The FA Cup third-round draw has delivered a thrilling mix of all-Premier-League clashes, historic rivalries, and classic David-vs-Goliath matchups. With Premier League giants entering the competition at this stage, anticipation is already building as supporters eye potential cup runs or giant-killing shocks.
Here are the headline fixtures and biggest talking points from the full draw.
Blockbuster Premier League Showdown
Manchester United vs Brighton
One of the standout ties sees Manchester United host Brighton, a repeat of several recent cup meetings that produced high drama.
Brighton’s fearless, possession-based style has often troubled United, making this one of the round’s most unpredictable fixtures.
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Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa
Another major Premier League clash pits Tottenham against high-flying Aston Villa. This tie promises intensity, goals, and a real test of squad depth right after the busy festive period.
Newcastle United vs Bournemouth
Newcastle’s cup ambitions collide with Iraola’s Bournemouth pressing with precision.
Eddie Howe faces his former club in what will be one of the round’s most emotionally charged contests.
Giant-Killing Opportunities
Liverpool vs Barnsley
Liverpool also host lower-league opposition, with Barnsley hoping to channel the spirit of previous upsets against top-tier teams.
Wrexham vs Nottingham Forest
Wrexham, still riding the momentum of their Hollywood-backed resurgence, welcome Premier League Nottingham Forest. With global attention on the Welsh club, this tie could become one of the round’s most-watched matches.
Macclesfield vs Crystal Palace
Macclesfield hosting Crystal Palace offers a classic FA Cup storyline: an ambitious lower-league side looking to upset a Premier League outfit on home soil.
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Grimsby Town vs Weston-super-Mare
This all-non-league clash guarantees a non-league side in the fourth round a dream scenario for both clubs.
Historic Clashes & Derby Drama
Derby County vs Leeds United
A rivalry full of history and tension is renewed as Derby host Leeds. Expect passion, noise, and an electric atmosphere.
Sheffield Wednesday vs Brentford & Sheffield United vs Mansfield
Both Sheffield clubs have home draws and a real chance to progress, which could set up Steel City narratives later in the competition.
Ties Involving Title Challengers
Portsmouth vs Arsenal
Fratton Park will be rocking as 2nd tier Portsmouth host Arsenal, one of the competition’s most successful clubs. Pompey have a strong FA Cup tradition of their own.
Manchester City vs Exeter City
Manchester will be heavy favourites at home to Exeter. Yet the FA Cup is famous for surprises.
Full Third-Round Draw
- Boreham Wood v Brackley Town or Burton Albion
- Bristol City v Watford
- Burnley v Millwall
- Cambridge United v Birmingham City
- Charlton Athletic v Chelsea
- Cheltenham Town v Leicester City
- Derby County v Leeds United
- Doncaster Rovers v Southampton
- Everton v Sunderland
- Fulham v Middlesbrough
- Grimsby Town v Weston-super-Mare
- Hull City v Blackburn Rovers
- Ipswich Town v Blackpool
- Liverpool v Barnsley
- Macclesfield v Crystal Palace
- Manchester City v Exeter City
- Manchester United v Brighton
- MK Dons v Oxford United
- Newcastle United v Bournemouth
- Norwich City v Walsall
- Port Vale v Fleetwood Town
- Portsmouth v Arsenal
- Preston North End v Wigan Athletic
- Salford City v Swindon Town
- Sheffield United v Mansfield Town
- Sheffield Wed v Brentford
- Stoke City v Coventry City
- Swansea City v West Bromwich Albion
- Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa
- West Ham United v QPR
- Wolves v Shrewsbury Town
- Wrexham v Nottingham Forest
