FA Cup Third Round: Our Starting XI to Watch
The FA Cup third round remains the great equalizer in English football.
Premier League clubs enter.
Dreams begin.
Careers change in ninety minutes.
This year’s slate offers storylines everywhere, from global brands under pressure to non-league sides with nothing to lose. Here is our Starting XI of games to watch, with real depth behind why each matters.
Wrexham vs Nottingham Forest (Friday)
Wrexham have become the most famous lower-league club in the world, but this is still a serious football test. Nottingham Forest arrive with Premier League quality and European ambitions, and off a massive win Tuesday over West Ham. The intrigue lies in tempo. If Forest rotate or start slowly, Wrexham’s aggressive press and fearless approach could turn this into a real contest. Forest must handle the atmosphere and emotion early or risk getting dragged into a fight they do not want.
Everton vs Sunderland (Saturday)
This is a heavyweight tie by history, not league position. Everton are fragile and searching for confidence. Sunderland are organized, athletic, and dangerous in transition. Everton’s home crowd will demand urgency, but that pressure can cut both ways. If Sunderland score first, anxiety will pour out of Goodison Park.
Macclesfield vs Crystal Palace (Saturday)
Crystal Palace arrive as defending champions and will be expected to cruise. That expectation is the danger. Macclesfield will pack the box, play direct, and rely on chaos. Palace must stay patient and avoid overplaying. The longer it stays level, the more belief the hosts will gain.
Newcastle vs Bournemouth (Saturday)
This is a tactical matchup between two well-drilled sides. Newcastle have power, pace, and depth. Bournemouth have discipline and smart pressing triggers. Eddie Howe knows Bournemouth well, but cup games remove safety nets. If Bournemouth frustrate early, Newcastle’s crowd could grow restless.
Ipswich Town vs Blackpool (Saturday)
Ipswich Town continue to be one of the standout stories in the Championship, playing confident, front-foot football under in-demand manager Kieran McKenna. They are flying in the league and look built for more than just a promotion push, with a style and squad capable of carrying momentum deep into the spring.
McKenna’s side combines intensity, structure, and attacking freedom, making them a difficult opponent in any competition. If McKenna remains in place, Ipswich have the stability and belief to be a genuine danger in cup matches as well as the league run-in. Against Blackpool, this feels less like a potential upset and more like another opportunity for Ipswich to underline just how far they have come.
Grimsby Town vs Weston-super-Mare (Saturday)
Pure FA Cup romance. Neither side will fear the other. This will be physical, emotional, and unpredictable. Set pieces will matter. Discipline will matter. These are games decided by mistakes and moments, not reputation.
Tottenham vs Aston Villa (Saturday)
This is one of the ties of the round. Tottenham’s league position is poor and the Champions League looms. Rotation feels likely. That creates risk. Aston Villa are settled, confident, and capable of exploiting weakened lineups. If Spurs take this lightly, Villa will punish them.
Charlton vs Chelsea (Saturday)
Chelsea remain a work in progress. Charlton will make this uncomfortable. The pitch will be tight. The crowd will be loud. Chelsea’s young squad must handle adversity. This is the type of game that tests mentality more than talent.
West Ham vs QPR (Sunday)
West Ham’s league situation is alarming. Relegation worries complicate every decision. Rotate and risk embarrassment, or play strong and risk fatigue. QPR will sense vulnerability. If West Ham concede early, this could unravel quickly.
Manchester United vs Brighton (Sunday)
This tie feels unpredictable. The league meeting ended 4-3 and chaos remains part of United’s identity. A caretaker manager adds uncertainty. Brighton’s structure and patience can expose defensive lapses. United rely on moments. Brighton rely on systems. That contrast makes this compelling.
Liverpool vs Barnsley (Monday)
Liverpool close the round under the lights. Rotation is expected, but standards rarely drop. Barnsley will defend deep and counter. Liverpool’s challenge is breaking them down without frustration. If Barnsley survive the first half, pressure shifts.
FA Cup Third Round Schedule — January 9–12, 2026
Friday, January 9
2:30 p.m. — Wrexham AFC vs. Nottingham Forest — ESPN+
2:30 p.m. — Milton Keynes Dons vs. Oxford United — ESPN+
2:30 p.m. — Port Vale vs. Fleetwood Town — ESPN+
2:30 p.m. — Preston North End vs. Wigan Athletic — ESPN+
Saturday, January 10
7:15 a.m. — Cheltenham Town vs. Leicester City — ESPN+
7:15 a.m. — Everton vs. Sunderland — ESPN2, ESPN+
7:15 a.m. — Macclesfield vs. Crystal Palace — ESPN+
7:15 a.m. — Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Shrewsbury Town — ESPN+
10:00 a.m. — Boreham Wood vs. Burton Albion — ESPN+
10:00 a.m. — Burnley vs. Millwall — ESPN+
10:00 a.m. — Doncaster Rovers vs. Southampton — ESPN+
10:00 a.m. — Fulham vs. Middlesbrough — ESPN+
10:00 a.m. — Ipswich Town vs. Blackpool — ESPN+
10:00 a.m. — Manchester City vs. Exeter City — ESPN+, ESPN Deportes
10:00 a.m. — Newcastle United vs. AFC Bournemouth — ESPN+
10:00 a.m. — Salford City vs. Swindon Town — ESPN+
12:45 p.m. — Bristol City vs. Watford — ESPN+
12:45 p.m. — Cambridge United vs. Birmingham City — ESPN+
Sunday, January 11
6:55 a.m. — Derby County vs. Leeds United — ESPN+
9 a.m. — Portsmouth vs. Arsenal — ESPN2
9:25 a.m. — West Ham United vs. Queens Park Rangers — ESPN+
9:25 a.m. — Sheffield United vs. Mansfield Town — ESPN+
9:25 a.m. — Swansea City vs. West Bromwich Albion — ESPN+
9:25 a.m. — Hull City vs. Blackburn Rovers — ESPN+
9:25 a.m. — Norwich City vs. Walsall — ESPN+
11:25 a.m. — Manchester United vs. Brighton & Hove Albion — ESPN+
Monday, January 12
1:30 p.m. — FA Cup Fourth Round Draw — ESPN+
2:45 p.m. — Liverpool vs. Barnsley — ESPN+
