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FA Cup Fifth Round Draw: Premier League Giants Face Tough Tests

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, February 16th 2026 at 8:18 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: England, UNITED KINGDOM

Monday, February 16th, 2026 - The FA Cup fifth round draw has been completed, and the matchups promise a captivating blend of Premier League powerhouses facing stern tests from lower-league opposition. The week of February 26th, 2026, is set to deliver a series of compelling encounters, potentially filled with drama, giant-killing moments, and the pursuit of coveted FA Cup glory.

The draw, conducted earlier today, has thrown up several intriguing ties, with a distinct flavour of underdog stories potentially unfolding. While the Premier League's 'big six' largely avoided each other, they've been handed challenging fixtures that demand respect for their Championship and League Two rivals. The romanticism of the FA Cup - the possibility of a lower league side upsetting the established order - remains very much alive.

Manchester United vs. Newport County: A David vs. Goliath Clash

Undoubtedly the standout tie of the round is Manchester United's home encounter against League Two's Newport County. The gulf in stature and resources is enormous, but as FA Cup history repeatedly demonstrates, form and league position often count for little on the day. Erik ten Hag will be acutely aware of the need to avoid complacency. Newport, buoyed by the opportunity to play at the Theatre of Dreams, will arrive at Old Trafford with a fierce determination to cause a major upset. The pressure will be squarely on United to deliver a convincing performance and progress to the quarter-finals. Reports suggest Newport's manager, Graham Coughlan, is already meticulously planning a defensive strategy aimed at frustrating United's attacking prowess.

Chelsea vs. Blackburn Rovers: Blues Seek Stability Through Cup Run

Chelsea, currently navigating a period of transition, will welcome Championship side Blackburn Rovers to Stamford Bridge. While the Blues are firm favourites, Rovers will present a tough test, eager to capitalize on any vulnerabilities within the Chelsea squad. This match represents a crucial opportunity for Chelsea to build momentum and potentially secure silverware - something that could prove vital for their season. The tactical battle between Chelsea's new manager, rumoured to be Julian Nagelsmann, and Rovers' Jon Dahl Tomasson will be one to watch. Recent reports indicate Chelsea are struggling with defensive solidity, a fact Blackburn will undoubtedly exploit.

Liverpool's Pursuit Continues: Liverpool vs. Norwich City

Jurgen Klopp, in what is his final season managing Liverpool, will be desperate to add another FA Cup trophy to his impressive collection. Facing Championship outfit Norwich City, Liverpool will be expected to comfortably navigate this tie. However, Norwich, under the guidance of Dean Smith, are a well-organized and capable side, capable of causing problems for any opponent. The Canaries' recent form has been encouraging, and they will be determined to put up a strong fight. Liverpool's attacking firepower, led by Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez, will be key to breaking down Norwich's resilient defence.

The Full Fifth Round Line-Up

Here's a complete overview of the FA Cup fifth round matches:

• Manchester United vs. Newport County
• Chelsea vs. Blackburn Rovers
• Liverpool vs. Norwich City
• Wigan Athletic vs. Southampton
• Bristol City vs. Middlesbrough
• Burnley vs. Fleetwood Town
• Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Crystal Palace
• MK Dons vs. Arsenal

Beyond the Big Names: Potential for Upsets

Beyond the high-profile clashes, several other ties possess the potential for surprises. Wigan Athletic's home match against Southampton pits two Championship sides against each other, promising a fiercely contested battle. The all-Premier League clash between Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace is expected to be a tight affair, while Burnley's encounter with League One's Fleetwood Town provides another opportunity for a lower-league side to shine. MK Dons, representing League Two, face a monumental task against Arsenal, but the magic of the FA Cup means they cannot be entirely discounted.

The FA Cup fifth round promises a week of thrilling football, dramatic twists, and the ever-present possibility of cup shocks. Fans across the country will be eagerly anticipating the matches, hoping to witness their team embark on a memorable cup run.