As we turn the page to 2025, one of soccer’s most-storied tournaments resumes with the third round of the English FA Cup kicking off this week. This stage of the competition is sure to deliver more upsets and surprises, cementing the tournament as one of the more compelling competitions in English soccer.
First played during the 1871-72 season, the FA Cup carries a little extra mystique. It’s open to all eligible clubs across England, from Premier League giants to teams in the ninth tier of the soccer pyramid.
The FA Cup is also a tale of opportunity and unpredictability. In classic David vs. Goliath fashion, lower-tier teams can find themselves sharing the pitch with England’s elite. This year, League Two strugglers Accrington Stanley, sitting 19th in their division, face a dream clash against Premier League leaders Liverpool. While Arne Slot’s squad are clear favourites, the FA Cup’s magic lies in its potential for upsets — an improbable victory would bring not just glory, but increased media attention, television coverage and a financial windfall for the underdogs.
Meanwhile, the draw also serves up heavyweight battles, like the Jan. 12 showdown between reigning champions Manchester United and rival Arsenal. This blockbuster clash not only guarantees drama, but also ensures one of the competition’s biggest names will bow out early, opening the door for smaller clubs to seize the spotlight.
Ready to dive deeper? Here’s everything you need to know about the third round of the 2024-25 FA Cup.
Format and rule changes — a new era for the FA Cup
The 2024-25 FA Cup introduces significant changes, marking the first edition since 2020-21 to eliminate match replays in the proper rounds. Additionally, the final will be played one week before the Premier League season concludes. These adjustments stem from a six-year agreement between The Football Association and the Premier League, addressing the pressure on domestic schedules caused by expanded UEFA competitions.
While the changes aim to streamline the calendar, they have also drawn criticism, particularly from advocates for lower-league clubs. Replays historically provided vital revenue for these teams. Under the new format, matches ending in a draw will proceed to extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout to determine the winner.
However, the competition remains a single-elimination format from the third round onward, eschewing two-legged ties commonly seen in tournaments like the Champions League. This means one loss is enough to end a team’s campaign.
Premier League and Championship sides enter the fray
In true FA Cup tradition, the qualifying and early proper rounds are a showcase for lower-league clubs. However, the third round signals a turning point as it introduces all 20 Premier League teams and 24 EFL Championship sides. These clubs join the 20 victorious teams from the second round, creating a field that balances underdog stories with top-flight prowess.
Among the standout lower-league participants are Tamworth and Dagenham & Redbridge, both representing the National League (Tier 5), alongside EFL League Two (Tier 4) sides Morecambe, Doncaster Rovers, Bromley, Accrington Stanley and Salford City.
Arsenal vs. Manchester United highlights third round
While Sheffield United vs. Cardiff City opened the third round on Thursday, with Cardiff reigning supreme with a 1-0 win, the marquee matchup will arrive three days later as defending FA Cup champions Manchester United face current Premier League runners-up Arsenal.
Manchester United is grappling with inconsistency. After ending 2024 with four consecutive losses to Tottenham, Bournemouth, Wolves and Newcastle, the Red Devils began 2025 with a 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield. Despite the favourable result, manager Ruben Amorim has publicly criticized his squad, accusing them of complacency, while the ongoing saga surrounding Marcus Rashford’s exclusion from the team only adds to the turmoil.
Arsenal, by contrast, enters the fixture in strong form. Despite missing Bukayo Saka due to a hamstring injury, the Gunners are unbeaten since Nov. 6, when they fell to Inter Milan in the Champions League. Arsenal’s 14 FA Cup titles make them the competition’s most successful club, and Mikel Arteta’s side will look to capitalize on United’s struggles.
The FA Cup, however, is notorious for its unpredictability. Just ask Manchester City, who saw last season’s trophy slip away to their cross-town rivals, United.
However, Arsenal vs. United isn’t the only blockbuster on the slate. On Jan. 10, Aston Villa and West Ham United will square off in another all-Premier League clash, promising plenty of drama and intensity.
Fun fact
Meanwhile, Saturday’s match at the Etihad Stadium between Manchester City and Salford City holds a little extra star power.
Salford, a National League side based in Greater Manchester, carries a unique connection to its heavyweight neighbour. The club is part-owned by members of Manchester United’s iconic “Class of ‘92” — Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, Phil Neville and Paul Scholes — along with Singaporean businessman Peter Lim. David Beckham joined the ownership group in 2019, adding an extra layer of intrigue and celebrity status to the game.
Full third-round schedule (Watch all games on Sportsnet+)
Thursday, Jan. 9
Cardiff City vs. Sheffield United (1-0)
Fulham vs. Watford (4-1)
Everton vs. Peterborough (2-0)
Friday, Jan. 10
Wycombe vs. Portsmouth, 2:45 p.m. ET
Aston Villa vs. West Ham, 3 p.m. ET (on SN)
Saturday, Jan. 11
Bristol City vs. Wolves, 7 a.m. ET
Middlesbrough vs. Blackburn Rovers, 7 a.m. ET
Birmingham vs. Lincoln City, 7 a.m. ET
Liverpool vs. Accrington Stanley, 7:15 a.m. ET (on SN)
Leicester City vs. QPR, 9 a.m. ET
Nottingham Forest vs. Luton Town, 10 a.m. ET
Brentford vs. Plymouth Argyle, 10 a.m. ET
Chelsea vs. Morecambe, 10 a.m. ET (on SN)
Bournemouth vs. West Brom, 10 a.m. ET
Norwich City vs. Brighton, 10 a.m. ET
Preston vs. Charlton, 10 a.m. ET
Reading vs. Burnley, 10 a.m. ET
Exeter City vs. Oxford United, 10 a.m. ET
Sunderland vs. Stoke City, 10 a.m. ET
Leeds United vs. Harrogate Town, 12:45 p.m. ET
Man City vs. Salford City, 12:25 p.m. ET (on SN1)
Leyton Orient vs. Derby County, 1 p.m. ET
Coventry vs. Sheffield Wednesday, 1 p.m. ET
Mansfield Town vs. Wigan Athletic, 1 p.m. ET
Sunday, Jan. 12
Hull City vs. Doncaster, 7 a.m. ET
Tamworth vs. Tottenham, 7:30 a.m. ET (on SN)
Newcastle vs. Bromley, 10 a.m. ET
Ipswich Town vs. Bristol Rovers, 10 a.m. ET
Arsenal vs. Man United, 10 a.m. ET (on SN)
Crystal Palace vs. Stockport, 10 a.m. ET
Southampton vs. Swansea, 11:30 a.m. ET (on SN1)
Millwall vs. Dag & Red, 2:30 p.m. ET
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