The FA Cup 3rd round is right behind the corner. The oldest football tournament in the world has reached the phase where the clubs from the Premier League and Championship join the competition. Thus, the real show begins – with it the magic of the FA Cup – anyone can beat anyone.
Some of the more notable clashes we’re going to witness include a Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton, Wolves vs. Man United, and Arsenal vs. Leeds. The games will be played on January 4 and 5 with Arsenal – Leeds being in the evening on 6.
It’s interesting to mention that every game will start with a one-minute delay. This is because of an FA initiative to promote mental well-being amongst fans. The biggest proportion of matches, for example, will start at 3.01 pm on Saturday.
“During the minute delay, fans will be encouraged to consider the positive impact 60 seconds can have on their own wellbeing or in supporting a friend or family member,” an FA statement read.
“We know that men, in particular, can be reluctant to talk about the subject, so it is important that we use football as a vehicle to stress the importance of mental fitness.”
FA Cup 3rd Round:
Bristol City – Shrewsbury
Birmingham – Blackburn
Rochdale – Newcastle
Rotherham – Hull
Millwall – Newport County
Burnley – Peterborough
Preston – Norwich
Brighton – Sheffield Wednesday
Cardiff – Carlisle
Southampton – Huddersfield
Reading – Blackpool
Watford – Tranmere
Fulham – Aston Villa
Oxford – Hartlepool
Brentford – Stoke
Bournemouth – Luton
Wolves – Man Utd
Fleetwood – Portsmouth
Man City – Port Vale
Leicester – Wigan
Chelsea – Nottingham Forest
Charlton – West Brom
Middlesbrough – Tottenham
Sheffield Utd – Fylde
QPR – Swansea
Burton – Northampton
Bristol Rovers – Coventry
Crystal Palace – Derby County
Crewe – Barnsley
Liverpool – Everton
Gillingham – West Ham
Arsenal – Leeds