The FA Cup Fourth Round concludes tonight with a historic “David vs. Goliath” encounter as National League North side Macclesfield FC hosts Premier League outfit Brentford at the Leasing.com Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:30 UTC (2:30 PM ET).
The Silkmen, currently competing in the sixth tier of English football, have become the talk of the tournament following their stunning 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace in the previous round. Managed by John Rooney, Macclesfield is aiming to become the first non-league side to eliminate two top-flight opponents in a single FA Cup campaign in the modern era.
Match Details & Broadcast
- Date: 16 February 2026
- Venue: Leasing.com Stadium (Moss Rose), Macclesfield
- Kick-off: 19:30 local time
- TV/Streaming: TNT Sports (UK), ESPN+ (USA), Sportsnet (Canada)
Head-to-Head History
While the modern “phoenix club” Macclesfield FC has never faced Brentford, the historical record against the original Macclesfield Town shows a remarkably balanced rivalry from their time in the lower leagues:
| Stat | Macclesfield (Historical) | Brentford |
|---|---|---|
| Total Wins | 2 | 2 |
| Draws | 0 | 0 |
| Last Meeting | 24 January 2009 (League Two) | |
Team News & Form
Macclesfield FC: The home side enters the match in formidable form at the Leasing.com Stadium, having won six consecutive home matches across all competitions. However, defensive concerns linger as they have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last six outings. The “Macc Attack” will rely heavily on the atmosphere of a sold-out Moss Rose to unsettle their Premier League visitors.
Brentford: Thomas Frank’s side travels north as heavy favourites. Despite the gap in the football pyramid, the Bees are expected to field a strong starting XI, with several key players returning from minor injuries. Brentford is looking to avoid the same fate as Crystal Palace and secure a safe passage to the Fifth Round, where the competition’s elite await.
Expert Predictions
Analysts and bookmakers heavily favour the Premier League side, with most score predictions landing on a 3-1 victory for Brentford. However, BBC Radio 5 Live co-commentator Chris Sutton noted the “magic of the cup” factor, highlighting Macclesfield’s resilience and the tactical discipline instilled by Rooney. While a Brentford win is the logical outcome, the heavy pitch and partisan crowd make this the primary “upset alert” of the round.