The English FA Cup third round begins this Friday, marking one of the most exciting weekends of the football calendar. This is the moment when non-league players get a chance to chase their dreams by taking on and potentially defeating professional clubs, including some of the top teams in the Premier League.
For top clubs, this weekend can be anxiety-inducing as they face the threat of a giant-killing. However, it’s also the first step toward Wembley for teams determined to win the tournament this season.
Fans in the U.S. can watch all the action live on the ESPN App. So, which matchups should you absolutely not miss?
Here are some of the standout matches for the third round.
In a traditional FA Cup encounter, EFL Championship side Wrexham is set to face Premier League team Nottingham Forest as they both seek victory for different reasons. Wrexham is on an impressive four-match winning streak and sits just one point away from the playoff spots in their quest for a fourth straight promotion, bringing confidence as they look to upset Forest. Despite Nottingham recording a 2-1 victory at West Ham United recently, coach Sean Dyche may opt to rest key players due to league and Europa League commitments, potentially favoring Wrexham.
1:31
Why Thomas Tuchel is the best candidate to manage Man United
Steve Nicol and Julien Laurens discuss why Thomas Tuchel could be the ideal choice for the Manchester United managerial role.
Manchester United are in a state of uncertainty following the recent firing of head coach Ruben Amorim. It’s unclear if interim coach Darren Fletcher will continue in charge for this match or if another interim coach, such as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer or Michael Carrick, will take over in time.
– Ogden: Man United need a superstar manager post-Amorim
– Dawson: The inside story of why Man United fired Amorim
– 12 intriguing candidates for Man United’s next permanent manager
Regardless of who takes charge, United must secure a win. After suffering a humiliating defeat to Grimsby in the second round of the Carabao Cup, the FA Cup represents their only remaining opportunity for success. Exiting another competition prematurely would pile on the pressure, especially against Brighton, who have claimed victory in three of their last four trips to Old Trafford.
Crystal Palace celebrated their first major honor last season by defeating Manchester City in the FA Cup final. However, they now face a daunting challenge as they start the defense of their title, playing away against non-league Macclesfield, the lowest-ranked team left in the tournament.
The Silkmen, competing in the National League North (sixth tier), will host Palace at their small Moss Rose ground, which features an artificial pitch. Historically, no team from the sixth tier has ever defeated a Premier League side, and with a 115-place gap between the two clubs in the league pyramid, Palace is expected to win comfortably … or are they?
1:18
Is Thomas Frank’s future at Tottenham already in doubt?
Julien Laurens discusses why Thomas Frank might be under pressure at Tottenham.
This matchup features two heavyweight Premier League clubs with rich FA Cup traditions, both currently experiencing prolonged trophy droughts. Tottenham, an eight-time winner, last lifted the cup in 1991, while Aston Villa’s last FA Cup triumph came in 1957.
But this matchup is all about the present. Under Unai Emery, Aston Villa has emerged as one of the leading clubs in the country, eager to secure their first major trophy since 1996, while Spurs are under pressure, desperately needing a win to relieve some of the strain on struggling coach Thomas Frank.
Grimsby Town vs. Weston-super-Mare (Saturday, 12:45 p.m. ET / 5:45 p.m. GMT)
Grimsby Town, who staged a remarkable upset against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup back in August, now take on the underdogs Weston-super-Mare as the clear favorites.
Weston have sensationally advanced through the tournament after winning against non-league clubs Aldershot and Chelmsford, placing them second in the sixth-tier National League South. However, Grimsby’s form has declined since their shot against United, leaving them in the middle of the League Two table. This match could very well lead to another shocking outcome.
1:51
Why Juls believes Liam Rosenior has a ‘high potential’ at Chelsea
Julien Laurens discusses why Liam Rosenior could positively influence Chelsea as their new manager until 2032.
Charlton Athletic vs. Chelsea (Saturday, 3 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. GMT)
New Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior will officially begin his tenure with a challenging London derby against Championship side Charlton.
Charlton secured promotion from League One last season under former Southampton manager Nathan Jones, but they’ve struggled recently, winning just once in their last eleven outings. Chelsea, with their FIFA Club World Cup credentials, will see this as a match they should win. Nevertheless, the uncertainty surrounding the club following Enzo Maresca’s departure as manager could open the door for the home side to cause an upset.
Portsmouth vs. Arsenal (Sunday, 9 a.m. ET / 2 p.m. GMT)
On paper, Arsenal should find this matchup favorable, with the Premier League leaders visiting a team that is just above the Championship relegation zone. However, Fratton Park is known for its vibrant and traditional atmosphere, and the Gunners will likely face a different challenge when they compete at a stadium that first opened in 1899.
While most would expect an Arsenal victory, history suggests that this will be a tough encounter.
Liverpool vs. Barnsley (Monday, 2:45 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. GMT)
Expecting a straightforward win for the defending Premier League champions? Perhaps, but Barnsley has a strong history at Anfield, having won on their last two visits. The Reds shouldn’t underestimate the League One side, as Barnsley notably triumphed over Liverpool during their only Premier League season in 1997-98 and again in an FA Cup fifth-round match in February 2008.
With Liverpool still striving to recapture their title-winning form from last season, this match could prove to be a tense affair at Anfield.