FA Cup Third Round Draw: Crystal Palace to Face Sixth-Tier Macclesfield, Big Premier League Showdowns Ahead
David and Goliath moments are coming back to the FA Cup. Sixth-tier Macclesfield will host holders Crystal Palace in what promises to be a mouth-watering third-round tie, while Weston-super-Mare, also from the sixth tier, travel to League Two side Grimsby in a fairy-tale clash for the ages.
It’s a round packed with Premier League fireworks. Tottenham welcome Aston Villa to north London, Manchester United face Brighton at Old Trafford, and Newcastle host Bournemouth at St James’ Park. Sunderland are on the road to Everton, while Arsenal make the trip to Portsmouth and Manchester City face League One minnows Exeter City. Liverpool also host third-tier Barnsley.
There’s a heavy London flavour too. Chelsea travel to Charlton for a classic derby, West Ham host QPR, and Fulham take on Middlesbrough. Leeds United are away at Derby County in what could be a tricky trip, and Boreham Wood, the last non-league side left, play Burton Albion after their Monday victory over Brackley.
The draw throws up some intriguing stats and storylines. Macclesfield, just six tiers above the grassroots, will have their biggest test in years against a Premier League giant. Weston-super-Mare are making the third round for the first time in their 138-year history—anything could happen. Arsenal, still top of the Premier League, face a tough away challenge at Portsmouth, while Manchester City will be heavy favourites against Exeter, but cup football often throws up shocks.
FA Cup legend and pundit Martin Keown had his say on the draw: “You can never underestimate these lower-league sides. The FA Cup is built on nights like Macclesfield versus Palace. It’s magic, and the Premier League teams need to respect that.”
All ties are set for the weekend commencing Saturday, 10 January 2026. And this year there’s a twist: no replays. Drawn games will go straight to extra time and, if needed, penalties, adding even more spice to the fixture list.
Here’s the third-round draw in full:
- Wolves v Shrewsbury Town
- Doncaster Rovers v Southampton
- Tottenham v Aston Villa
- Port Vale v Fleetwood
- Preston North End v Wigan Athletic
- Ipswich Town v Blackpool
- Wrexham v Nottingham Forest
- Charlton Athletic v Chelsea
- Manchester City v Exeter City
- West Ham v Queens Park Rangers
- Sheffield Wednesday v Brentford
- Fulham v Middlesbrough
- Everton v Sunderland
- Liverpool v Barnsley
- Burnley v Millwall
- Norwich v Walsall
- Portsmouth v Arsenal
- Derby County v Leeds United
- Swansea v West Brom
- Salford v Swindon
- Boreham Wood v Burton Albion
- Grimsby v Weston-super-Mare
- Hull City v Blackburn Rovers
- Newcastle United v Bournemouth
- MK Dons v Oxford United
- Cheltenham Town v Leicester City
- Cambridge United v Birmingham City
- Bristol City v Watford
- Stoke City v Coventry
- Macclesfield v Crystal Palace
- Manchester United v Brighton
- Sheffield United v Mansfield Town
It’s another round of the FA Cup to get excited about. Whether it’s Premier League giants clashing or minnows chasing glory, the magic of the cup is alive and well. Expect drama, shocks, and some unforgettable nights of football.
