The third round of the FA Cup has delivered some tantalizing matchups, with defending champions Manchester United drawn against record 14-time winners Arsenal in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur will travel to non-league Tamworth, and Manchester City is set to face Salford City, a club with deep ties to their city rivals.
Arsenal and Manchester United Renew Rivalry
Manchester United’s defense of their FA Cup crown begins with a challenging trip to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal. This clash marks a continuation of their storied rivalry and adds extra intrigue as both clubs are among the most successful in FA Cup history. Arsenal holds the record with 14 titles, while United has claimed 13, including their victory over Manchester City in last season’s final.
For United, this will be new manager Ruben Amorim’s first taste of FA Cup action. Since taking over in November, Amorim has guided the Red Devils to an unbeaten start, recording two wins and a draw. Facing Arsenal in back-to-back fixtures—first in the Premier League and then in the FA Cup—will undoubtedly test his tactical acumen.
Salford City’s Historic Opportunity Against Manchester City
League Two’s Salford City, a club owned by Manchester United legends Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, and Nicky Butt, will visit the Etihad Stadium to take on Manchester City. This marks a historic moment for Salford, who are appearing in the FA Cup third round for the first time.
Despite their underdog status, Salford’s progression in the tournament has captured the imagination of football fans, and they’ll be hoping for a memorable upset against Pep Guardiola’s side. For City, it’s an opportunity to rebound from their recent struggles and push for another piece of silverware.
Spurs Take on Non-League Tamworth
Tottenham Hotspur’s FA Cup journey begins with a trip to non-league Tamworth, who are among the lowest-ranked teams left in the competition. Currently sitting 16th in the National League, Tamworth has already pulled off impressive wins against former Premier League side Huddersfield Town and League One’s Burton Albion to reach this stage.
Spurs, under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou, will be aiming to end their 30-year FA Cup drought. While the odds heavily favor Tottenham, Tamworth’s giant-killing exploits in earlier rounds make this a tie to watch.
Liverpool Host Accrington Stanley
Premier League and Champions League leaders Liverpool will welcome League Two’s Accrington Stanley to Anfield. Managed by Arne Slot, Liverpool has been dominant this season, losing just one match across all competitions.
For Accrington, currently sitting 19th in League Two, the fixture presents a daunting challenge against one of Europe’s elite clubs. Slot will be making his debut in the FA Cup and will be eager to maintain Liverpool’s strong momentum as they chase success on multiple fronts.
Chelsea and Newcastle’s Home Ties
Chelsea will host League Two strugglers Morecambe at Stamford Bridge. Enzo Maresca, managing Chelsea in his first FA Cup campaign, will be determined to avoid any slip-ups. Morecambe, who currently sit bottom of the fourth tier, face an uphill battle against a Chelsea side that reached the semi-finals last season.
Newcastle United, meanwhile, will welcome Bromley to St. James’ Park. Bromley, another League Two side, faces a significant step up in competition against a high-flying Newcastle squad that has been a force to reckon with in recent seasons.
Local Derby for Leeds United
Leeds United will take on Harrogate Town in a Yorkshire derby. The clash promises to be an exciting matchup as Harrogate, who play in League Two, look to make a statement against their higher-tier neighbors. With the match set to be played at Elland Road, Leeds will have the home advantage but can expect a spirited challenge from Harrogate.
Other Notable Fixtures
Non-league Dagenham & Redbridge will travel to Millwall, aiming to continue their impressive run. Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest faces Premier League rivals Luton Town, and Aston Villa is set for an all-Premier League showdown against West Ham.
Brighton & Hove Albion will visit Norwich City, while Fulham host Watford in another intriguing tie. Crystal Palace welcomes Stockport County, and Ipswich Town will go head-to-head with Bristol Rovers.
Complete Third Round Draw
Southampton vs Swansea City
Arsenal vs Manchester United
Exeter City vs Oxford United
Leyton Orient vs Derby County
Reading vs Burnley
Aston Villa vs West Ham
Norwich City vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Manchester City vs Salford City
Millwall vs Dagenham & Redbridge
Liverpool vs Accrington Stanley
Bristol City vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
Preston North End vs Charlton Athletic
Chelsea vs Morecambe
Middlesbrough vs Blackburn Rovers
Bournemouth vs West Bromwich Albion
Mansfield Town vs Wigan Athletic
Tamworth vs Tottenham Hotspur
Hull City vs Doncaster Rovers
Sunderland vs Stoke City
Leicester City vs Queens Park Rangers
Brentford vs Plymouth Argyle
Coventry City vs Sheffield Wednesday
Newcastle United vs Bromley
Everton vs Peterborough United
Wycombe Wanderers vs Portsmouth
Birmingham City vs Lincoln City
Leeds United vs Harrogate Town
Nottingham Forest vs Luton Town
Sheffield United vs Cardiff City
Ipswich Town vs Bristol Rovers
Fulham vs Watford
Crystal Palace vs Stockport County
Conclusion
The FA Cup third round has set the stage for thrilling contests, with top Premier League clubs facing diverse challenges. Whether it’s Arsenal and Manchester United’s storied rivalry, Salford City’s underdog dream against Manchester City, or Tamworth’s chance to shock Tottenham, the competition’s magic remains alive and well.
With fixtures scheduled over the weekend of January 10-13, football fans across the country will be treated to a weekend of drama, surprises, and excitement as teams from all levels of the football pyramid compete for glory in one of the sport’s most cherished tournaments.
