The venerable FA Cup, Europe's most ancient knockout football competition, is poised for its third-round spectacle this coming weekend. As teams brace themselves for intense encounters, several matchups stand out as particularly compelling. From reigning champions navigating challenging away fixtures to Premier League giants vying for supremacy, the third round promises a blend of potential upsets and dominant performances.
Defending champions Crystal Palace are scheduled to visit sixth-tier Macclesfield at Moss Rose, desperately seeking a victory after a winless streak extending since early December. Meanwhile, last season's finalists, Manchester City, will host third-tier Exeter City, just days after a frustrating 1-1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League. Bookmakers list Pep Guardiola's side as favorites to secure their eighth FA Cup title, with Liverpool, who will face Barnsley at home, also considered strong contenders. Despite their strong positions in the Premier League and Champions League, Arsenal is ranked third in title odds as they prepare for their third-round challenge.
One of the intriguing ties pits Portsmouth against Arsenal at Fratton Park. This marks their first clash since March 2020, when Arsenal comfortably won 2-0. For Mikel Arteta's squad, this match offers an opportunity to rotate players and allow key starters some rest, especially after a recent goalless draw against Liverpool impacted their Premier League title pursuit. A victory for Arsenal is widely anticipated, given Portsmouth's historical struggles against the Gunners, with their last win dating back to 1958.
Another highlight is the encounter between Newcastle United and Bournemouth at St James' Park. Newcastle enters this match on the heels of a dramatic 4-3 comeback win over Leeds United. Bournemouth also secured a Premier League victory midweek, defeating Tottenham Hotspur with a late goal from Anthony Semenyo. Despite Newcastle being favored, they haven't defeated Bournemouth in their last six meetings across all competitions, suggesting a potentially closely contested match.
Chelsea, currently experiencing a five-game winless streak, will travel to The Valley to face second-tier Charlton Athletic. This fixture presents a prime opportunity for Chelsea to break their poor run and for manager Liam Rosenior to initiate his tenure with a victory, given the significant gap in squad quality between the two teams. Charlton themselves are struggling, having not won in their last four matches, although most of these were away games.
Manchester United's post-Ruben Amorim era began with an underwhelming 2-2 draw against Burnley. Interim boss Darren Fletcher will lead the team as they face Brighton & Hove Albion, aiming for consecutive wins against them for the first time since 2022. Lastly, Tottenham Hotspur will host Aston Villa in North London. Spurs are under pressure after a 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth, having won only once in their last six outings. They face a formidable Aston Villa side, whose only loss since November 6 was against Arsenal at the close of 2025.
As the FA Cup embarks on its third round, football enthusiasts can look forward to a weekend filled with captivating contests. From the potential for lower-league teams to cause upsets to top-flight clubs showcasing their strength, the competition promises high drama and unforgettable moments. Each match brings its own narrative, setting the stage for a memorable chapter in the history of this storied tournament.