Sutton’s Bold Predictions: Macclesfield vs Brentford FA Cup 2026

Key Points

• Sutton, a former professional footballer turned pundit, is co-commentating on the FA Cup fourth-round match between Macclesfield and Brentford for BBC Radio 5 Live alongside Ali Bruce-Ball.
• Macclesfield Town, a non-league side, achieved a historic victory by knocking out Premier League holders Crystal Palace in the third round, described as the biggest shock in FA Cup history.
• Macclesfield boss John Rooney masterminded the upset, with his team limiting Palace to few chances despite having less than 29% possession.
• Sutton reviewed footage of the match as preparation and deemed Macclesfield deserved winners.
• Another win over Brentford, a top-flight Championship side pushing for promotion, would be a remarkable feat.
• Only one non-league side, Millwall in 1913-14, has ever beaten two top-flight teams in the same FA Cup campaign, overcoming Chelsea and Bradford City.

Sutton, Cheshire (South London News) February 17, 2026 – Former Premier League striker and BBC pundit Chris Sutton has shared his excitement ahead of co-commentating Macclesfield Town’s FA Cup fourth-round clash against Brentford, praising the non-league side’s unprecedented third-round triumph over Crystal Palace.​

Sutton, known for his candid match analysis, highlighted Macclesfield manager John Rooney’s tactical masterclass in that shock win, which saw the Silkmen triumph despite dominating just under 29% of possession. He noted that another victory over Brentford would place Macclesfield in rare historical company, as only Millwall achieved a similar non-league double over top-flight opposition in 1913-14.​

Who is Chris Sutton and What Role is He Playing?

Chris Sutton, a retired Scotland international with over 400 career goals including stints at Norwich City, Blackburn Rovers, and Chelsea, brings decades of insight to his BBC duties. As reported by BBC Sport, Sutton stated:

“I am co-commentating on this game for BBC Radio 5 Live with Ali Bruce-Ball and I cannot wait.”​

Ali Bruce-Ball, a veteran BBC Radio 5 Live presenter, will host alongside Sutton, ensuring listeners receive real-time expert breakdown during the live broadcast from Moss Rose, Macclesfield’s home ground.​

Sutton’s enthusiasm stems from his preparation, which included rewatching the Palace match. This hands-on approach underscores his commitment to delivering informed punditry for fans tuning in across the UK.​

What Made Macclesfield’s Win Over Crystal Palace Historic?

Macclesfield Town, currently competing in the Northern Premier League Premier Division (step four of non-league football), stunned the football world by eliminating Crystal Palace, the FA Cup holders from the Premier League, in the third round. As detailed in Sutton’s BBC preview,

“Macclesfield boss John Rooney did an incredible job with his side’s historic win over Crystal Palace.”​

Sutton elaborated on the tactical discipline on display:

“I watched the game back as part of my prep and, while the Silkmen had less than 29% possession, they limited Palace to very few chances and they were deserved winners.”​

This result has been universally hailed as the biggest shock in the FA Cup’s illustrious 151-year history, surpassing even iconic giant-killings due to the gulf in divisions and Palace’s status as defending champions.​

How Did John Rooney Orchestrate the Upset?

John Rooney, nephew of Wayne Rooney and a former player with clubs like Macclesfield, Stockport County, and Bury, took charge as manager and instilled a resilient game plan. According to Sutton of BBC Sport, Rooney’s side absorbed pressure masterfully, frustrating Palace’s attack throughout.​

The Silkmen’s defensive organisation ensured Palace mustered minimal opportunities, turning the Etihad Stadium visit – wait, no, the third-round tie was at Palace’s Selhurst Park – into a gritty away triumph. Sutton praised:

“Knocking the holders out was rightly hailed as the biggest shock in the FA Cup’s illustrious history.”​

Rooney’s achievement has drawn plaudits from across football, positioning Macclesfield as underdogs with momentum heading into the Brentford tie.​

Why is Beating Brentford Another Massive Feat?

Brentford, a high-flying Championship side with Premier League aspirations under manager Thomas Frank, represent a formidable next hurdle. Sutton emphasised the historical rarity:

“It would be another fantastic feat if they toppled Brentford too.”​

The Bees boast Premier League quality in their squad, including players with top-flight experience, making Moss Rose a potential cauldron of tension. Macclesfield’s low-budget operation contrasts sharply with Brentford’s data-driven model and resources.​

A victory would echo through cup folklore, given Brentford’s proximity to promotion and their own FA Cup pedigree.​

Which Historical Precedent Sets the Bar?

Sutton referenced a unique FA Cup footnote to frame the stakes. He noted:

“Only one non-league side has ever beaten two top-flight teams in the same FA Cup campaign – Millwall in 1913-14, when they overcame Chelsea and Bradford City.”​

Millwall, then in the Southern League (non-league by modern standards), achieved this during a golden era for cup shocks, navigating past Chelsea in the first round and Bradford City later. Their run ended in the semi-finals, but the precedent underscores the near-impossibility Macclesfield faces.​

No other non-league club has matched this since, amplifying the narrative around Rooney’s charges.​

What Tactics Might Macclesfield Employ Against Brentford?

Drawing from the Palace game, Sutton anticipates a similar blueprint. Macclesfield’s low possession, high-intensity pressing, and clinical counter-attacks proved decisive previously, restricting a superior side to scant chances.​

Rooney will likely prioritise set-pieces and wide threats, exploiting Brentford’s occasional vulnerability to direct play. Sutton’s prep work suggests the Silkmen train relentlessly on defensive shape, vital against Brentford’s fluid attack led by forwards like Ivan Toney.​

Home advantage at Moss Rose, with its compact pitch and passionate support, could unsettle the visitors early.​

How Does Sutton See the Match Unfolding?

While Sutton refrained from a binary prediction in his preview, his tone conveys respect for Macclesfield’s capabilities without underestimating Brentford.

“I cannot wait,”

he reiterated, signalling a closely contested affair.​

As co-commentator, Sutton will dissect live developments, from Rooney’s substitutions to Brentford’s possession dominance. His excitement implies he foresees drama, potentially extending to extra time or penalties.​

Fans can expect balanced analysis, blending Sutton’s playing experience with statistical insights from his prep.​

What is the Broader Context of This FA Cup Tie?

The FA Cup fourth round, scheduled around mid-February 2026, continues to deliver magic, with Macclesfield’s story emblematic of the competition’s charm. Crystal Palace’s exit as holders opened pathways for lower-tier dreams, now tested against Brentford.​

BBC Radio 5 Live’s coverage ensures nationwide access, amplifying non-league voices. Sutton’s involvement bridges professional and amateur divides, resonating with grassroots supporters.​

This tie embodies the cup’s ethos: rewarding organisation over resources, as Rooney’s Silkmen chase immortality.​

Who Are the Key Players to Watch?

For Macclesfield, John Rooney’s midfield orchestration and leadership will be pivotal, alongside goal threats from their forward line that silenced Palace. Brentford’s attackers, potentially including Neal Maupay or Yoane Wissa, pose counter-dangers.​

Sutton, having studied tape, may spotlight Silkmen defenders who nullified Palace’s stars.​

Goalkeepers on both sides face pressure in a match ripe for heroics.​

What Does This Mean for Macclesfield’s Season?

Beyond silverware, progression fuels Northern Premier League survival and recruitment. Rooney’s stock rises with each scalp, attracting talent to Moss Rose.​

A Brentford win catapults Macclesfield financially via TV revenue and gate receipts, sustaining ambition.​

Sutton’s nod elevates their profile, drawing scouts and media.​

How Can Fans Follow the Action?

Tune into BBC Radio 5 Live for Sutton and Bruce-Ball’s commentary, available on DAB, online, and apps. Live updates via BBC Sport website and apps, plus highlights post-match.​

Moss Rose tickets sold rapidly, underscoring local fervour.​

Social media buzz from #MacclesfieldBrentford previews the atmosphere.​

Why is the FA Cup Still Relevant in 2026?

Despite fixture congestion critiques, tales like Macclesfield’s reaffirm its status. Sutton’s investment proves pundits value the romance.​

Historical nods to Millwall remind stakeholders of heritage worth preserving.​

Non-league triumphs challenge elitism, delighting purists.​