A true “David vs Goliath” narrative unfolds at the Leasing.com Stadium this Saturday. Here, non-league Macclesfield FC host the reigning FA Cup holders, Crystal Palace. Notably, the Silkmen remain the lowest-ranked side left in the competition.
Currently, Macclesfield sit 14th in the National League North. Impressively, they reached this stage for the first time since their 2020 reformation. However, this historic occasion is shrouded in grief. Tragically, forward Ethan McLeod passed away in a car accident just weeks ago. Consequently, the club will honour his memory with a special flag and book of condolence. This tribute ensures the “Forever a Silkman” spirit inspires their biggest game yet.
For Oliver Glasner’s Eagles, this fixture presents an opportunity to reset. Specifically, they look to snap an eight-match winless streak against a side five divisions below them. History beckons for both clubs. Remarkably, Macclesfield aim to become the first non-league side to eliminate the holders since 1909. Ironically, Crystal Palace last achieved that very feat against Wolves.
Macclesfield vs Crystal Palace – FA Cup Preview and Team News
- Date: Saturday, 10 January 2026
- Kick-off: 12:15 GMT
- Venue: The Leasing.com Stadium, Macclesfield
- Referee: Tim Robinson
Team News
Macclesfield
Manager John Rooney remains without full-back Brandon Lee, who suffered a serious leg injury in the second round. However, the Silkmen could hand first starts to new signings Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Mikey Stone, who arrived at Moss Rose this week. The danger man for the hosts is Danny Elliott, who has netted a team-high 16 goals this season and led all players in shots during the opening rounds.
Crystal Palace
The holders are significantly depleted by injuries to Daniel Muñoz, Cheick Doucouré, Chadi Riad, Eddie Nketiah, and Daichi Kamada. Ismaïla Sarr is also absent on AFCON duty. Glasner is expected to rotate his squad heavily, potentially handing starts to youngsters Jaydee Canvot, George King, and Dean Benamar, while January signing Brennan Johnson is in contention for an attacking role.
Form
Macclesfield
Macclesfield have won five consecutive games to reach this stage, including a dramatic 3-1 extra-time win over Slough Town in the second round. Sitting 14th in the National League North, they recently moved 11 points clear of the relegation zone following a 2-1 victory over Radcliffe. Goalkeeper Max Dearnley has been a standout performer, registering eight clean sheets across his 75 appearances for the club.
Crystal Palace
The Eagles enter their title defence on the back of an eight-match winless run in all competitions. Notably, 12 of the last 13 FA Cup holders have successfully progressed from the third round. This is the first meeting between the holders and a non-league side since 2004-05, when Manchester United were forced into a replay by Exeter City.
Predicted Lineups
Macclesfield predicted XI: Dearnley; Matheson, Heathcote, Menayese, Borthwick-Jackson, Lacey; Dawson, Duffy, Dos Santos; Buckley-Ricketts, Elliott
Crystal Palace predicted XI: Benitez; Canvot, Richards, King; Sosa, Devenny, Rodney, Benamar; Casey, Drakes-Thomas; Uche
How to watch Macclesfield vs Crystal Palace?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+, with coverage starting at 11:30 GMT ahead of the 12:15 GMT kick-off.
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