciting clash between Manchester United and Leicester City, setting the stage for 16 thrilling ties over five action-packed days. With the elimination of replays, all games are now decided on the day, promising intense competition and high stakes for every team involved. In case of a draw after 90 minutes, extra time and penalty shootouts will determine the victor, adding an extra layer of drama to the tournament. BBC Sport will provide extensive coverage of all 16 fixtures, ensuring fans don’t miss a moment of the excitement.
### Standout Matches of the Fourth Round
As the FA Cup progresses, some underdog stories and high-profile clashes have emerged, captivating audiences and showcasing the magic of the cup. Doncaster Rovers, a League Two club, continue their impressive run after defeating Championship side Hull City in the third round. They now face Premier League team Crystal Palace in a highly anticipated match on Monday, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the competition. Leyton Orient, currently sixth in League One, will host defending Premier League champions Manchester City in a showdown set for Saturday afternoon, a game that will be broadcast live on BBC One.
Other exciting matchups include Birmingham City taking on Newcastle United, Exeter City facing Nottingham Forest, and Wigan Athletic, the 2013 winners, squaring off against Fulham. Liverpool, the Premier League leaders, will travel to face Plymouth Argyle, while Coventry City, managed by the legendary Frank Lampard, will welcome Premier League side Ipswich for what promises to be a thrilling encounter. The fourth round also features four all-Premier League ties, with Tottenham Hotspur challenging Aston Villa in a battle to advance to the next stage of the competition.
### Which Matches Will the BBC Show Live on TV?
BBC will broadcast five of the 16 matches live across its platforms, providing fans with front-row seats to some of the most exciting games of the round. Viewers can catch the action on BBC One and the iPlayer, with Leyton Orient vs. Manchester City and Newcastle vs. Birmingham scheduled for Saturday. Blackburn vs. Wolves will be live on the iPlayer on Sunday, followed by Aston Villa vs. Tottenham on BBC One.
Doncaster Rovers’ clash with Crystal Palace on Monday will be available on the iPlayer, allowing fans to follow the journey of the lower-league club as they aim to secure a spot in the fifth round. Additionally, a highlights program featuring all the goals, expert analysis, and key talking points will air on BBC One and the iPlayer on Saturday night, ensuring that fans don’t miss any of the exciting moments from the fourth round matches.
### What Other Games Are on TV?
In addition to BBC’s coverage, ITV will showcase four games during the FA Cup fourth round, including Chelsea’s trip to Brighton, Plymouth vs. Liverpool, and Exeter City vs. Nottingham Forest. Football enthusiasts can tune in to ITV to catch these thrilling matchups and witness the drama unfold as teams battle for a coveted spot in the next round of the competition.
As the FA Cup enters its crucial stages, fans can stay updated on all the action by visiting the BBC Sport website for live text commentary and updates from all 16 fourth-round matches. With in-depth coverage on BBC local radio and live commentaries on BBC Radio 5 Live, 5 Sports Extra, and the BBC Sport website, football enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the excitement of the tournament and follow their favorite teams as they vie for glory.
The fifth-round draw will take place during Monday’s episode of The One Show on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with former England winger Theo Walcott conducting the draw. Stay tuned to discover the matchups that will define the next phase of the FA Cup journey and witness the magic of the cup unfold before your eyes.
