FA Cup: 183 changes in 14 matches, does the cup really matter?

Try asking Mansfield Town supporters whether the FA Cup is a low-value commodity, after the 13th-placed side in League One took 3,500 fans to Turf Moor and beat Burnley 2-1, despite manager Nigel Clough making six changes.

Try asking the Burnley fans who reacted angrily after the final whistle whether it mattered or not. Their pain was palpable, and their anger was verbal.

Clarets coach Scott Parker, whose aim was to remain in the Premier League, made nine changes after the dramatic win over Crystal Palace, but saw the decision backfire.

Parker may be able to play down the result if Burnley stay ahead, but it still represents another serious blot on his record. They will be remembered if they go down.

The FA Cup still retains its unique strength, whatever is on the team roster.

A full crowd watched West Ham beat Championship strugglers Burton Albion after extra time, while Leeds United’s penalty shootout win over Birmingham City at St Andrews carried a real sense of bounce back.

One manager who has clearly learned not to play fast and loose with the FA Cup is Liverpool boss Arne Slott, who made four relatively conservative changes from their win over Sunderland to a 3-0 fourth-round win over Brighton at Anfield.

Slot suffered an unforgettable shock at the same stage last season when he made 10 substitutions in a tough match with then-Championship side Plymouth Argyle.

He compounded his mistake by leaving the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah at home, as Liverpool’s shadow side lost 1-0 in a raucous, memorable atmosphere at Home Park.

The lesson learned has been that the FA Cup is not to be trifled with, as it can still produce moments that can remain memories that will last a lifetime.

Perhaps the most magical event of all awaits when sixth-tier Macclesfield face Brentford, seventh in the English Premier League, on Monday as they attempt to repeat their thrilling third-round win at home to Crystal Palace.

It’s going to be hot at Moss Rose again. This will be the typical FA Cup occasion. Brentford will be warned of Crystal Palace’s downfall, so their schedule will be interesting.

It has become a delicate and dangerous balance, with the FA Cup representing a real opportunity for those clubs with no hope of challenging in the Premier League – or succeeding elsewhere.