Who do EFL Sides Want in the FA Cup Fifth Round?

Who do EFL Sides Want in the FA Cup Fifth Round?

By the time the FA Cup reaches the Fifth Round, the stakes feel different for EFL clubs. The early rounds are about survival, pride and maybe the odd upset. But now? Now it’s about opportunities on the biggest stage, and the balance between profit and possibility.

For sides outside the Premier League, the draw becomes a genuine debate. Do you want the glamour tie that guarantees television money, a packed away end and a financial boost? Or do you quietly hope for a winnable fixture that could take you within touching distance of Wembley?

The reality is that most clubs want both, but finding that sweet spot isn’t easy.

The pitch at Grimsby Town was real muddy as Wolves beat them 1-0 in the FA Cup 😬 pic.twitter.com/OmJ9argkBc

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 15, 2026

Is the Dream Away Day Always the Best Option?

There’s no denying the pull of a Premier League away day. For EFL sides like Wrexham A.F.C. and Mansfield Town F.C., who have never played in the Premier League, the idea of walking out at one of the country’s biggest stadiums is hugely appealing.

Financially, it makes sense. Gate receipts are shared, broadcast selection is more likely, and the exposure can elevate a club’s profile nationally, even globally. For ownership groups looking to build sustainably, a single high-profile cup tie can fund infrastructure upgrades, squad depth or long-term planning.

Supporters crave those occasions too. Trips to elite stadiums become lifelong memories. Even if the result doesn’t go your way, the experience itself feels historic. But not all Premier League ties are created equal.

Drawing a heavyweight such as Arsenal F.C. or Manchester City F.C. may guarantee attention, but it can significantly reduce the likelihood of progression. Even with rotation, the quality gap is enormous. For clubs daring to dream of the quarter-finals, that can feel like a missed opportunity.

The ideal Premier League draw isn’t necessarily the biggest name. It’s often a mid-table side juggling priorities, perhaps resting key players, offering just enough vulnerability to create belief. That’s where the balance begins to tilt, proven best when Macclesfield knocked out the holders, Crystal Palace.

FA Cup holders Crystal Palace crash out after losing 2-1 to 6th-tier Macclesfield FC, the lowest-ranked team left in the tournament.

It’s the first time since 1909 the holders have been knocked out by a non-league side.

SIMPLY. HEROIC.

✨🤯 pic.twitter.com/haDE7jMQNT

— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 10, 2026

Progression or Payday?

On the other side of the argument sits pure competitive ambition.

Reaching the quarter-finals of the FA Cup is transformational for an EFL club. The prize money increases, the national spotlight intensifies, and the possibility of Wembley suddenly feels real. Progression also strengthens a club’s identity; it builds belief among players and fans alike, strengthening connection.

For teams in strong league form, confidence plays a huge role. If you’re sitting near the top of League One or pushing for Championship promotion, you might fancy your chances against similarly ranked opposition. A home tie against another EFL side could offer the clearest path forward.

There’s also a sporting argument to consider. Managers, while appreciating the financial benefits, are naturally wired to compete. A fifth-round tie that feels winnable fuels dressing room belief. Momentum in knockout football can snowball quickly. Once you’re in the last eight, anything feels possible.

Yet ignoring the financial side would be naïve. The gap between divisions is significant, and a major payday can stabilise a club for years. For some ownership models, that guaranteed revenue might outweigh the gamble of chasing progression.

That’s why the so-called perfect draw is rarely extreme. It’s near on impossible to balance the feeling of a big tie and the feeling of wanting to progress. It’s something in between, a Premier League club with name value but realistic vulnerability. A fixture that promises both financial reward and competitive opportunity.

For Wrexham, whose rapid rise has been built on smart planning and global exposure, the equation includes brand growth as well as footballing ambition. A major away tie amplifies their profile. But they won’t want to be spectators; they’ll want a chance to compete. Wrexham have already welcomed and knocked out Nottingham Forest and will feel they can take down anyone.

For Mansfield, with their proud lower-league history, the calculation might lean slightly toward opportunity. A deep cup run could redefine the club’s narrative. Yet the security of a profitable tie cannot be dismissed. They've already had their historic Premier League away day. So now the question is, do they want another, or do they want a better chance to progress?

Third-tier Mansfield shock Premier League Burnley 2-1 in the FA Cup 😳

They advance to the last 16 of the tournament for the first time since 1975. pic.twitter.com/LcW8wZHQ2Q

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 14, 2026

Ultimately, EFL clubs approach the Fifth Round with a dual mindset. They want the romance, the packed stadiums, the headlines, and the underdog story. But they also want a realistic shot at rewriting their history.

That’s the beauty of the FA Cup at this stage. Every ball pulled from the draw carries two questions: how much will it bring in, and how far could it take us?