The 2024/25 FA Cup fourth‑round draw was unveiled moments after Arsenal’s 3‑2 loss to Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium, pairing several heavyweight clubs with eager underdogs. In the marquee fixtures, Manchester United will host Leicester City at Old Trafford, while Liverpool travels to Plymouth Argyle for a classic David‑vs‑Goliath showdown. The draw, announced on Sunday, sets the stage for 16 ties that will whittle the field ahead of the quarter‑finals.
The Draw Unfolds
Premier League leaders Liverpool were handed the shock of facing a club fighting for survival in the Championship. Managed by Miron Muslic, Plymouth Argyle have just said goodbye to former United forward Wayne Rooney, leaving the squad eager to prove they belong on the big stage. Muslic, who took the reins in March, told reporters, “We’ll give them a night they won’t forget – the fans deserve it, and we deserve a chance to write history.” Across the North, Manchester United entered the draw buoyed by a stunning victory over Arsenal. Managed by Ruben Amorim, the Red Devils will meet Leicester City, coached by former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy. The Dutch legend remarked, “Facing United at Old Trafford is a special occasion – it’s a full‑circle moment for me.”
Premier League Giants Face Lower‑League Opposition
Beyond the two headline clashes, Aston Villa will host Tottenham Hotspur at Villa Park, marking one of the few all‑top‑flight ties left in the round. Meanwhile, Manchester City, guided by Pep Guardiola, travel to either Leyton Orient or Derby County, pending their third‑round result. The possibility of City meeting a non‑Premier League side has fans imagining a repeat of that famous 2012 win over Crewe. Other fixtures see Brighton & Hove Albion host Chelsea, while Everton welcome Bournemouth in an all‑Premier League encounter. The lingering “or” fixtures – such as Leeds United’s unknown opponent (Millwall or Dagenham & Redbridge) – keep the full picture fluid, but the confirmed match‑ups already promise a roller‑coaster weekend.
Managerial Match‑ups and Storylines
The draw offers several intriguing managerial duels. Amorim’s United side, fresh off a tactical masterclass against Arsenal, will test van Nistelrooy’s Leicester, a team that has embraced a high‑pressing style under the former United star. As Amorim quipped in the post‑match press conference, “We love a good challenge, especially against someone who knows our culture from the inside.”
At Plymouth, Muslic faces the task of rallying a squad that lost its marquee signing – Rooney – just weeks ago. Yet his optimism mirrors the club’s historic cup spirit; Argyle last reached the FA Cup semi‑finals in 1984, and fans hope to echo those glory days.
Guardiola’s potential trip to a lower‑division ground also adds intrigue. The Catalan tactician, who has already managed at every tier of English football (albeit briefly with a youth side), might orchestrate another ‘giant‑killing’ by fielding a mixed lineup that blends experience with academy prospects.
Potential Upsets and Fan Reactions
Odds makers have already labeled the Liverpool‑Plymouth tie as a 10‑1 upset, but the FA Cup has a long tradition of defying expectations. In 2022, Tottenham knocked out Manchester City at the quarter‑final stage, and just last season, Sunderland stunned Brentford. The emotional weight of a cup match – fans chanting, stadium lights, the single‑elimination pressure – often levels the playing field. Social media lit up with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. A typical tweet from a Liverpool supporter read, “Can’t wait to see our lads at Home Park. If they win, it’s a statement before the title race tightens.” Meanwhile, a Plymouth fan posted, “It’s a dream. If we keep our heads, the world will see what Argyle football is all about.”
Looking Ahead: What Comes Next
With the fourth round scheduled for the weekend of 23‑24 February, clubs will have little time to rest. United will need to balance this cup tie with a Premier League clash against Newcastle on Saturday, while Liverpool must navigate a busy league itinerary that includes a title‑deciding match against Manchester City in March. The outcomes will shape the narrative for the rest of the season. A Leicester victory could reignite their push for a European spot, while a Villa‑Tottenham win might solidify Aston Villa’s claim as a rising force under manager Unai Emery. And if Plymouth pulls off a miracle, the story will dominate the national headlines, reminding everyone why the FA Cup remains England’s most beloved knockout competition.
- Manchester United vs Leicester City – Old Trafford
- Liverpool vs Plymouth Argyle – Home Park
- Aston Villa vs Tottenham Hotspur – Villa Park
- Manchester City vs Leyton Orient/Derby County – TBD
- Brighton & Hove Albion vs Chelsea – Falmer Stadium
Frequently Asked Questions
How could Plymouth Argyle realistically compete against Liverpool?
Plymouth’s advantage lies in home‑ground familiarity and a single‑match mindset. Muslic’s side will likely adopt a compact defensive shape, hit on the counter, and rely on set‑piece routines. Liverpool, juggling league commitments, may rotate some starters, giving the Argyle players a chance to exploit any lack of cohesion.
What does the Manchester United‑Leicester tie mean for the title race?
A win for United would add momentum ahead of their crucial league fixtures, while Leicester’s victory could boost their push for a top‑six finish. Both clubs know a cup win can be a morale‑boosting springboard, especially as the season tightens in March.
When will the fourth‑round matches be played?
All 16 fixtures are slated for the weekend of 23‑24 February 2025, with kickoff times ranging from 12:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT, depending on broadcasting arrangements.
Which lower‑league teams still have a chance to cause a giant‑killing?
Leyton Orient, Derby County, and Dagenham & Redbridge are among the clubs that could face Premier League opposition. Their recent cup runs show they can punch above their weight, especially when playing at home.
What are the financial implications of advancing in the FA Cup?
Each victory in the fourth round awards £125,000 in prize money, plus gate receipts and a share of broadcasting revenue. For clubs like Plymouth, a win could fund summer transfers and infrastructure upgrades.
So, United versus Leicester? That’s the headline we’ve all been waiting for!!!? I mean, who doesn’t love a mid‑week “David vs Goliath” that’s actually just two Premier League sides pretending to be underdogs???