The FA Cup third round is almost here, and football fans have plenty to be excited about. Next month, Premier League and Championship clubs enter the third round, with several matches chosen to air live on television.
The third round will take place over the second weekend in January, offering a mix of big Premier League clashes and intriguing underdog stories. Broadcasters have now announced which games will be shown live. As expected, the top-flight clubs dominate the selections.
Nottingham Forest will start the FA Cup TV coverage with their trip to Wrexham on Friday, January 9. The game kicks off at 19:30 GMT and will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+. Fans of the Championship side are hoping for an early upset.
Saturday, January 10, promises even more excitement. BBC One will broadcast Macclesfield as they attempt to challenge Crystal Palace, the holders of the FA Cup. The game starts at 12:15 GMT, and fans can also watch on iPlayer, TNT Sports 2, and discovery+.
Tottenham Hotspur’s clash with Aston Villa is another highlight of Saturday. The match kicks off at 17:45 GMT and will be shown on BBC One, iPlayer, TNT Sports 1 and 2, as well as discovery+. Tottenham fans will be eager to see their team continue their FA Cup journey.
Later that evening, Charlton Athletic will host Chelsea in a London derby at 20:00 GMT. TNT Sports 1 and discovery+ will broadcast the match live. Chelsea supporters will expect their team to advance, while Charlton will be hoping for a famous upset.
Sunday, January 11, will be packed with football action. Derby County faces Leeds United at 12:00 GMT, with TNT Sports 2 and discovery+ showing the match. The Championship clash could offer plenty of surprises.
Portsmouth hosts Arsenal at 14:00 GMT, another game selected for TNT Sports 1 and discovery+. Arsenal supporters will want their side to win comfortably, but Portsmouth will aim to make life difficult for the Gunners.
Manchester United takes on Brighton later that day at 16:30 GMT. TNT Sports 1 and discovery+ will broadcast this Premier League encounter. Manchester United fans will be watching closely to see if their team can assert dominance in the FA Cup.
The final game of the third round will feature Liverpool hosting Barnsley on Monday, January 12, at 19:45 GMT. The match will be shown on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+. Liverpool supporters will expect a straightforward win, but the FA Cup is always known for its surprises.
The FA Cup has a long history of upsets, and smaller clubs often aim to make headlines against football giants. Fans of minnows like Macclesfield and Wrexham will be hoping to shock the Premier League sides.
Liverpool’s game against Barnsley may seem straightforward, but the Reds cannot take any opponent lightly. FA Cup history shows that underdogs sometimes rise when least expected.
Manchester United versus Brighton will test both sides. United’s supporters expect their team to dominate, while Brighton will aim to cause a surprise. The FA Cup is all about unpredictability.
Arsenal fans will be keeping a close eye on the trip to Portsmouth. The Gunners have a strong squad, but the FA Cup can always throw a curveball, especially when playing away from home.
Chelsea’s London derby with Charlton is another must-watch. The match will draw attention from fans across the country, as local rivalries add extra spice to the competition.
Tottenham versus Aston Villa offers another Premier League showdown. Both teams will look to progress smoothly, but FA Cup matches often produce unexpected drama.
Derby County and Leeds United have a tough clash on Sunday morning. Championship teams often raise their game in the FA Cup, hoping to show their quality on national television.
Nottingham Forest’s trip to Wrexham will open the third round TV coverage. Wrexham supporters are hoping their side can create a memorable start to the FA Cup weekend.
The FA Cup third round is a perfect opportunity for smaller clubs to challenge the top-flight teams. Fans of both big and small clubs will have their eyes glued to the TV screens.
Television coverage this season ensures that every fan has a chance to watch their team. TNT Sports, BBC One, iPlayer, and discovery+ will bring every moment of drama to viewers.
Whether it’s the giants like Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea, or the underdogs hoping for a shock, the FA Cup third round is set to deliver unforgettable football moments.
Mark your calendars for January 9-12 and prepare for four days of exciting FA Cup football. From early upsets to high-profile clashes, this round promises action for every football fan.
