In a thrilling FA Cup encounter, football enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the clash between the ascendant National League North team, Macclesfield, and the formidable Premier League contender, Brentford. Macclesfield, dubbed 'The Silkmen', enters this high-stakes match with remarkable momentum, having clinched victory in six of their recent seven league games and showcasing an impressive offensive display with 22 goals. Their journey in this competition has already been etched into history, highlighted by their stunning triumph over Crystal Palace in the third round, marking the FA Cup's most significant upset based on league standings. Brentford, currently occupying a commendable seventh place in the Premier League, is determined to navigate this challenging fixture and secure their spot in the fifth round, a feat they've achieved only once in the past 19 seasons. This match promises to be a captivating spectacle of underdog ambition against top-tier prowess.
FA Cup Fourth Round: Macclesfield Faces Brentford in Crucial Tie
On Monday, February 16, 2026, at 19:30 GMT, the Leasing.com Stadium in Macclesfield will host a pivotal FA Cup fourth-round match between Macclesfield and Brentford. The match referee will be Darren England, and notably, VAR will not be in operation for this fixture.
Team Updates:
Macclesfield: The Silkmen's manager, John Rooney, will be without key forward Danny Elliott due to a knee injury. Midfielder Josh Kay is also suspended after accumulating too many yellow cards. Macclesfield's offensive hopes will rest on the shoulders of D'Mani Mellor, who boasts an impressive record of seven goals in his last seven appearances, and former Manchester City academy talent, Isaac Buckley-Ricketts.
Brentford: Brentford's coach, Keith Andrews, is expected to rotate his squad following a demanding Premier League schedule. Star player Igor Thiago is anticipated to be rested, potentially opening the door for 19-year-old Kaye Furo to make his debut. Captain Nathan Collins might return to the starting lineup after being an unused substitute in recent games. Kevin Schade remains sidelined due to suspension, while Fábio Carvalho, Antoni Milambo, and Josh Dasilva are still recovering from long-term injuries.
Recent Performance:
Macclesfield: The Silkmen have transformed their home ground, Moss Rose, into an impregnable fortress, securing 33 out of a possible 48 points this season. Remarkably, they have won three consecutive FA Cup matches this term. A victory tonight would make them the first team since Rangers in 1886 to win four matches in their debut season from the first round. Their attack remains potent, averaging over three goals per game in their last seven league encounters.
Brentford: Despite being strong favorites, Brentford faces a tricky non-league challenge. Historically, top-flight teams have advanced in 26 out of 28 FA Cup fourth-round ties against non-league opposition. This will be Brentford’s inaugural FA Cup match against a non-league side as a top-tier club. Despite a rigorous schedule, Brentford has demonstrated defensive solidity, keeping a clean sheet in their 2–0 third-round victory over Sheffield Wednesday.
Anticipated Starting Lineups:
Macclesfield's probable XI: Dearnley; Fensome, Menayese, Heathcote, Lacey; Edmondson, Dawson, Duffy, Buckley-Ricketts; Bughail-Mellor, Mellor.
Brentford's probable XI: Valdimarsson; Hickey, Collins, Pinnock, Henry; Yarmolyuk, Henderson, Damsgaard; Donovan, Furo, Nelson.
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate, with coverage commencing at 19:00 GMT.
This FA Cup encounter represents more than just a football match; it's a testament to the enduring magic of the tournament, where dreams are forged and giants can be humbled. For Macclesfield, it's an opportunity to further cement their place in football history, demonstrating that passion and grit can transcend league divisions. For Brentford, it's a critical test of their focus and professionalism, needing to avoid complacency against a highly motivated opponent. The contrasting journeys of these two clubs converge on the pitch, reminding us that in football, anything is possible. It’s a narrative of resilience, ambition, and the timeless allure of the underdog, providing an exciting spectacle for fans worldwide and underscoring the unpredictable nature of cup football.