The magic of the FA Cup continues as sixth-tier side Macclesfield prepares to host defending champions Crystal Palace in the third round of the competition. This David-versus-Goliath matchup highlights the unique charm of the FA Cup, where non-league clubs have the opportunity to challenge Premier League powerhouses.

Macclesfield’s Historic Draw

Macclesfield’s encounter with Crystal Palace represents a rare opportunity for the sixth-tier team to shine on a national stage. The non-league club, who have battled through the preliminary and early rounds, will face a formidable Palace squad looking to defend their title. Fans and pundits alike are eagerly anticipating whether Macclesfield can pull off a shock result, a hallmark moment that often defines FA Cup folklore.

Another historic story comes from Weston-super-Mare, also a sixth-tier club, who will travel to Grimsby Town of League Two. This is Weston-super-Mare’s first appearance at this stage in their 138-year history, and they will hope to continue the giant-killing tradition that makes the FA Cup so special.

Premier League Clashes

The third round also features four all-Premier League clashes:

• Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa
• Sunderland vs Everton
• Newcastle United vs Bournemouth
• Manchester United vs Brighton

Other fixtures see top-flight teams pitted against lower-league sides, creating potential upsets: Arsenal travel to Portsmouth, Manchester City host Exeter City of League One, and Liverpool welcome third-tier Barnsley.

Two London derbies are on the cards as well, with Chelsea traveling to Charlton Athletic and West Ham United hosting Queens Park Rangers. Additional notable ties include Fulham vs Middlesbrough and Leeds United vs Derby County.

Non-League Sides and Underdogs

Aside from Macclesfield and Weston-super-Mare, Boreham Wood, the only other non-league club remaining, will face Burton Albion, who recently defeated Brackley Town. These ties demonstrate the enduring spirit of the FA Cup, giving smaller clubs the chance to compete against professional teams and create unforgettable moments.

Schedule and Rules

All third-round fixtures will take place during the weekend beginning Saturday, 10 January 2026. This year, the FA Cup introduces a new rule: there will be no replays for drawn matches. Instead, all ties will proceed to extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout, increasing the stakes for both underdogs and top-tier clubs.

Full Third Round Draw

• Wolves vs Shrewsbury Town
• Doncaster Rovers vs Southampton
• Tottenham vs Aston Villa
• Port Vale vs Fleetwood
• Preston North End vs Wigan Athletic
• Ipswich Town vs Blackpool
• Wrexham vs Nottingham Forest
• Charlton Athletic vs Chelsea
• Manchester City vs Exeter City
• West Ham vs Queens Park Rangers
• Sheffield Wednesday vs Brentford
• Fulham vs Middlesbrough
• Everton vs Sunderland
• Liverpool vs Barnsley
• Burnley vs Millwall
• Norwich vs Walsall
• Portsmouth vs Arsenal
• Derby County vs Leeds United
• Swansea vs West Brom
• Salford vs Swindon
• Boreham Wood vs Burton Albion
• Grimsby vs Weston-super-Mare
• Hull City vs Blackburn Rovers
• Newcastle United vs Bournemouth
• MK Dons vs Oxford United
• Cheltenham Town vs Leicester City
• Cambridge United vs Birmingham City
• Bristol City vs Watford
• Stoke City vs Coventry
• Macclesfield vs Crystal Palace
• Manchester United vs Brighton
• Sheffield United vs Mansfield Town

Key Takeaways

• Macclesfield vs Crystal Palace: A non-league team faces the FA Cup holders in a historic matchup.
• Weston-super-Mare: Reaching the third round for the first time in their history.
• No replays: Every match will go to extra time or penalties if drawn, creating more excitement and unpredictability.
• Premier League clashes: Several high-profile top-flight matches, including Spurs vs Aston Villa and Newcastle vs Bournemouth.

The FA Cup third round promises drama, giant-killing potential, and intense matchups across the country. Fans of lower-league clubs will hope for historic results, while Premier League teams aim to avoid early upsets on the road to Wembley glory.