Watch FA Cup Review Show on ESPN+: Katie Shanahan and Adam Smith Lead World Feed Coverage of Macclesfield vs Brentford

The English FA Cup continues to captivate football fans across the globe, and tonight's clash between Macclesfield FC and Brentford at the Leasing.com Stadium promises another thrilling chapter in this historic competition. Scheduled for 23:00 UK time on Monday, 16 February 2026, this fourth-round proper fixture – the final match of the round – will be followed by the eagerly anticipated FA Cup Review Show on ESPN+ in the USA. While UK viewers traditionally turn to channels like ITV, BBC, Sky Sports, and TNT Sports for live FA Cup action, this evening's coverage utilises the world feed commentators, featuring a stellar lineup led by presenters Katie Shanahan and Adam Smith, alongside pundits Adebayo Akinfenwa and Aaron McLean, and reporter Sirayah-Shiraz Koraltan[1][2][4].

As the draw for the fifth round has already taken place ahead of kick-off, made by former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole and ex-England international Karen Carney, the stakes couldn't be higher for Macclesfield, who are dreaming of a spot against West Ham United in the next stage[4][6][7]. For British fans unable to access ESPN+ due to geo-restrictions, the world feed ensures high-quality commentary that's familiar from previous broadcasts on BBC and TNT Sports, which hold key UK TV rights for the competition[3]. This review show will dissect every moment, providing in-depth analysis on whether non-league Macclesfield can pull off what would be hailed as one of the biggest shocks in FA Cup history, following their remarkable third-round upset against Crystal Palace[2].

Katie Shanahan, one of the co-presenters, brings a wealth of experience from her time at BBC Sport and BT Sport (now TNT Sports), where she has covered major tournaments including the Women's World Cup and Premier League matches. Her engaging style and deep football knowledge make her a favourite among viewers, often drawing comparisons to trailblazers like Jacqui Oatley for breaking into male-dominated commentary booths. Paired with Adam Smith, a veteran broadcaster known for his tenure at Sky Sports since 1998, who has narrated over 1,000 live games including Champions League finals and FA Cup ties. Smith's calm, authoritative delivery has earned him the nickname 'the voice of football' in many households, with a career spanning from Scottish football at Scottish Television to anchoring Sky's flagship shows[3].

The punditry duo of Adebayo Akinfenwa and Aaron McLean adds explosive insight to the FA Cup Review Show. Akinfenwa, the self-proclaimed 'Beast', retired in 2022 after a career boasting over 800 appearances across the Football League, most notably with Wimbledon and Gillingham. Famous for his physical prowess – boasting a 14.5% body fat ratio at peak fitness – and his iconic FIFA video game ratings, he now thrives as a pundit on Sky Sports, ITV, and talkSPORT, delivering blunt, no-nonsense analysis laced with charisma. His journey from non-league to Premier League loanee with Nottingham Forest embodies the FA Cup's magic of giant-killings[2].

Aaron McLean complements this with his striker's eye for goal. A journeyman forward who scored 100+ goals for clubs like Peterborough United, Hull City, and Great Yarmouth Town, McLean's playing days peaked with Championship promotion in 2011. Transitioning seamlessly to media, he now features regularly on Sky Sports and BT Sport, praised for his tactical breakdowns and infectious enthusiasm. Together, they’ll debate Brentford's attacking prowess under Thomas Frank, who have -550 odds to win comfortably[1].

Reporter Sirayah-Shiraz Koraltan will be pitchside, capturing the electric atmosphere at Leasing.com Stadium. Though less documented in public profiles, her role in world feed productions highlights emerging talents in football broadcasting, often covering cup shocks and underdog stories that define the FA Cup[4].

The FA Cup 2025-26 season has already delivered drama. Macclesfield's path mirrors past miracles; they've reached this stage after holding off Premier League opposition before. Brentford, meanwhile, seek to avoid a repeat of higher-tier teams' historical stumbles. The fifth-round draw sets up tantalising ties: Fulham v Southampton, Port Vale or Bristol City v Sunderland, Newcastle United v Manchester City, Leeds United v Norwich City, Mansfield Town v Arsenal, Wolverhampton Wanderers v Liverpool, Wrexham v Chelsea, and West Ham United v Macclesfield or Brentford. Notably, Mansfield Town's shock win over Burnley earns them a home tie against Arsenal, while Wrexham's fairytale continues against Chelsea[4][6][7].

Other fourth-round highlights included Chelsea's 4-0 win over Hull City, West Ham's extra-time triumph at Burton Albion, Wolves edging Grimsby Town, and Arsenal's 4-0 demolition of Wigan Athletic[2]. The competition's structure, from Extra Preliminary in August 2025 to the final on 16 May 2026 at Wembley, ensures every round builds tension[5]. Fifth-round winners pocket £238,500, fuelling dreams of glory[4].

For UK audiences, while ESPN+ caters to US subscribers with its subscription model, the world feed's quality rivals BBC and TNT Sports productions. Sky Sports has covered FA Cup extensively, often highlighting underdogs like Macclesfield[6]. Brentford fans recall their own cup runs, but tonight's test at Macclesfield – a club relegated from the Football League in 2012 but resurgent – could echo Wrexham's Hollywood-backed ascent[3].

Joe Cole, who assisted in the draw, enjoyed a stellar career at Chelsea and Liverpool, winning three Premier Leagues and the 2010 World Cup bronze with England. Now a pundit on MNF (Monday Night Football) for TNT Sports, his eloquence shines[4]. Karen Carney, a 144-cap England legend with Arsenal and Birmingham, claimed Euro 2022 glory. Post-retirement, she's a BBC and Sky Sports staple, advocating for women's football[7].

Macclesfield's story resonates in British football lore. From Northern Premier League, their Palace scalp stunned[2]. Brentford, Premier League staples since 2021 promotion, boast stars like Ivan Toney (if available), making odds favour them heavily[1]. Yet FA Cup lore – think Sutton United vs Coventry or Hereford vs Newcastle – warns against complacency.

The review show on ESPN+ will replay key moments, interview players, and preview fifth-round blockbusters. Newcastle v Man City pits Eddie Howe's Magpies against Pep Guardiola's champions, who eye an eighth FA Cup[6]. Liverpool, 2022 winners, face Wolves away, while Leeds host Norwich under Daniel Farke[6]. Port Vale vs Bristol City, rearranged for 3 March, adds intrigue[4].

FA Cup's allure lies in its openness: 700+ clubs start, Wembley awaits. This season's path: first round November 2025, third round January 2026[5]. UK rights shared by BBC (select lives), TNT Sports (high-profile ties), ensuring wide access[3].

As 23:00 approaches, British fans can stream via VPN if needed, but world feed excellence shines regardless. Expect Shanahan and Smith to guide us through tension, Akinfenwa to roar on underdogs, McLean to dissect tactics, and Koraltan to convey passion. Whether Macclesfield march on or Brentford prevail, the FA Cup Review Show guarantees unmissable TV.

For more on Adebayo Akinfenwa's legendary career, delve into his beastly legacy. Explore the FA Cup's rich history via The FA's official page, and check Brentford's form on their club site.

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Article generated: 16 February 2026, 22:55 GMT