FA Cup draw LIVE: Tottenham host Man City, Chelsea take on Aston Villa, Man Utd could face tricky lower league side

Fans claim cup draw conspiracy

Tottenham fans targeted legendary ex-skipper Gary Mabbutt in an amusing conspiracy theory after he paired his old club with Manchester City in the FA Cup fourth-round draw.

Not even Mabbutt’s status as one of Spurs’ most popular players ever could save him from online teasing after he conjured a tough home clash against the 2023 Treble winners.

Tottenham have not won the Cup since Mabbutt hoisted it aloft following a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest in the 1991 final.

At the time it meant Spurs had triumphed in the competition a record eight times.

Since then, however, Tottenham’s biggest rivals Arsenal have moved to the top of the list on 14, with Manchester United on 12.

And Liverpool, as well as Chelsea, now share third place in the table – as Spurs have been stuck on eight for 33 years.

Mabbutt’s history-making moment was not lost on Tottenham fans following Monday night’s draw.

One cheeky supporter posted: “Gary Mabbutt absolutely determined to carrying on being the last Spurs captain to lift the cup.”

Man Utd into fourth round

Manchester United have booked a place in the next round of the FA Cup after beating Wigan 2-0.

Goals from Diogo Dalot and a Bruno Fernandes sealed a comfortable win for Erik ten Hag’s side.

Elokobi delighted to draw Ipswich

Maidstone manager George Elokobi revealed his delight after his side drew Ipswich in the fourth round.

He said: “Ipswich is a fantastic club – it’s a huge club. In my opinion, they’re a Premier League club to be and rightly so.

“They’re playing incredible football under their management and we have to go there and enjoy the occasion and make sure we showcase ourselves and bring the Maidstone that everyone’s been watching and admiring.

“I’m sure the Ipswich fans will welcome us. It’s a fantastic FA Cup match for us.

“It’s going to be an amazing occasion for our group of players who have got us this far.

“The magic of the FA Cup and the dream is still very much alive here.

“In our preparations we’re going to be showing Ipswich every bit of respect leading towards that game.

“We’ll be ready to go out there and compete against a Championship team who are really well equipped to get into the Premier League.”

Wrexham mocked by upcoming opponents

Blackburn Rovers have teased Wrexham ahead of their FA Cup fourth round meeting.

Wrexham travel to Ewood Park but in their documentary ‘Welcome to Wrexham’, a map graphic of the clubs in the UK failed to include Blackburn.

Rovers shared a photo of the map alongside the caption: “See you soon, Wrexham. Let us know if you need directions? 🗺️”

Fourth round date

The fourth round ties will take place on the weekend of January 27-28.

Like in the third round, some matches could be selected for TV coverage on Friday 26 and Monday 28.

Likely TV picks

Only one of Manchester United’s domestic cup ties has not featured on TV since 2006.

That means their visit to Newport or Eastleigh is almost certain to be televised – though they of course need to beat Wigan.

Elsehwere the all Prem ties between Chelsea and Aston Villa as well as Tottenham vs Manchester City will likely be shown by the BBC or ITV.

Wrexham’s trip to Blackburn could also be broadcast along with Ipswich vs Maidstone.

Fulham vs Newcastle

Sheffield United vs Brighton

Crystal Palace/Everton vs Luton/Bolton

Leeds vs Plymouth Argyle

Sheffield Wednesday vs Coventry

Leicester vs Hull/Birmingham

West Ham/Bristol City vs Nottingham Forest/Blackpool

West Brom vs Brentford/Wolves

Bournemouth vs Swansea

First up

Watford vs Southampton

Two minute warning

The FA Cup fourth round draw gets underway in a matter of minutes.

Here are the balls to look out for:

2. Wrexham

3. Liverpool

7. Tottenham

20. Wigan Athletic or Manchester United

21. Manchester City

30. Maidstone United