– Can the FA Cup Holders Avoid a Shock?
Crystal Palace travel to face Macclesfield FC in the FA Cup Third Round Proper today, Saturday January 10, 2026, in what promises to be one of this round’s most intriguing fixtures. As the reigning FA Cup champions a title they secured in dramatic fashion last season Palace enter this tie as clear favourites against a sixth‑tier giant‑killer hopeful, but the magic of the FA Cup means nothing can be taken for granted. Macclesfield have already defied odds this season, enjoying an impressive FA Cup journey bolstered by strong home performances and an eclectic squad under manager John Rooney, who has publicly spoken about targeting a famous upset over Palace.
This clash at the Leasing Stadium pits a historically mid‑table Premier League outfit against a lower‑league side that has dusted itself off from financial collapse to reach this stage with momentum and belief. With weather concerns and heavy snow in parts of northern England threatening disruptions and even risking postponement unless volunteers help clear the snow around the stadium this match already has all the narrative trappings of an FA Cup classic.
Team News & Injury Report
Crystal Palace – Injury Concerns, Squad Rotation & Fitness Updates
Crystal Palace’s preparations for this cup tie are a mix of caution and pragmatism from manager Oliver Glasner. Palace have endured a challenging run of form recently, which has seen their winless streak extend in league and cup competitions — including a goalless draw with Aston Villa and a 2–0 loss to Newcastle — raising questions about sharpness heading into this game.
Macclesfield – Underdog Grit & Fitness Realities in Non‑League Ranks
The hosts, Macclesfield FC, arrive in this historic fixture with far different team news context. As a sixth‑tier side, Macclesfield’s squad consists largely of semi‑professional players — including carpenters, lawyers, and even a former boxing champion — who balance football with other careers, which adds a unique physical and tactical challenge.
Injury reports from non‑league clubs are not always formally published like those in the Premier League, but local coverage indicates that the squad has largely remained fit, with only minor knocks reported through their FA Cup run. This contrasts sharply with some of Palace’s ongoing absences and rotation decisions. The lack of high‑profile injuries allows Macclesfield to field their best available XI and lean on current form and cohesion built through multiple cup victories already this season. In fact, their home FA Cup record includes 100% wins in the last four matches played at Moss Rose, which boosts confidence heading into today’s clash.
Form Guide – Recent Results & Statistical Context Ahead of Kick‑Off
Looking at recent competitive form, Crystal Palace come into this match with mixed results across competitions. In the Premier League, Palace have struggled to consistently find winning form. Their recent fixtures saw them draw 0–0 with Aston Villa and draw 1–1 with Fulham, extending their winless run in domestic action. Statistical data from FBref shows Palace’s season performance averaging just over one goal per game and conceding at a slightly higher rate, reflecting a team that is competitive but not particularly dominant in either end of the pitch.
Defensively, Palace have shown resilience at times, but their offensive numbers are middling — averaging around 1.05 goals scored per game compared to 1.10 goals conceded across their season so far. These figures illustrate a team capable of grinding results rather than blowing opponents away. Palace’s away form in particular — which is stronger than their home record — suggests they can adapt to playing at smaller stadiums and on variable pitches typical of lower‑league environments.
In contrast, Macclesfield’s form in the FA Cup has been one of sustained success relative to expectations. Their cup journey has been characterized by consistent wins and excellent home performances, including a strong record in front of their own supporters. Prediction algorithms also highlight that the statistical likelihood of Palace winning stands at roughly 48%, significantly lower than bookies suggest, due to Macclesfield’s form and Cup history.
Tactical Trends & Line‑Up Predictions – What to Expect From Both Teams
From a tactical perspective, Crystal Palace are likely to dominate possession and territory, but may struggle to break down a compact defensive unit set up by Macclesfield. Glasner’s side typically prefers structured build‑up play with emphasis on possession and methodical progression, which could be tested on a smaller pitch with a non-league side defending in numbers. Expect Palace to rotate some personnel, particularly in attacking roles, to manage fitness while still fielding a competitive XI capable of unlocking stubborn defence.
For Macclesfield, manager John Rooney is expected to deploy a classic counter‑attacking set‑up, aiming to absorb pressure and strike quickly on transitions. Non‑leagues sides in this FA Cup stage often play with high intensity and directness when given possession, which could catch Palace off guard, especially in set-piece situations. Keep an eye on set plays and long balls targeting physical presence in the Macclesfield forward line.
Prediction & Scoreline Outlook – FA Cup Magic or Routine Result?
Given the narratives at play, Crystal Palace enter as favourites — but this tie has all the ingredients for an FA Cup upset. Statistical models and recent form suggest a Palace victory is probable, yet not definitive. With the Eagles’ recent struggles and rotation choices, Macclesfield could make this highly competitive right up to the final whistle. Prediction models from advanced data sources indicate a moderate expectation of over 2.5 goals and BTTS (both teams to score) due to Palace’s leaky defence and Macclesfield’s home strength.
An accurate scoreline prediction would be Crystal Palace 2–1 Macclesfield, balancing Palace’s superior quality with the home side’s colourful spirit and physical intensity. However, should Macclesfield score early or Palace fail to convert chances, the upset could unfold — cementing this match as one of the most memorable of the FA Cup Third Round.
Final Thought – FA Cup Storylines & Why This Match Matters
This tie embodies everything special about the FA Cup: a lower-league side with a unique squad chasing history, versus a Premier League club determined to defend their cup crown amidst league struggles. Weather disruptions, historical narratives (Macclesfield’s unbeaten home Cup record), and the contrast of tactical philosophies only add to the intrigue. Whether Palace progress comfortably or face a scare, today’s match will be talked about long after final whistle — another chapter in FA Cup folklore that encapsulates unpredictability, drama, and football’s enduring romance.
