The magic of the FA Cup was alive again. The noise. The dreams. The hope. Every year, this competition reminds English football why it is special. It does not matter if you are at the top of the Premier League or fighting in non-league football. Once your name is in the hat, anything can happen.
And now, all eyes were on the fifth round draw.
Big clubs like Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City were waiting to discover their fate. Smaller clubs were dreaming of another famous night. Fans across the country were refreshing their phones, checking social media, imagining the possible matchups.
Before the official draw, a simulated draw was created to give supporters an early taste of what could happen. And what it produced was drama, excitement, and the kind of ties that only the FA Cup can give.
The fourth round had already delivered shocks and storylines.
One of the biggest stories came from Macclesfield. The non-league side, playing in the National League North, had stunned everyone by knocking out Crystal Palace, the holders of the competition. Palace were expected to cruise through. Instead, they were sent home in shock.
Related Posts:
Goals from Paul Dawson and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts wrote their names into FA Cup history. It was described as one of the biggest upsets the competition has ever seen. Macclesfield, playing at the Leasing.com Stadium, had shown no fear. They fought for every ball. They believed. And they were rewarded.
Now, they were one step away from another dream tie.
But before that could happen, they still had to face Brentford. The Premier League side travelled to Macclesfield full of respect and caution. In the FA Cup, reputations mean nothing if you do not perform on the day.
While Macclesfield were making headlines, other clubs were quietly doing their job.
Chelsea had no problems against Hull City. It was a comfortable night. The Blues controlled the game and showed their quality. There were no surprises. Just professional work.
Wrexham, the Hollywood-backed club that has captured the imagination of fans worldwide, also progressed. They beat Ipswich Town in an exciting clash at the Racecourse Ground. The atmosphere was electric. Wrexham’s journey continues to inspire their supporters, and now they found themselves in the hat for the fifth round.
Mansfield Town produced another shock. After already eliminating Sheffield United in the previous round, they travelled to Burnley and knocked out another Premier League side. It was brave. It was fearless. And it proved that this was not luck. Mansfield were serious.
Meanwhile, the giants handled their business.
Arsenal defeated Wigan Athletic without drama. Liverpool got past Brighton. Manchester City comfortably beat Salford City. For the big teams, the message was clear: no mistakes, no shocks, no headlines for the wrong reasons.
But the beauty of the FA Cup is that the headlines can change quickly.
One match was postponed. Port Vale’s clash with Bristol City had to be delayed because of bad weather. It was quickly rearranged for early March. That meant one place in the hat still depended on that fixture.
As Monday night approached, excitement grew.
The real draw would be shown live on TNT Sports before Macclesfield faced Brentford. Darren Fletcher and Ally McCoist were set to host the show. Two former England stars, Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole, would conduct the draw, picking out the 16 balls that would decide the next chapter of this year’s competition.
But before that official moment, the simulated draw created its own talking points.
Liverpool were drawn at home to Norwich City. On paper, it looked favourable for the Reds. But cup games are never simple. Norwich would see it as an opportunity to shock one of the giants. Anfield under the lights in the FA Cup is always special, but it can also bring pressure.
Wrexham were handed a blockbuster tie against Chelsea. A Hollywood story meets a Premier League powerhouse. The Racecourse Ground would be rocking. For Wrexham, it would be a dream. For Chelsea, it would be a test of focus and professionalism.
Mansfield’s reward for beating Burnley? A home tie against Manchester City.
Field Mill would welcome the champions. Pep Guardiola’s side would travel knowing they cannot underestimate their opponents. Mansfield had already shown they can beat top-flight teams. One more shock, and they would enter FA Cup folklore forever.
Arsenal were paired with Leeds United. A historic fixture. Two big clubs with passionate fans. The Emirates Stadium would host a match full of intensity. Leeds would not be afraid. Arsenal would know the danger.
Sunderland were drawn against Wolves in an all-Premier League encounter. It would guarantee one top-flight team eliminated. In cup football, those clashes often produce tight, tactical battles.
Southampton faced Fulham. Another strong tie. Both teams would believe they have a real chance to reach the quarter-finals.
Port Vale or Bristol City were drawn against Newcastle United. Depending on who progressed, Newcastle could face a tricky away day. St James’ Park fans would hope for a kind draw, but the FA Cup rarely follows simple scripts.
Finally, Macclesfield or Brentford were drawn against West Ham. If Macclesfield beat Brentford, it would mean facing a third Premier League side in a row. From Crystal Palace to Brentford to West Ham. The dream would continue.
The simulated draw gave fans something to debate. Social media exploded with predictions. Could Mansfield really beat Manchester City? Could Wrexham shock Chelsea? Would Liverpool cruise past Norwich? Would Arsenal handle Leeds comfortably?
Of course, it was only a simulation. The real draw would decide the truth. But even imagining these ties was enough to remind everyone why this competition is loved.
The FA Cup is not just about trophies. It is about stories.
It is about small clubs dreaming of giant killings. It is about Premier League stars playing on tight pitches in front of passionate local supporters. It is about history, tradition, and unexpected heroes.
For Manchester City, the goal is clear. They want another trophy. Pep Guardiola demands perfection. Against lower-league opposition, there is no excuse. But the deeper the competition goes, the harder it becomes. Every mistake can end the journey.
Liverpool see the FA Cup as part of their identity. The club has a proud history in the competition. Winning it again would add to their legacy. But first, they must avoid complacency.
Arsenal also value this trophy deeply. Their record in the FA Cup is legendary. Every time they enter the competition, there is expectation. Fans remember past glories. They want more.
For clubs like Mansfield, Wrexham and Macclesfield, the FA Cup is something else entirely.
It is hope.
It is money for the club.
It is exposure.
It is memories that will last forever.
When Mansfield walked off the pitch at Burnley as winners, their supporters knew they were witnessing something special. When Macclesfield eliminated Crystal Palace, their players became local heroes overnight.
And now, one more draw stands between them and another historic night.
The official draw will take place before the Brentford match. Sixteen balls. Eight ties. Simple. But behind each ball is a city, a group of players, thousands of fans holding their breath.
March is not far away. The fifth round ties are scheduled for the weekend beginning 7 March. That means preparation will start immediately once the draw is confirmed.
Managers will study opponents. Fans will plan travel. Ticket sales will explode. Stadiums will prepare for huge crowds.
The FA Cup does not care about budgets or reputation. It only cares about what happens on the pitch.
That is why every draw feels important.
That is why fans love simulations, predictions, and debates.
Because in this competition, dreams are never impossible.
Will Manchester City continue their dominance?
Will Liverpool march forward?
Will Arsenal add another chapter to their proud history?
Or will a smaller club write the story of the season?
The fifth round draw will give the next clue.
Until then, the imagination runs wild.
