FA Cup 2024-2025: Third round draw unveiled

The draw for the third round of the 2024-2025 FA Cup has been announced, setting the stage for some thrilling matches in this storied competition. With Premier League giants clashing and lower-league minnows dreaming of giant killings, the draw has thrown up an intriguing mix of encounters. The draw for the third round of the 2024-2025 FA Cup has been announced, setting the stage for some thrilling matches in this storied competition. With Premier League giants clashing and lower-league minnows dreaming of giant killings, the draw has thrown up an intriguing mix of encounters.

Top ties highlighted

Among the most eye-catching fixtures, Arsenal will host Manchester United in what is undeniably the headline clash of the round. Both teams, rich in FA Cup history, will battle it out early in the tournament, ensuring a heavyweight knockout. Elsewhere, Liverpool will face Accrington Stanley, providing a classic David vs. Goliath scenario.

Potential giant killings

Several lower-league sides will be dreaming of upsets, with Salford City facing a daunting trip to Manchester City. The magic of the cup is epitomized in ties like these, where anything can happen on the day. Similarly, non-league Tamworth will face a monumental challenge against Tottenham, hoping to make headlines with a surprise victory.

All-Premier League encounters

The draw has set up two all-Premier League ties, with Aston Villa welcoming West Ham, being the only other all-Premier League battle next to Arsenal - United. These matches promise to be tightly contested, with teams familiar with each other's styles and tactics.

Intriguing lower league clashes

The romance of the FA Cup is also reflected in matches like Millwall vs. Dagenham & Redbridge, where local rivalries and the sheer unpredictability of football can lead to memorable upsets. Another notable match is Leeds United vs. Harrogate, a Yorkshire derby that will have fans on both sides eagerly anticipating bragging rights.

Family clash

This draw has been followed with special attention in the Young household. Ashley Young’s Everton faces Peterborough United. The 18 years old son of Ashley Young plays for Peterborough. He hasn’t been in the squad lately, but he will do everything he can to be on the same pitch as his father.

As the teams prepare for their January fixtures, the FA Cup third round promises excitement, drama, and potentially history-making moments. The competition remains a key highlight of the English football calendar, where dreams are made, and football legends can be born overnight. The matches are set to take place over the first weekend of January, with clubs from the Premier League and Championship entering the fray and joining those from lower divisions who have fought through earlier rounds. Fans across the country and worldwide will be watching closely, as the road to Wembley gets underway.

Full list of fixtures

• Southampton v Swansea
• Arsenal v Manchester United
• Exeter v Oxford
• Leyton Orient v Derby
• Reading v Burnley
• Aston Villa v West Ham
• Norwich v Brighton
• Manchester City v Salford City
• Millwall v Dagenham & Redbridge
• Liverpool v Accrington Stanley
• Bristol City v Wolves
• Preston v Charlton
• Chelsea v Morecambe
• Middlesbrough v Blackburn
• Bournemouth v West Brom
• Mansfield v Wigan Athletic
• Tamworth v Tottenham
• Hull v Doncaster
• Sunderland v Stoke
• Leicester v QPR
• Brentford v Plymouth
• Coventry v Sheffield Wednesday
• Newcastle v Bromley
• Everton v Peterborough
• Wycombe v Portsmouth
• Birmingham v Lincoln City
• Leeds United v Harrogate
• Nottingham Forest v Luton
• Sheffield United v Cardiff
• Ipswich v Bristol Rovers
• Fulham v Watford
• Crystal Palace v Stockport

As the teams prepare for their January fixtures, the FA Cup third round promises excitement, drama, and potentially history-making moments. The competition remains a key highlight of the English football calendar, where dreams are made, and football legends can be born overnight. The matches are set to take place over the first weekend of January, with clubs from the Premier League and Championship entering the fray and joining those from lower divisions who have fought through earlier rounds. Fans across the country and worldwide will be watching closely, as the road to Wembley gets underway.