FA Cup Third Round Preview: Matches, Coverage & Highlights

The FA Cup third round is a highly anticipated event on the English football calendar, marking the entrance of 44 Premier League and Championship clubs into the fray, alongside lower-league teams who have fought hard to reach this stage. From January 9 to January 12, 2024, a total of 32 exciting ties will unfold, showcasing potential upsets and thrilling matchups.

Match Schedule and Standout Fixtures

The matches are spread across five days, with exciting confrontations highlighted below:

• Friday, January 9:

  • Aston Villa vs. West Ham (20:00 GMT)
  • Cardiff City vs. Sheffield United (19:00 GMT)

• Saturday, January 10:

  • Liverpool vs. Accrington (12:15 GMT)
  • Manchester City vs. Salford City (17:45 GMT)

• Sunday, January 11:

  • Arsenal vs. Manchester United (15:00 GMT)
  • Tamworth vs. Tottenham (12:30 GMT)

• Monday, January 12:

  • Dagenham & Redbridge vs. Millwall (19:30 GMT)

Where to Watch

BBC Coverage

The BBC is airing several key FA Cup matches live, including:

• Manchester City vs. Salford City appears on BBC One and iPlayer at 17:45 GMT on January 10.
• Arsenal vs. Manchester United will be shown at 15:00 GMT on January 11, also on BBC One.

In addition to these marquee matches, viewers can find further coverage of:

• Everton vs. Peterborough United (January 9 at 19:35)
• Leeds United vs. Harrogate Town (January 11 at 17:35)
• Newcastle United vs. Bromley (January 12 at 14:50)

The BBC will also provide a highlights show featuring all the goals and post-match analysis on Saturday, January 11, at 22:30.

ITV Coverage

ITV will broadcast three additional matches:

• Aston Villa vs. West Ham on Friday, January 9 at 20:00.
• Tottenham vs. Tamworth on Saturday, January 10 at 12:30.
• Millwall vs. Dagenham & Redbridge on Monday, January 12 at 19:30.

Online and Radio Coverage

For those unable to tune in on TV, the BBC Sport website will provide live text commentary and detailed updates from all matches. Additionally, fans can listen to live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live, covering key fixtures as they happen:

• Fulham vs. Watford (January 9 at 19:00)
• Everton vs. Peterborough United (January 9 at 19:45)
• Aston Villa vs. West Ham (January 10 at 20:00)

Notable Past Moments

The FA Cup is infamous for producing unexpected outcomes, and past third-round encounters have etched themselves into football folklore. For instance, Wrexham's unforgettable match against West Ham back in the 1996/97 season featured impossible playing conditions due to snow. Despite the chaos, both teams managed to score, leaving Harry Redknapp’s West Ham with a surprising replay. These historic moments highlight the unpredictable nature of the FA Cup, promising excitement this year as well.

The thrill of the FA Cup third round lies not only in high-stakes competition but also in the potential for storylines that can redefine the journeys of clubs and players alike.

Upcoming FA Cup Fourth Round

The draw for the fourth round is set to follow the Arsenal vs. Manchester United match on January 11, with matches scheduled to take place over the weekend of February 8-9, 2024. Fans are advised to keep an eye on potential matchups that can transform the competition further and possibly lead to more upset stories.

In conclusion, whether you're watching live from the stands or via TV, the FA Cup third round promises a host of thrilling matches filled with passion and unpredictability that defines English football. Tune in and enjoy the action!