- League leaders Arsenal handed tough draw against Liverpool
- Newcastle to travel to Sunderland for Tyne-Wear derby
- Spurs to host Burnley, Toffees face trip to Palace
The draw for the third round of the FA Cup, traditionally one of the most exciting weekends on the English football calendar, has been made. Arsenal, currently leading the Premier League, are set to host Liverpool, who are in second place in the table, in what promises to be one of the most anticipated fixtures.
Check out Betting.com’s top list of the best FA Cup betting sites in the UK.
Newcastle set to travel to Stadium of Light for Tyne-Wear derby
Additionally, a Tyne-Wear derby awaits as Sunderland are scheduled to face Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light. Holders Manchester City will entertain Huddersfield Town, while Manchester United will visit Wigan Athletic, Tottenham will host Burnley, and Everton will travel to Crystal Palace.
Taking place between January 5 and 8, the third round will showcase a clash between lower-ranked Ramsgate from the Isthmian League South East Division and high-flying Championship side Ipswich, provided Ramsgate triumphs over AFC Wimbledon in their second-round tie.
Maidstone, competing in the National League South, is set for a home tie against either Stevenage or Port Vale.
The FA Cup’s third round is renowned for producing memorable moments and unexpected upsets, and fans can eagerly anticipate some thrilling encounters during this stage of the competition.
Betting Implications
At the time of writing, Manchester City remain favourites to retain the trophy they won last season. At the time of writing, bet365 have City priced at 5/2 with Manchester United and Chelsea next at 9/1, due to both clubs getting favourable draws. Arsenal are at 10/1, followed by Newcastle at 11/1 with Liverpool at 12/1.
Bettors looking for value in the third round could look at Aston Villa’s trip to Middlesbrough. Michael Carrick’s side have impressed in the EFL cup already this season and Villa, who are showing themselves to be a very good side, have European fixtures to consider and may come into the fixture tired after the festive programme. Boro will also have a hectic league schedule to consider and how much emphasis they put on the FA Cup will depend on whether they make the semi-finals of the EFL cup and whether they are in the promotion mix by the time January comes round. Villa will definitely be favourites, but going double chance on the Boro might bring a good return should there be an upset.
FA Cup Third Round: Draw in full
Luton Town v Bolton Wanderers
Shrewsbury Town v Wrexham
Arsenal v Liverpool
Stoke City v Brighton and Hove Albion
Norwich City v Crewe/Bristol Rovers
West Ham v Bristol City
Tottenham Hotspur v Burnley
Fulham v Rotherham United
West Bromwich Albion v Aldershot/Stockport County
Southampton v Alfreton Town/Walsall
AFC Wimbledon/Ramsgate v Ipswich Town
Peterborough United v Leeds United
Millwall v Leicester City
Watford v Chesterfield
Sunderland v Newcastle United
Sheffield Wednesday v Cardiff City
Crystal Palace v Everton
Middlesbrough v Aston Villa
Nottingham Forest v Blackpool/Forest Green Rovers
Wigan Athletic v Manchester United
Manchester City v Huddersfield Town
Blackburn Rovers v Cambridge United
Gillingham v Sheffield United
Swansea City v Morecambe
Chelsea v Preston North End
QPR v Bournemouth
Coventry City v Oxford United
Brentford v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Plymouth Argyle v Sutton United
Maidstone United v Stevenage/Port Vale
Newport County/Barnet v Eastleigh
Hull City v Birmingham
Check out our top list of FA Cup betting sites when making your picks.
