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The reigning FA CUP champions, Manchester United, are preparing for a showdown with Arsenal as the Premier League’s elite learned their fates in the FA Cup third-round draw.
Fans tuned in on Monday night, eagerly anticipating some captivating matchups.
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The fans’ anticipation proved worthwhile, with the champions Manchester United traveling to face Arsenal, while Aston Villa will go up against West Ham in two all-Premier League fixtures.
In other matches, Manchester City is set to host Salford City in a local derby.
Chelsea will compete against Morecambe, the lowest team in League Two, and Accrington Stanley will make a trip to face Liverpool at Anfield.
Tottenham will meet Tamworth, the lowest-ranked team in this year’s competition, away from home.
Coventry City, last season’s semi-finalists, will host Sheffield Wednesday.
All matches are scheduled to take place during the weekend of January 11, 2025.
The 32 teams that advance from the third round will receive £115,000, while the eliminated teams will take home £25,000.
All matches will conclude on the day, with replays REMOVED in favor of extra-time and penalties if necessary.
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The draw on Monday was hosted by Kelly Somers on BBC Two.
The task was carried out at United’s Old Trafford stadium by former player Dion Dublin and Mark Hughes.
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The highlight of this round will be United’s journey to the Emirates to challenge Arsenal.
The two clubs are the most successful in FA Cup history, with Arsenal claiming 14 titles and Manchester United earning 13.
Former United forward Dublin noted, “I think this could turn out to be a televised match; what are your thoughts?
“These are the kind of matchups we desire in the FA Cup.”
These all-Premier League encounters and Man City’s favorable draw have swiftly made Pep Guardiola’s side the favorites for this season’s FA Cup.
Other exciting matchups include Russell Martin’s Southampton taking on his former team Swansea at St Mary’s.
A London derby will feature Millwall versus Dagenham & Redbridge.
Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth Argyle will head to London to face Brentford.
Newcastle is set to host League Two’s struggling Bromley.
Another thrilling clash is expected as Bristol visits Norwich.
