Fri Feb 07 20:20:00 UTC 2025: **FA Cup Fourth Round Kicks Off with Star-Studded Matchups**

LONDON — The FA Cup fourth round is underway, featuring a captivating clash between holders Manchester United and Leicester City, managed by former United star Ruud van Nistelrooy, who famously scored twice in the 2004 final. This is just one of sixteen exciting ties spread over five days, with at least four more Premier League teams set to be eliminated. The introduction of a no-replay format adds to the drama, with extra time and penalties deciding any drawn matches.

The round boasts several enticing matchups, including:

* **David vs. Goliath encounters:** League Two’s Doncaster Rovers, fresh off a third-round upset of Championship side Hull City, face Premier League Crystal Palace. League One’s Leyton Orient take on Premier League champions Manchester City, while other League One teams face top-flight opposition, including Birmingham City against Newcastle United, Exeter City against Nottingham Forest, and Wigan Athletic against Fulham.

* **All-Premier League showdowns:** Four Premier League teams will battle it out, with the highlight being Tottenham’s trip to Aston Villa, potentially featuring Villa’s new signing Marcus Rashford. Other Premier League clashes include Liverpool versus Plymouth Argyle, and Coventry City against Ipswich Town.

The BBC will broadcast five matches live across its platforms, including Manchester City vs Leyton Orient, Newcastle vs Birmingham City, and Aston Villa vs Tottenham. ITV will also provide coverage of several games. Extensive radio coverage will also be available on BBC Radio 5 Live and other platforms. The fifth-round draw will be conducted on Monday’s episode of The One Show.

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