The FA Cup third-round draw has certainly thrown up some captivating fixtures for football enthusiasts. Arsenal, the record 14-times winners of the competition, will face an intense challenge as they go head-to-head with their formidable rivals Liverpool. This clash between two Premier League powerhouses promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams vying for glory in the oldest cup competition in the world. As Arsenal currently lead the Premier League table, their clash with Liverpool will undoubtedly showcase their mettle and determination to succeed on multiple fronts.
Meanwhile, the footballing passion in the north-east of England will be reignited as Newcastle is set to lock horns with their fierce rivals Sunderland. This first Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 will undoubtedly captivate the fans and reignite the age-old rivalry between the two sides. The intensity and fervor surrounding this derby match will be palpable as both teams seek to assert their dominance and progress in the competition.
In a surprising twist, Manchester United will be drawn away in a domestic cup tie for the first time since 2021. Their opponents? League One side Wigan, who themselves have a strong FA Cup pedigree as the 2013 winners of the tournament. After a run of 12 consecutive cup games at Old Trafford, this away fixture presents a unique challenge for Manchester United. Despite their dominance in recent years, United’s cup matches away from home have been relatively scarce, making this clash against Wigan all the more intriguing.
Holders Manchester City, who have established themselves as one of the top teams in England, will have a home advantage as they face Championship side Huddersfield. The defending champions will be eager to navigate past their opponents and continue their quest for back-to-back FA Cup triumphs.
Chelsea, another prominent Premier League team, will also enjoy a home fixture against second-tier opposition in Preston. With their storied history in the competition, Chelsea will be expected to assert their dominance and progress comfortably to the next round.
Additionally, there will be enthralling all-Premier League clashes, pitting Tottenham against Burnley, and Brentford against Wolves. These encounters are sure to provide plenty of drama and excitement as the teams battle it out for a place in the next round.
Other notable fixtures include Everton’s trip to Crystal Palace and the intriguing match between Maidstone and either Stevenage or Port Vale. Maidstone, a National League South side, will be relishing the opportunity to test their mettle against higher-ranked opposition, further embodying the magic and unpredictability of the FA Cup.
As the third-round matches are scheduled to take place between January 5 and January 8, football fans around the world eagerly anticipate these captivating fixtures, which are sure to provide memorable moments and a showcase of the best of English football.
FA Cup third-round draw in full
Luton vs Bolton
Shrewsbury vs Wrexham
Arsenal vs Liverpool
Stoke vs Brighton
Norwich vs Crewe or Bristol Rovers
West Ham vs Bristol City
Tottenham vs Burnley
Fulham vs Rotherham
West Brom vs Aldershot or Stockport
Southampton vs Alfreton Town or Walsall
AFC Wimbledon or Ramsgate vs Ipswich Town
Peterborough United vs Leeds
Millwall vs Leicester
Watford vs Chesterfield
Sunderland vs Newcastle
Sheffield Wednesday vs Cardiff
Crystal Palace vs Everton
Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa
Nottingham Forest vs Blackpool or Forest Green Rovers
Wigan Athletic vs Manchester United
Manchester City vs Huddersfield
Gillingham vs Sheffield United
Swansea vs Morecambe
Blackburn Rovers vs Cambridge
Chelsea vs Preston North End
QPR vs Bournemouth
Coventry vs Oxford
Brentford vs Wolves
Maidstone vs Stevenage or Port Vale
Newport County or Barnet vs Eastleigh
Hull vs Birmingham
The third-round matches will take place between January 5 and January 8.
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