Arsenal Battle to Save Quadruple Dreams as FA Cup Fourth Round Beckons

The FA Cup once more delivered a powerful reminder that football's romantic spirit remains alive and well, with the tournament's enchanting nature showing itself prominently during the third round.

The story of Macclesfield's stunning victory over defending champions Crystal Palace will surely be recounted throughout Cheshire for generations, and this sixth-tier English club will now face another modest Premier League side from London with a place in the fifth round on the line.

The FA Cup doesn't hesitate to spring into action before the final stages, and another captivating day of matches awaits, as the underdogs and outsiders strive to etch their names into both local and national football history.

Below are Sports Illustrated's forecasts for the second set of FA Cup fourth-round matches, featuring detailed analysis of several prominent encounters.

Birmingham City vs. Leeds United

Birmingham City vs. Leeds United

Birmingham City will pause their Championship promotion campaign to clash with Premier League side Leeds United.

Momentum might be the deciding factor in this encounter. Birmingham are experiencing an excellent campaign in England's second division and remain unbeaten across their previous eight matches, despite occasionally settling for draws rather than victories. Leeds, conversely, find themselves dangerously close to a relegation struggle in the top division.

Given Leeds' focus on other objectives, a heavily rotated lineup could provide Birmingham with the opportunity to kick off the day with a surprise result.

Prediction: Birmingham 2–1 Leeds

Arsenal vs. Wigan Athletic

Arsenal vs. Wigan Athletic

Wigan Athletic's circumstances mean this marks their first encounter with the Premier League table-toppers since they were heartbreakingly defeated on spot-kicks by Arsenal in the 2013–14 FA Cup semi-final.

Wigan have become famous for cup giant-killings this century, though Manchester City typically bear the brunt of their underdog heroics. The Gunners nearly fell victim 12 years ago, but they maintained their composure in the penalty shootout before defeating Hull City in the final, concluding an almost ten-year trophy drought.

Mikel Arteta's present roster boasts impressive depth, and the Spanish manager will certainly choose extensive squad rotation when the struggling League One side visits the Emirates on Sunday afternoon. Arsenal handled their business efficiently against Portsmouth in the third round, and they're expected to avoid any cup magic this weekend.

Prediction: Arsenal 4–0 Wigan

FA Cup 4th Round Predictions

FA Cup 4th Round Predictions

Sandwiched between those two Sunday matches, Grimsby Town welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers, Sunderland travel to face Oxford United, and Stoke City entertain Fulham at the bet365 Stadium.

Macclesfield versus Brentford was scheduled to conclude this round's fixtures, but Port Vale's clash with Bristol City was delayed on Saturday due to a waterlogged playing surface. That match has been rearranged for early March.