FA Cup Third Round Draw 2024/25: Upsets, Premier League Clashes & Giant Killings on the Horizon
The FA Cup, steeped in history and renowned for its unpredictable magic, has delivered a thrilling third-round draw for the 2024/25 season.From potential giant killings to all-Premier League showdowns, the competition promises drama and excitement for football fans. Let’s break down the key matchups and what you need to know.
The Standout Ties: Premier League Powerhouses Tested
This year’s draw features several compelling clashes, pitting top-flight teams against challenging opponents. here are some of the most anticipated fixtures:
* Tottenham Hotspur vs. Aston Villa: A high-profile Premier League battle promises a tactical and exciting encounter.
* Manchester United vs. Brighton & Hove Albion: Another all-Premier League tie,this match-up will test Manchester United’s resolve against a consistently challenging Brighton side.
* Liverpool vs. Barnsley: The reigning Premier League champions will face a stern test against League One’s Barnsley at Anfield.
* Arsenal vs. Portsmouth: League leaders Arsenal travel to Fratton Park to face Portsmouth, a Championship side eager to cause an upset.
* Wrexham vs. Nottingham Forest: The Hollywood-owned Wrexham, currently in the Championship, will host Premier League side Nottingham forest in a tie brimming with narrative.
David vs. Goliath: Non-League dreams Alive
The FA Cup is famous for its potential for upsets, and this year’s draw offers plenty of opportunities for non-league clubs to make their mark.
* Macclesfield vs. Crystal Palace: A truly captivating tie sees Crystal Palace travel to Macclesfield, a sixth-tier phoenix club reborn after the liquidation of Macclesfield Town in 2020. This represents a important challenge for the Premier League side.
* Weston-super-Mare vs. Grimsby Town: Another sixth-tier side, Weston-super-Mare, will travel to Grimsby Town, hoping to replicate the magic of previous FA Cup underdogs.
* Boreham Wood vs. Brackley town or Burton Albion: Boreham Wood will face either Brackley Town or Burton Albion, continuing the non-league representation in the competition.
The Full third-round Draw: A Complete List
Here’s a extensive list of all the confirmed FA Cup third-round fixtures:
- Doncaster Rovers v Southampton
- Wolverhampton Wanderers v Shrewsbury Town
- Port Vale v Fleetwood Town
- Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa
- Ipswich Town v Blackpool
- Preston North End v Wigan Athletic
- Charlton Athletic v Chelsea
- Wrexham v Nottingham Forest
- West Ham United v Queens Park Rangers
- Manchester City v Exeter city
- fulham v Middlesbrough
- Sheffield Wednesday v Brentford
- Liverpool v Barnsley
- Everton v Sunderland
- Norwich city v Walsall
- Burnley v Millwall
- Derby County v Leeds United
- Portsmouth v Arsenal
- Salford City v Swindon Town
- Swansea City v West Bromwich Albion
- Grimsby Town v Weston-super-Mare
- Boreham wood v Brackley Town or Burton Albion
- Newcastle United v Bournemouth
- Hull City v Blackburn Rovers
- Cheltenham Town v Leicester City
- MK Dons v Oxford United
- Bristol City v Watford
- Cambridge United v Birmingham City
- Macclesfield v Crystal Palace
- Stoke City v Coventry City
- Sheffield United v Mansfield Town
- Manchester United v Brighton & Hove Albion
What Makes the FA Cup So Special?
The FA Cup holds a unique place in English football. Its the oldest national football competition in the world, dating back to 1871. Beyond the prestige, it offers:
* Possibility for Upsets: The Cup consistently delivers shocking results, providing a platform for lower-league teams to challenge the elite.
* A Showcase of English Football: Teams from all levels of the football pyramid compete, creating
