The FA Cup Fourth Round concludes at the Leasing.com Stadium on Monday night as non-league Macclesfield FC aim to produce another miracle against Premier League high-flyers Brentford.
It has been a fairytale run for the Silkmen, who have already made history by becoming the first sixth-tier side to eliminate the defending champions, following their 2-1 win over Crystal Palace in the third round.
While John Rooney’s side are the lowest-ranked team left in the competition, the atmosphere in Cheshire will be electric as they eye a spot in the fifth round.
Brentford, meanwhile, are enjoying arguably their best-ever season under the guidance of Keith Andrews.
Sitting 7th in the Premier League and fresh off a gritty 1-1 draw with Arsenal, the Bees are heavy favourites.
They have shown no mercy to lower-league opposition this term, having already dispatched Grimsby 5-0 in the Carabao Cup.
Here is the lowdown on the game, our best bets, and how we see it playing out.
Macclesfield vs Brentford Best Bets and Betting Tips
Brentford to Win to Nil – 21/20
This price looks generous given the tactical discipline Keith Andrews has instilled since taking the reins.
While Macclesfield’s story is incredible, the physical and technical gulf here is stark.
Macclesfield will likely expend huge amounts of energy just shifting across the pitch to cover Brentford’s rapid circulation of the ball.
The Bees have kept clean sheets in three of their last four games, and with the likes of Nathan Collins and Ethan Pinnock marshalling the defence, they are unlikely to be troubled by the limited service into Macclesfield’s forwards.
We expect Brentford to dominate possession (likely 70%+) and suffocate the hosts, denying them even a consolation goal.
Keane Lewis-Potter to Score Anytime – 12/5
If there is one player perfectly suited to exploiting a tired non-league defence, it is Keane Lewis-Potter.
The winger has been a standout performer in the cup competitions this season and his direct running will be a nightmare for the Macclesfield full-backs.
Macclesfield will likely defend narrow to pack the box, which leaves space out wide.
Lewis-Potter loves to cut inside from that left flank onto his right foot.
With the hosts likely to sit deep, he will have plenty of opportunities to shoot from the edge of the area.
At 12/5, he represents massive value compared to the shorter odds of the central strikers.
Brentford -2 Handicap – 6/4
We are backing the Bees to cover the handicap comfortably.
The pattern of these games often sees the lower-league side hold out for 30-40 minutes before the dam breaks.
Once Brentford get the first goal, Macclesfield will have to abandon their low block to chase the game, leaving huge gaps in behind.
Brentford’s bench quality is also a massive factor; when Macclesfield’s semi-pro legs are tiring in the 70th minute, Brentford can introduce fresh Premier League quality to run up the score.
A 3-0 or 4-0 win feels the most likely outcome.
Key Stats & Trends
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Giant Killers: Macclesfield are the first team from the sixth tier to reach this stage after beating the holders (Crystal Palace).
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Clean Sheets: Brentford have kept three clean sheets in their last five matches across all competitions.
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Home Fortress: The Silkmen have won all four of their home FA Cup ties this season (including qualifying).
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League Gap: There are currently 116 places between these two sides in the English football pyramid.
Macclesfield vs Brentford Confirmed Lineups
Macclesfield (4-1-4-1)
Confirmed XI:
GK: Dearnley
DEF: Fensome, Heathcote, Lacey, Borthwick-Jackson
MID: Edmondson
MID: Duffy, Osborne, Dawson, Buckley-Ricketts
FWD: Mellor
Brentford (4-2-3-1)
Confirmed XI:
GK: Valdimarsson
DEF: Kayode, Collins, Pinnock, Hickey
MID: Janelt, Yarmoliuk
MID: Nelson, Jensen, Donovan
FWD: Furo
How to Watch Macclesfield vs Brentford
Date: Monday, February 16, 2026
Kick-off: 19:30 GMT
Venue: Leasing.com Stadium, Macclesfield
TV Channel: TNT Sports 1
Live Stream: Discovery+ App
Supporters outside the UK should check local broadcast listings, as coverage varies by territory.
Macclesfield vs Brentford Match Winner Odds
Macclesfield: 14/1
Draw: 7/1
Brentford: 1/6
Odds correct at time of writing and subject to change.
Macclesfield vs Brentford Correct Score Prediction
The magic of the FA Cup is undeniable, and Macclesfield have already written their chapter in history by beating Crystal Palace.
However, lightning rarely strikes twice against Premier League opposition of this calibre.
Brentford are a different beast under Keith Andrews—disciplined, physical, and ruthless in transition.
We expect Macclesfield to start with incredible intensity, fuelled by a raucous home crowd.
They may well frustrate the Bees for the opening half-hour, keeping the scoreline goalless and making life uncomfortable for the visitors.
However, the difference in fitness levels and squad depth will eventually tell.
Once Brentford find the breakthrough, the floodgates could open.
Macclesfield will be forced to chase the game, leaving spaces that players like Lewis-Potter and Thiago will exploit.
While the Silkmen will fight to the end, Brentford’s quality will be too much, resulting in a comfortable passage to the fifth round.
Macclesfield 0-4 Brentford
