Who will Maidstone United play in the FA Cup fourth round? The Stones are ball No.30 in tonight’s draw (ITV1, 7.50pm) which also includes Liverpool, Man City, Man Utd, Tottenham and Chelsea
05:00, 08 January 2024
All eyes will be on the FA Cup fourth-round draw tonight as history-making Maidstone await their next opponents.
The Stones - the lowest-ranked team left in the competition - are ball No.30 in the draw which takes place on ITV1 at 7.50pm.
After reaching the last 32 of the FA Cup for the first time in their history, there’s a realistic chance of drawing one of the giants of English football.
They’ve already gone further than 14-time record winners Arsenal, who were beaten 2-0 at home by Liverpool on Sunday.
Jurgen Klopp’s Reds, who last won the FA Cup in 2022, are ball No.3.
Other heavyweights definitely through include Tottenham (No.7), Newcastle (No.15), Aston Villa (No.18), holders Manchester City (No.21) and Chelsea (No.25).
Manchester United (No.20) will join them if they get past Wigan in the final tie of the round tonight.
Other Premier League sides safely through are Brighton (No.4), Fulham (No.8), Sheffield United (No.23) and Bournemouth (No.26).
Luton (No.1), West Ham (No.6) and Nottingham Forest (No.19) face replays against Bolton, Bristol City and Blackpool respectively, while Everton and Crystal Palace (No.17) meet again after a 0-0 draw.
There’s no doubt who Maidstone boss George Elokobi wants, though, after beating Stevenage on Saturday.
He’s dreaming of a tie against Wolves, the club where he made his name and played in the Premier League.
They are ball No.28 but face a replay against Brentford following a 1-1 draw on Friday night.
On the prospect of facing Wolves, Elokobi said: “There’s a chance, there’s a possibility and if it happens, that’s going to be the icing on the cake.
“I’m sure the Molineux is going to be rocking if it’s away or if it’s here at the Gallagher, it’s going to be an incredible day for this football club.
“Whoever we draw, it’s a privilege. It’s a great, great time to be a Maidstone United player, fan, management team, owner and backroom staff.”
FA Cup fourth-round ball numbers: 1 Luton or Bolton; 2 Wrexham; 3 Liverpool; 4 Brighton; 5 Norwich or Bristol Rovers; 6 West Ham or Bristol City; 7 Tottenham; 8 Fulham; 9 West Brom; 10 Southampton; 11 Ipswich; 12 Leeds; 13 Leicester; 14 Watford; 15 Newcastle; 16 Sheffield Wednesday; 17 Crystal Palace or Everton; 18 Aston Villa; 19 Nottingham Forest or Blackpool; 20 Wigan or Manchester United; 21 Manchester City; 22 Blackburn; 23 Sheffield United; 24 Swansea; 25 Chelsea; 26 Bournemouth; 27 Coventry; 28 Brentford or Wolves; 29 Plymouth; 30 Maidstone; 31 Newport or Eastleigh; 32 Hull or Birmingham.
Latest news
Features
Most popular
- 1
‘This rat-run bridge isn’t wide enough - someone will be killed soon’
- 2
Boy, 16, found safe after going missing nine days ago
2 - 3
Only shop in village to shut this week as ‘devastated’ couple leave Kent
16 - 4
A-road shut in both directions after water main bursts
- 5
Mum joined teen son in smashing up ex’s family home and car