Nine clubs have secured their place in the FA Cup fifth round following a weekend of memorable fixtures across England. The victory for Liverpool over Brighton on Saturday night completed the lineup for the last 16 of this season’s competition, joining a mix of Premier League heavyweights and lower-league hopefuls.
The progression was confirmed over Friday and Saturday. On Friday, Wrexham and Chelsea became the first two teams to book their passage. Their success was mirrored by seven more sides on Saturday. Manchester City advanced with a 2-0 home win against Salford City, goals from Ait-Nouri and Marc Guehi sealing the result at the Etihad Stadium. West Ham United required extra time to overcome Burton Albion, with substitute Crysencio Summerville netting the decisive goal.
Newcastle United also progressed, seeing off a ten-man Aston Villa side at Villa Park. The day concluded with Liverpool delivering a commanding 3-0 away performance against Brighton & Hove Albion, ensuring their continued presence in the tournament. These results mean Premier League representation remains strong in the fifth round, though the story of Mansfield Town’s continued run from League Two provides a classic FA Cup narrative.
The stage is now set for Sunday’s fourth-round ties, where four more places will be decided. Arsenal will host Wigan Athletic, while Fulham travel to Stoke City. Oxford United, from League One, welcome Sunderland, and Wolverhampton Wanderers face a trip to Grimsby Town. These matches will finalize the complete fifth-round draw.
Reaching the fifth round marks a significant milestone in the world’s oldest football cup competition. For top-flight clubs, it maintains a tangible shot at silverware, while for teams from lower divisions, it represents an opportunity for a famous cup run and substantial financial reward. The next round will feature a blend of established powerhouses and determined underdogs, a dynamic central to the FA Cup’s enduring appeal. The draw for the fifth round will be made following Sunday’s results, setting the stage for the quarter-final race.
