FA Cup 3rd Round Preview

 

The Emirates FA Cup Third Round marks the start of one of football’s most exciting stages, where top-tier teams from the Premier League and Championship join the competition. Known for its thrilling upsets and unforgettable moments, the Third Round showcases the magic of the FA Cup as underdogs face giants in pursuit of glory.

With teams from all levels of English football battling for a place in the next round, this is where the drama truly begins. Fans can expect passionate performances, high-stakes action, and the chance to witness history in the making with official FA Cup Final hospitality packages.

FA Cup 3rd Round Fixtures

Sheffield United vs Cardiff City

Bramall Lane
Thursday 09 January 2025

Sheffield United host Cardiff City in the FA Cup Third Round on Thursday, aiming to balance their Premier League promotion push with a strong cup run. The Blades sit third in the Championship but have won just once in their last four matches.

Cardiff, battling relegation in 23rd place, face an uphill task. The Bluebirds have managed only five wins all season and have lost their last four FA Cup away games, conceding three goals in three of those defeats.

Sheffield United hold the upper hand historically, winning three of their four FA Cup meetings with Cardiff, including the famous 1925 final. With Cardiff struggling for form and the Blades boasting a strong cup record against Championship opposition, the hosts will be firm favorites at Bramall Lane

Everton v Peterborough United

Goodison Park
Thursday 09 January 2025

Everton, last season’s 16th-place finishers in the Premier League, are struggling again, scoring just once in their last four matches. Manager Sean Dyche faces mounting pressure as the Toffees aim to improve both their league form and cup fortunes.

Peterborough United, battling near the bottom of League One, come into this clash winless in four games, with three defeats during that stretch. They’ll be underdogs at Goodison Park but hope to capitalize on Everton’s recent poor FA Cup record, with the Toffees winning just once in their last five ties.

This marks only the second meeting between the sides, with Everton winning their 2006 EFL Cup encounter 2-1. The Toffees, however, have a strong record against lower-league teams, progressing from 14 of their last 15 such cup ties. Both sides will be eager for a morale-boosting win to spark their respective seasons.

Fulham v Watford

Craven Cottage
Thursday 09 January 2025

Fulham, under Marco Silva, enter the FA Cup third round in fine form, having gone unbeaten in their last eight Premier League matches. The Cottagers displayed resilience in their recent 2-2 draw with Ipswich, and home fans at Craven Cottage will hope their team extends this strong run in the cup.

Watford, managed by Tom Cleverley, have shown promise in the Championship, with playoff ambitions still in sight. However, they arrive at this tie after a narrow defeat to league leaders Sheffield United.

This marks the fourth FA Cup clash between Fulham and Watford, with their last three encounters all requiring replays after initial draws. The Hornets hold the upper hand in recent meetings, going unbeaten in their last six matches against Fulham while scoring 14 goals in the process.

Watford have struggled in the third round of the FA Cup, progressing just once in their last five attempts. Conversely, Fulham boast a strong record against lower-division opponents, advancing in their last four such ties. A competitive showdown awaits at Craven Cottage.

Wycombe Wanderers v Portsmouth

Adams Park
Friday 10 January 2025

Wycombe Wanderers will face Portsmouth in the FA Cup third round with both sides eager to make a mark in the competition. Wycombe come into this tie with a solid run in League One, showing resilience in their performances. Their focus will be on securing a memorable cup run, and a win here would continue their impressive form at Adams Park.

Portsmouth, similarly, are in the mix for promotion from League One and will be looking to bounce back after a mixed set of results in recent weeks. The team has shown glimpses of quality but will need to overcome Wycombe on their own turf to progress further in the competition.

This match will be a clash of two determined sides with a rich FA Cup history, and both teams will see this tie as a key opportunity to build momentum for the rest of the season. Wycombe will be aiming to use their home advantage, while Portsmouth will look to assert their strength and experience to claim a place in the next round. Expect a competitive battle with plenty at stake for both teams.

Aston Villa v West Ham United

Friday 10 January 2025

West Ham United make the trip to Villa Park for a highly anticipated all-Premier League FA Cup third-round clash with Aston Villa on Friday, 10 January 2025, at 8pm, promising a thrilling 90 minutes of knockout football.

West Ham’s last meeting with Villa in the competition was back in 1980 when they triumphed 1-0 in the sixth round en route to winning the cup. Villa, however, will be hoping to continue their dominance in previous FA Cup encounters, having won the last two meetings.

With both teams vying for progression and a place in the next round, this match promises to be a captivating contest between two top-flight clubs.

Bristol City v Wolverhampton Wanderers

Aston Gate Stadium
Saturday 11 January 2025

This Saturday, the FA Cup brings an exciting clash between Bristol City and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Ashton Gate. Bristol City, managed by Liam Manning, are enjoying a strong campaign in the Championship, currently sitting 8th in the standings. Meanwhile, Premier League side Wolves, under the guidance of Gary O’Neil, are positioned 17th in the top flight. Both teams head into this encounter with solid recent form, setting the stage for a competitive and thrilling match as they both look to progress in the prestigious competition.

Middlesbrough v Blackburn Rovers

Riverside Stadium
Saturday 11 January 2025

Middlesbrough will host Blackburn Rovers in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup. Michael Carrick’s side were drawn at home to the Championship club on Monday evening, and the match promises to be an exciting encounter. The last time these two sides met in the FA Cup was in 2002, when Ugo Ehiogu scored the only goal in a 1-0 win for Boro.

Birmingham City v Lincoln City

St Andrews
Saturday 11 January 2025

Birmingham City will face Lincoln City in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup, with the Blues hoping to advance at St Andrew’s. John Eustace’s side, currently competing in the Championship, will be aiming to build on their solid season and secure a place in the next round. Meanwhile, Lincoln City, playing in League One, will be looking to cause an upset and continue their FA Cup run. The match promises to be an exciting clash, with both teams eager to make their mark in the prestigious competition. This will be the first time the two sides meet in the FA Cup, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this knockout tie.

Liverpool v Accrington Stanley

Saturday 11 January 2025

Liverpool will host Accrington Stanley in the third round of the FA Cup at Anfield on Saturday 11 January 2025. The match promises to be an exciting occasion, especially with the close proximity between the two clubs—just 46 miles separate Accrington from Liverpool. While Liverpool, under Arne Slot, have been drawn at home in this round, Accrington Stanley are currently struggling in 20th place in League Two. Despite their challenging season, Accrington will be eager to put up a strong performance against their Premier League counterparts.

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Leicester City v Queen Park Rangers

King Power Stadium
Saturday 11 January 2025

Leicester City will host QPR in the third round of the 2024/25 Emirates FA Cup, with the match scheduled for Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the King Power Stadium. Under new management with Ruud van Nistelrooy at the helm, the Foxes will be aiming to make a strong cup run. Meanwhile, QPR, managed by Martí Cifuentes, will be looking to replicate their impressive 2-1 away win over Leicester from last season. This tie promises to be an exciting encounter between two clubs aiming for success in the competition.

Exeter City v Oxford United

St James Park
Saturday 11 January 2025

Exeter City will face Oxford United in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup at St James’ Park on Saturday 11 January 2025. This clash marks a significant opportunity for City, who will be hoping to reach the fourth round for the first time since 1981. The match promises to be an exciting encounter as both teams aim to advance in the prestigious competition.

Reading v Burnley

Select Car Leasing Stadium
Saturday 11 January 2025

Reading will host Burnley in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday 11 January at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. Both teams will be looking to make a strong push in the competition, with Reading aiming to capitalize on their home advantage and build momentum after a solid start to the season. Burnley, who have shown their strength in the Championship, will be eager to progress and continue their push for cup success. The match is expected to offer plenty of action as both sides battle for a place in the fourth round.

Norwich City v Brighton & Hove Albion

Carrow Road
Saturday 11 January 2025

Norwich City will welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to Carrow Road for their third-round clash in the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday 11 January 2025. The Canaries will be looking to build on their FA Cup run from last season, where they overcame Bristol Rovers in a replayed third-round tie before falling to Liverpool in the fourth round. Brighton, who have been in strong form, will pose a tough challenge for Norwich as both sides aim to progress further in the competition. The match promises to be an exciting encounter as both teams look to make their mark in the FA Cup.

Preston North End v Charlton Athletic

Deepdale
Saturday 11 January 2025

Preston North End will host Charlton Athletic in their third-round FA Cup clash in January 2025, marking the first meeting between the two sides in the competition since 1966. While North End have only reached the fourth round in three of the last ten seasons, they will be hoping the support of the Deepdale crowd gives them the edge against League One opposition. Charlton, who haven’t won at Deepdale since 2007, have not progressed past the third round since the 2013/14 campaign. Despite this, they will be looking to pull off an upset against the higher-division Championship side.

Chelsea v Morecambe

Saturday 11 January 2025
Chelsea will host Morecambe in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday 11 January 2025 at Stamford Bridge. This will be the second-ever meeting between the two sides, and the Blues will be looking to replicate their 4-0 victory over the Shrimps from January 2021, when Timo Werner, Mason Mount, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Kai Havertz all scored – See if the Blues have what it takes with official Chelsea v Morecambe VIP tickets and hospitality packages.

AFC Bournemouth v West Bromwich Albion

Vitality Stadium
Saturday 11 January 2025

Brighton & Hove Albion have been drawn away at AFC Bournemouth in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup, with the tie scheduled to take place at the Vitality Stadium on the weekend of January 11/12, 2025. Currently sitting 13th in the Premier League under the management of Andoni Iraola, Bournemouth will be aiming to advance further in the competition. The two clubs have faced off twice before in the FA Cup, with each side claiming one victory. Their most recent encounter in the competition was in January 1999, when Bournemouth won 1-0.

Sunderland AFC v Stoke City

Stadium Of Light
Saturday 11 January 2025
Sunderland will host Stoke City in the third round of the 2024/25 Emirates FA Cup, with the tie scheduled to take place at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, January 11, 2025. Both teams will be aiming to progress to the next stage of the competition, with Sunderland looking to build on their impressive Championship form, while Stoke, currently in mid-table, will be keen to make a cup run. This encounter marks the first FA Cup meeting between the two sides in recent years, and both clubs will be eager to secure a place in the fourth round. With both teams packed with attacking talent, this fixture promises to deliver an exciting 90 minutes of knockout football.

Nottingham Forest v Luton Town

City Ground
Saturday 11 January 2025

Luton Town will travel to Premier League side Nottingham Forest in the third round of the FA Cup. The Hatters will be hoping to replicate their thrilling 2-2 draw against Forest from last season, when they fought back from 2-0 down to secure a late equalizer. Luton and Forest have faced each other three times in the FA Cup, with the most famous encounter being the 1959 final, where Luton were narrowly beaten 2-1. Their previous meeting in the competition came in the 2007 second round, when a Calvin Andrew goal secured a 1-0 win for Luton. This upcoming clash promises to be another exciting chapter in the history of these two clubs.

Manchester City v Salford City

Saturday 11 January 2025

Manchester City will be looking to turn their season around as they enter the third round of the 2024/25 FA Cup, with the competition offering them a potential route to silverware after a difficult domestic campaign. Currently sitting sixth in the Premier League, the reigning champions are two points adrift of the top four and struggling to regain their usual dominance. With a crucial UEFA Champions League clash against PSG on the horizon, the FA Cup represents an important opportunity to salvage their season.

City’s recent record in the competition has been exceptional, with three FA Cup wins since 2011 and five final appearances. Their most memorable victory came in 2023, when they triumphed 2-1 in a thrilling final against Manchester United, completing the second leg of their treble-winning season. As the competition progresses, Pep Guardiola’s side will be eager to add another prestigious trophy to their cabinet and ensure a strong cup run in a season full of challenges.

See if they have what it takes to proceed to the next round with official Manchester City v Salford City VIP tickets and hospitality packages.

Leeds United AFC v Harrowgate Town AFC

Elland Road
Saturday 11 January 2025

Get ready for an exciting Yorkshire Derby as Leeds United face Harrogate Town in the third round of the 2024/25 Emirates FA Cup. This historic clash marks the first-ever competitive meeting between the two sides and promises to be a thrilling encounter. With both teams eager to make their mark in the prestigious competition, fans can expect an electric atmosphere as Leeds United and Harrogate Town battle it out for a place in the next round. 

Leyton Orient v Derby County

Brisbane Road
Saturday 11 January 2025

Leyton Orient will host Derby County in the third round of the 2024/25 Emirates FA Cup, with the match set to take place on Saturday, January 11, 2025. This exciting tie promises to be a thrilling encounter, as League Two side Leyton Orient take on the League One Rams. Both clubs will be eager to progress further in the competition, with Leyton Orient looking to cause an upset against their higher-division opponents. Derby County, under new management, will be aiming to build momentum and secure a spot in the next round.

Mansfield Town v Wigan Athletic

Field Mill
Saturday 11 January 2025
Mansfield Town will face League One rivals Wigan Athletic at Field Mill in the FA Cup third round on Saturday 11 January 2025. The Stags, who defeated Wigan 2-1 in league action earlier this season, will be aiming to progress to the fourth round after reaching this stage in four of the last five years. Wigan will provide a tough challenge, but Mansfield’s home advantage gives them confidence heading into the tie.

Coventry City v Sheffield Wednesday

Coventry Building Society Arena
Saturday 11 January 2025
Coventry City will host Sheffield Wednesday in the third round of the FA Cup at the Coventry Building Society Arena. The Sky Blues, currently competing in the Championship, will look to advance past League One side Wednesday, who will be eager to cause an upset. Coventry will rely on their solid home form, while Sheffield Wednesday will aim to build on their league success and create a memorable cup run. This encounter promises to be an exciting clash as both teams seek to progress in the historic competition.

Hull City v Doncaster Rovers

MKM Stadium
Sunday 12 January 2025
The stage is set for an exciting FA Cup Third Round clash as Hull City welcome Doncaster Rovers to the MKM Stadium. This fixture promises the magic and drama that the world’s oldest cup competition is renowned for, as the Tigers aim to assert their Championship pedigree against a spirited League Two outfit looking to cause an upset.

Tamworth v Tottenham Hotspur

The Lamb Ground
Sunday 12 January 2025

Non-league Tamworth host Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur in a true David vs. Goliath FA Cup clash. Tamworth, fueled by their passionate supporters, aim to extend their fairytale run, with Tyrell Waite and Ryan Beswick key to their hopes.

Spurs, likely to rotate their squad, will look to avoid an upset as Ange Postecoglou balances youth and experience. With their last FA Cup triumph in 1991, Tottenham will aim to start this year’s campaign with a convincing win.

Arsenal v Manchester United

Sunday 12 January 2025

Two footballing heavyweights collide as Arsenal host Manchester United in a blockbuster FA Cup Third Round tie at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal, in fine form under Mikel Arteta, will look to continue their strong season, with Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard spearheading their attack. The Gunners, who last won the competition in 2020, are aiming for another deep cup run.

Manchester United, despite an inconsistent campaign, remain a formidable force in cup competitions. Erik ten Hag will lean on stars like Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes to deliver in this high-stakes encounter.

With both teams eyeing silverware, this clash promises drama and quality befitting their storied FA Cup histories – Witness it all for yourself with official Arsenal v Manchester United VIP tickets.

Newcastle v Bromley

St James Park
Sunday 12 January 2025

League Two side Bromley face a monumental task as they take on Premier League giants Newcastle United at St James’ Park, aiming to reach the FA Cup Fourth Round for the first time in their history.

Bromley’s underdog spirit, led by key players such as Michael Cheek, will be crucial as they look to pull off a historic upset. Meanwhile, Newcastle, flying high under Eddie Howe, are expected to rotate their squad but still boast the quality to dominate, with talents like Anthony Gordon and Joe Willock likely to feature.

A classic FA Cup tale could unfold as Bromley dare to dream against one of England’s elite.

Ipswich Town v Bristol Rovers

Portman Road
Sunday 12 January 2025

Ipswich Town welcome Bristol Rovers to Portman Road in an intriguing FA Cup Third Round encounter.

Ipswich, enjoying a strong season under Kieran McKenna, will aim to translate their Championship form into cup success. With key players like Conor Chaplin and Sam Morsy in top form, the Tractor Boys will look to dominate.

Bristol Rovers, under Joey Barton, bring a determined League One side capable of causing problems. The Pirates, led by Aaron Collins, will relish the chance to test themselves against higher-tier opposition.

Crystal Palace v Stockport County

Selhurst Park
Sunday 12 January 2025

Stockport County face a tough challenge as they travel to Premier League side Crystal Palace in the FA Cup Third Round at Selhurst Park.

This marks the first meeting between the sides since 2002 and Stockport’s first away FA Cup tie against top-flight opposition since 2007. Dave Challinor’s League Two side, in fine form, will look to defy the odds and write another chapter in their cup history.

Palace, led by Austrian manager Oliver Glasner, sit 17th in the Premier League and are aiming for a strong cup run. With a history of two final appearances (1990 and 2016), the Eagles hope to take another step toward their first FA Cup triumph.

Southampton v Swansea City

St Mary’s Stadium
Sunday 12 January 2025

Swansea City travel to St Mary’s to face Southampton in an intriguing FA Cup Third Round tie, with added spice as former Swans boss Russell Martin takes on his old club.

Martin, now managing the Saints, guided Southampton to promotion from the Championship after departing Swansea in 2023. His side will look to make a statement, with key players like Adam Armstrong and Che Adams leading the charge.

Swansea, under Michael Duff, will be eager to spoil the occasion and advance to the Fourth Round, relying on standout performers such as Jerry Yates to deliver an upset.

Millwall v Dagenham and Redbridge

The Den
Monday 13 January 2025

National League side Dagenham & Redbridge face a tough test as they travel to The Den to take on Championship outfit Millwall in the FA Cup Third Round.

Millwall, known for their physicality and cup pedigree, will look to avoid any slip-ups against lower-league opposition. Manager Gary Rowett is likely to rely on experienced players like Zian Flemming to secure progression.

Dagenham, the underdogs, will aim to make history with a spirited performance. Key figures like Inih Effiong will be crucial if the Daggers are to cause an upset.

FA Cup Final Hospitality Packages

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Football Hospitality Packages

Top-flight clubs offer a range of VIP football tickets and private boxes, catering to every taste. From casual pitch-side hospitality to the exclusivity of private VIP boxes with balcony seating, there are options for both informal experiences and formal fine dining. Whether for business or pleasure, there’s a perfect football hospitality package to suit your needs on match days this season.

FA Cup 2025/26 Quarter Final Draw

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