The stage is set for the FA Cup fourth round draw, with both Aston Villa and Birmingham City eagerly awaiting to discover their opponents in the competition's last 32.
Draw Details and How to Watch
The draw will take place on Monday, January 12, at Anfield. It is scheduled for approximately 6.35pm, just before Liverpool's own third-round clash against Barnsley. Football legends Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole will be conducting the draw.
Coverage begins at 6.30pm and will be broadcast live across several platforms. Fans can tune in via TNT Sports, discovery+, and the TNT Sports YouTube channel.
Ball Numbers and Potential Opponents
Each club has been assigned a ball number for the random draw. Aston Villa will be represented by ball number three, while Birmingham City are ball number 27. Notable non-league side Macclesfield, who caused an upset in the previous round, are ball number 30.
The full list of ball numbers includes Premier League giants and lower-league hopefuls alike, from Wolverhampton Wanderers (1) and Manchester City (9) to Salford City or Swindon Town (20).
Prize Money and Fixture Implications
Clubs have already banked £121,500 for winning their third-round ties. Victory in the fourth round is worth an increased sum of £127,000, with no payment for the losers.
The financial rewards escalate sharply for progressing further:
- Fifth round win: £238,500
- Quarter-final win: £477,000
- Semi-final win: £1.06 million (losers get £530,000)
- Final win: £2.12 million (runners-up get £1.06 million)
An additional £110,000 broadcast fee is awarded to clubs selected for live television coverage in the fourth round, following an £80,000 fee for the third round.
The fourth-round ties are scheduled for the weekend of February 14. This means Birmingham City will have to rearrange their Championship home fixture against West Bromwich Albion, which was initially planned for that date.
Gate receipts for FA Cup matches follow a traditional split, with 45% going to each club and 10% to the Football Association.
