Brentford Aim to Advance in FA Cup Against Macclesfield
Brentford are set to face Macclesfield in a fourth-round FA Cup encounter on Monday evening, seeking to sidestep the fate of numerous other teams felled by the competition’s renowned giant-killers. The Premier League side enters the match riding a wave of positive momentum, having climbed into the top seven of the league table. This ascent is underpinned by strong performances, including a recent 1-1 draw against league leaders Arsenal.
The team’s journey to this stage began with a convincing 2-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday in the third round, a result orchestrated by manager Keith Andrews. A win against Macclesfield would represent a significant milestone for Brentford, marking only the second time in nearly two decades that they’ve reached the fifth round of the competition. Notably, a considerable disparity exists between the two clubs, with 122 league places separating them.
Team Selection and Injury Updates for Brentford
Manager Keith Andrews faces a challenging schedule, necessitating strategic player rotation within the squad. To safeguard the fitness of key players, talisman Igor Thiago is expected to feature among the substitutes. This tactical decision opens the door for 19-year-old Kaye Furo to spearhead the attack, potentially marking his professional debut.
Several other personnel changes are anticipated. Nathan Collins returns to the defensive lineup after a period on the bench, partnering with Ethan Pinnock to form a robust central defensive pairing. However, Kevin Schade is unavailable due to suspension. Long-term injuries continue to sideline Fábio Carvalho and Josh Dasilva, further influencing team selection.
Goalkeeping Change and Predicted Lineup
Hakon Valdimarsson will start in goal, providing Caoimhín Kelleher with a deserved respite following his recent impressive performances in the Premier League. The midfield will be anchored by Yehor Yarmolyuk and Jordan Henderson, with Mikkel Damsgaard providing creative spark. Romelle Donovan and Reiss Nelson are expected to offer attacking width. It’s worth noting that this marks the first time Brentford have faced non-league opposition as a top-flight side in the FA Cup.
Brentford predicted XI: Valdimarsson; Hickey, Collins, Pinnock, Henry; Yarmolyuk, Henderson, Damsgaard; Donovan, Furo, Nelson.
Match Details: Kick-Off Time and Broadcast Information
The FA Cup fourth-round tie is scheduled to take place at the Leasing.com Stadium on Monday, February 16, 2026. The match is set to kick off at 19:30 GMT. Viewers in the UK can watch the game live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate, with pre-match coverage beginning at 19:00 GMT.
