Why You Should Expect Plenty Of FA Cup Fourth Round Upsets
If the FA Cup had suffered a dip in interest in recent seasons, Macclesfield reminded everybody of the competition's romance in the third round.
The National League North side, who were 11/1 to win in 90 minutes, knocked holders Crystal Palace out with a stunning 2-1 win at Moss Rose.
A total of 117 places separated the two sides - the biggest gap in the history of the FA Cup, and the Silkmen's reward for that historic upset is another home tie against another Premier League side - Brentford.
There are 114 places between the two sides and the tie has been scheduled for Monday night to bring the curtain down on the fourth-round ties.
The Panel look at the potential upsets on the cards this weekend.
Hull City Vs Chelsea, Friday 7.45pm
Former Hull City defender and manager Liam Rosenior returns to the MKM Stadium with his Chelsea side, hoping to avoid a cup upset.
Rosenior has won seven of the 10 league and cup games he has been in charge of the Blues, but they face a tough trip to East Yorkshire.
Hull City's Best Odds:
To Win In 90 Minutes | To Qualify |
11/1 | 6/1 |
Sergej Jakirovic's Hull City are fourth in the Championship, and they have done very well in games where they have very little possession, which will be the case against the Club World Cup champions.
Burton Vs West Ham, Saturday 12.15pm
League One strugglers Burton Albion host Saturday's first tie of the day, against a West Ham side who have much bigger fish to fry this season.
The FA Cup is a welcome distraction for the Hammers, who are 18th in the Premier League and in a relegation battle.
The same applies to Burton, who are 21st in League One, but this is a chance to forget their league woes and hope to take advantage of what is expected to be a weakened West Ham side.
Burton Albion's Best Odds:
If there is to be a shock at the Pirelli Stadium, expect to see a lot of headlines about West Ham's cup hopes going for a Burton.
Burnley Vs Mansfield, Saturday 3pm
Many believe Burnley's days in the Premier League are numbered, sitting 19th and nine points from safety with 12 matches remaining.
Mansfield enter this tie in the relatively safe position of 12th in League One, seven points clear of the bottom four and 10 points off the play-off places.
Mansfield's Best Odds:
After eliminating Sheffield United in the previous round, Nigel Clough's Stags are looking to dump Scott Parker's side out of the competition.
Manchester City Vs Salford, Saturday 3pm
Most of the build-up to Salford's trip to the Etihad Stadium will focus on the members of Manchester United's Class of '92, who own the League Two club, including Sir David Beckham and Gary Neville.
Salford are well placed to finish the season in League Two's play-off places, despite losing two of their last three league outings to Chesterfield and Accrington.
Salford City's Best Odds:
City smashed 10 goals in the last round against League One outfit Exeter, so Salford have been warned.
Looking forward to the challenge 👀
— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) February 12, 2026
Ryan Graydon spoke ahead of Saturday's @EmiratesFACup fixture against Manchester City 🗣️https://t.co/d61j5iliF0 pic.twitter.com/agwlAAFExM
Birmingham Vs Leeds, Sunday 12pm
If Saturday doesn't produce any cup upsets, then surely Sunday will, as Birmingham host Leeds in the first tie of the day.
Birmingham would love to give their American owners a day out at Wembley and they will fancy their chances against Leeds who don't need to be distracted by a cup run.
Birmingham City's Best Odds:
Leeds side are just six points clear of the Premier League's relegation zone and staying in the top flight is the only priority for manager Daniel Farke.
Grimsby Town Vs Wolves, Sunday 1.30pm
Before Macclesfield's antics in the last round, Grimsby had the honour of pulling off the biggest cup shock in English football this season.
The Mariners knocked Manchester United out of the Carabao Cup earlier this season, so beating the Premier League's basement side is well within their grasp.
Grimsby Town's Best Odds:
The short odds suggests that betting sites believe Blundell Park could witness another upset this campaign.
The FA have deployed an inflatable cover to help protect the Blundell Park pitch ahead of Sunday’s game against Wolves.
— Grimsby Town F.C. (@officialgtfc) February 12, 2026
With the fixture set for live broadcast, the covers provide maximum protection for the surface below and support efforts to ensure the game goes ahead as… pic.twitter.com/VWErhJ0euk
Oxford United Vs Sunderland, Sunday 2pm
Of the three promoted sides to the Premier League, Sunderland have performed the best and with a 12-point cushion over the three sides at the bottom of the table, are expected to stay up.
A trip to Oxford shouldn't cause too many concerns for Regis Le Bris, as the home side are fighting for their lives at the bottom of the Championship.
Oxford United's Best Odds:
To Win In 90 Minutes | To Qualify |
17/4 | 12/5 |
Stoke City Vs Fulham, Sunday 2pm
Mark Robins has a rich history with the FA Cup, scoring the goal that is believed to have kept Sir Alex Ferguson in his job as Manchester United manager in 1990.
Both these sides are in comfortable positions in their respective leagues, so there is no reason why they can't both take this tie seriously.
Stoke City's Best Odds:
Arsenal Vs Wigan, Sunday 4.30pm
Arsenal are still involved in all four competitions and an historic quadruple is still within their grasp.
Defeat at home to Wigan, who appear to be heading to League Two, is unthinkable even if Gunners boss Mikel Arteta rests his entire first choice XI.
Wigan Athletic's Best Odds:
Macclesfield Vs Brentford, Monday 7.30pm
Macclesfield will hope lightning can strike twice when they welcome Brentford to their Moss Rose ground.
The Bees will be aware of how the Silkmen took care of holders Palace in the third round.
Macclesfield's Best Odds:
Which tie do you think has the best chance of a cup upset this weekend? Let us know in the comments box below!
