If you love English football, the FA Cup fourth round is one of the most exciting weeks of the season. It’s the stage where Premier League giants meet hungry lower‑league sides, and upsets happen every year. Below you’ll find the dates, the matchups, how to catch the games live, and a few pointers on what to watch for.
The fourth‑round ties are played over a weekend in early February. The draw usually lands on a Wednesday, and the clubs learn their opponents the same day. This year you’ll see big names like Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal take on clubs from the Championship and League One. Expect at least two giant‑killing stories – that’s what makes the FA Cup special.
Here’s a quick look at the lineup:
Kick‑off times range from 12:30 pm to 7:45 pm GMT, so you can plan a day of football without missing a single match.
Most of the fourth‑round games are on free‑to‑air TV in the UK – BBC One, BBC Two or ITV. If you’re outside the UK, the BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub stream the matches live, but you’ll need a VPN to bypass regional blocks. For mobile viewers, the official FA Cup app offers live commentary and highlights.
What makes this round tick? Two things: squad rotation and motivation. Top‑flight clubs often rest key players, giving younger talent a chance to shine. Meanwhile, lower‑league sides field their strongest XI, hoping to knock a giant out of the competition. Keep an eye on tactical changes, early goals, and any red‑card drama – they can flip the game in minutes.If you’re placing a bet, consider the home advantage and recent form more than just the league standing. A Championship side playing at home against a rotated Premier League squad can be a bargain.
After the matches, the winners move on to the fifth round, where the draw gets even tighter and the stakes rise. The FA Cup winner also secures a Europa League spot, so the excitement doesn’t stop here.
Bottom line: the FA Cup fourth round delivers drama, surprise and plenty of football to watch. Mark your calendar, set up your streaming, and enjoy the chaos. Whether you’re cheering for a giant or rooting for a underdog, this round has something for every fan.
