The FA Cup, a historic and prestigious football competition, has reached its thrilling third round stage, a point where Premier League and Championship giants enter the fray, facing off against lower-league minnows and non-league hopefuls. This year’s draw has produced some intriguing matchups, pitting some of the biggest names in English football against underdogs vying for a giant-killing. The 44 Premier League and Championship clubs join the 20 surviving teams from lower leagues, creating a diverse mix of talent and ambition as they battle for a place in the fourth round. The drama of this stage is heightened by the single-elimination format, ensuring some high-profile casualties and unexpected triumphs. The third round promises a spectacle of football, with the potential for upsets and memorable moments.
This year’s third-round fixtures include a David vs. Goliath clash between League Two side Accrington Stanley and Premier League leaders Liverpool at the iconic Anfield. Another intriguing match pits non-league Tamworth, the lowest-ranked team remaining, against Premier League heavyweights Tottenham Hotspur, managed by Ange Postecoglou. And in a headline-grabbing Sunday showdown, FA Cup holders Manchester United will lock horns with fellow giants Arsenal in a match that promises fireworks. With only half of the 64 competing teams advancing to the next stage, the third round guarantees heartbreak for some of the biggest names in English football.
Anticipation builds for the FA Cup fourth round draw, which is scheduled for Sunday, January 12th. Football fans eagerly await the pairings that will determine the next stage of the competition. The draw will take place following the conclusion of the highly-anticipated Arsenal vs. Manchester United fixture. With the match kicking off at 3pm GMT, the draw is expected to commence around 5pm GMT, though this could be delayed if the game requires extra time or penalties. The fourth-round matches themselves are set to be played across the weekend of Saturday, February 8th.
Football enthusiasts can follow the fourth-round draw live on BBC One or stream it for free via the BBC iPlayer app/website and The Emirates FA Cup’s official YouTube channel. SunSport will also provide live blog coverage, delivering real-time updates on the draw as the ties are revealed.
The FA Cup third round unfolded with a flurry of matches, showcasing the unpredictability and excitement of the competition. Sheffield United succumbed to a 1-0 defeat against Cardiff City, while Everton comfortably dispatched Peterborough United 2-0. Fulham displayed their attacking prowess with a 4-1 victory over Watford. Wycombe Wanderers notched a 2-0 win against Portsmouth, and Aston Villa edged past West Ham United 2-1.
The third-round action continued with Wolverhampton Wanderers defeating Bristol City 2-1, and Birmingham City overcoming Lincoln City with the same scoreline. Blackburn Rovers secured a 1-0 win against Middlesbrough, while Liverpool cruised to a 4-0 victory over Accrington Stanley. Exeter City emerged victorious against Oxford United with a 3-1 scoreline. AFC Bournemouth hammered West Bromwich Albion 5-1, Burnley defeated Reading 3-1, and Stoke City edged past Sunderland 2-1. Nottingham Forest dispatched Luton Town 2-0, while Plymouth Argyle caused an upset by defeating Brentford 1-0. Brighton & Hove Albion delivered a resounding 4-0 win against Norwich City, and Chelsea put five past Morecambe without reply. Leicester City were also in free-scoring form, beating Queens Park Rangers 6-2. Manchester City demolished Salford City 8-0, and Leeds United edged past Harrogate Town 1-0. Coventry City needed penalties to overcome Sheffield Wednesday after a 1-1 draw, while several matches were postponed due to scheduling conflicts.
The remaining third-round fixtures include Hull City vs. Doncaster Rovers, Tamworth vs. Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal vs. Manchester United, Newcastle United vs. Bromley, Ipswich Town vs. Bristol Rovers, Crystal Palace vs. Stockport County, Southampton vs. Swansea City, and Millwall vs. Dagenham & Redbridge. These matches promise further excitement and drama as the FA Cup continues its journey towards crowning a champion.
