The 2024/25 FA Cup began back at the start of August with the extra preliminary round when minnows such as Burgess Hill Town, Hartpury University and Newcastle Benfield played their matches. For many, however, the FA Cup does not truly begin until the big boys from the top two tiers enter the fray in the third round, which takes place in January.
That might rather go against the ethos of the famous old cup competition but on the other hand, it is the chance to see non-league opponents strutting their stuff at Old Trafford or Anfield that makes the FA Cup what it is. What could be a better way to start the new year than watching an assortment of plumbers, policemen and solicitors bloody the noses of the glamour clubs and earn a money-spinning replay?
The third round may be a month away but the draw was made on Monday and here we take a look at the highlights and the games to look out for. We have a nice mix of David versus Goliath clashes, plus some all-Premier League blockbusters, as well as a few ties with interesting subplots.
Arsenal v Manchester United the Standout Clash
In terms of star quality, history in this competition and appeal for neutrals, the clash between Arsenal and Man United has to be considered the highlight of the draw. The game will take place at the Emirates and even if it was at Old Trafford the Gunners would probably be favourites.
Much can change between now and January, with lots of games to be played, but at the time of the draw the Gunners were second in the Premier League and the Red Devils were ninth. Mikel Arteta’s side are starting to rediscover their form after a blip and will feel they can claim more than one piece of silverware this season, even if they already trail Liverpool by nine points in the PL.
Whichever side progresses from this clash will surely fancy their chances of going all the way in the FA Cup given their respective histories in the competition. Arsenal’s 14 wins in the FA Cup is a record, whilst United are second on that list with 13 wins and between them they have appeared in 43 finals.
They have met in the showpiece game twice, the Gunners prevailing on both occasions, but overall the head-to-head record between them in the FA Cup is fairly even. This could be a great clash, especially if United boss Ruben Amorim can keep helping his side improve. The precise dates and TV schedule for the third round are yet to be confirmed but the games will take place around the 11th of January and you can guarantee that this one will be chosen for live coverage.
The Other All-Premier League Tie
There is only one other game between Premier League teams and that sees Aston Villa host West Ham. Villa have won the cup seven times, whilst the Hammers boast three wins, and both will feel that this competition gives them a realistic chance of claiming silverware. Increasingly the biggest clubs dominate the FA Cup and EFL Cup but even so, these clubs have to believe they can go far.
On home soil we would have to fancy Villa, but their form of late has been poor and they are suffering from competing in Europe. They are doing very well in the Champions League but at what cost? West Ham are not having a good season at all though, and whilst this clash will offer a little respite from their league woes, we fancy a home win.
Non-League Teams Thin on the round
Those on plumber-watch this year will be disappointed as there are just two non-league teams in the third round. Tamworth have a wonderful home tie against the stars of Spurs, whilst the other team from the fifth tier, Dagenham and Redbridge, make the short trip to Millwall.
The sad reality is that we are unlikely to see a non-league side in the hat for the fourth round but we can only hope. Nonetheless, Tamworth should certainly enjoy their game with Tottenham and the neutrals will be cheering loudly for the Staffordshire outfit.
Accrington Stanley Land Plum Draw
Brace ourselves for the “who are they” jokes, as fourth-tier Accrington Stanley are set to face Liverpool in a clash that is probably the dream tie for the Lancashire club. The game will take place at Anfield and give the underdogs a chance to shine in another game that is sure to be on TV.
The Reds will field plenty of youngsters but even so, they should prove far too strong for The ‘Owd Reds, who may well be more concerned about securing their league status than upsetting the odds at Anfield. Once again, the neutrals will be firmly in the camp of the smaller side but we fully expect Arne Slot’s troops to progress as they bid to claim a ninth FA Cup.
Man City v Salford Could get Tasty
Another League Two side to draw one of the biggest of the big boys is Salford City. With Salford owned by a collection of former Man United stars, including Gary and Phil Neville, David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, a trip to Man City makes for a wonderful tie.
“It’s going to be a great day for the players, the staff, everyone involved with the football club” 🗣️
Skipper Curtis Tilt’s instant reaction as The Ammies drew Man City in the @emiratesfacup 🏆
— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) December 2, 2024
You can bet that all of Manchester’s Reds will be cheering on Salford and in truth, the way City have been playing of late, who knows what might happen.
Other Notable Ties
There are a number of other fascinating matches that pit smaller teams against much bigger ones, with some of these having interesting subplots too. Below are some of the other highly noteworthy ties from the third-round draw:
- Chelsea v Morecambe – Chelsea’s stars face the side that – at the time of writing – are slumped at the very bottom of the Football League
- Everton v Peterborough – We could see Old Young v Young Young, with father Ashley hopeful of facing son Tyler at Goodison
- Leeds United v Harrogate – Just a few miles separate these West and North Yorkshire sides, making for a fascinating derby between teams with fanbases of a very different size
- Newcastle United v Bromley – arguably the richest club in the world face Bromley, a side whose Hayes Lane ground holds just over 5,000 fans