It’s one of the most important dates in the soccer calendar in England: the FA Cup third round draw. For those who are not so familiar with the competition, this is the oldest soccer tournament in the world, first played way, way back in 1871-72. Yep, for any stats lovers out there, this is the 144th edition of the famed knockout competition (it was stopped for a total of nine years over the course of the two world wars). And the significance of the third round, more than any other, is this is the part of the competition when Premier League and Championship clubs get involved.
Intriguing Matches
The beauty of the third round is that it throws up matches that would just never happen normally. Take this particular tie thrown out of the hat: National League side Tamworth versus eight-times winners and Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur. It’s games like this that are the real beauty of the FA Cup, pitching soccer minnows against the big fish that they would never normally get the opportunity to play. And that particular match, to be hosted at Tamworth’s Lamb Ground (with a capacity of less than 5,000), will be sure to be a much-needed money-spinner for a club of Tamworth’s modest size.
But because of the nature of the draw – any team can play any other team – the third round will also throw up some monster games. And this year it is no different with Arsenal set to host Manchester United in a repeat of the 2005 FA Cup Final, which the Gunners won on penalties. That is the eye-catching game of the draw, with one of those big boys set to miss out on progressing to the fourth round. But it is not the only all-Premier League game, with Aston Villa drawn to host West Ham United at Villa Park.
But there are stories all over the 32 ties, set to be played on the weekend of the 11th and 12th of January 2025. The only other non-league side in the draw, aside from Tamworth, is Dagenham and Redbridge, who will make a short trip over to play Championship side Millwall. And League Two side Bromley, who have reached this stage of the competition for the very first time in the club’s history, face the exciting prospect of a trip up to iconic St. James’ Park to play Premier League Newcastle. Salford City, who are partly owned by a raft of ex-Manchester United legends such as David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville, will travel to Manchester City. It is sub-plots like that which make this competition so appealing.
Shocks Do Happen
But do not be dazzled by the fame and size of a club. Because if there is one thing we know about the 150-year-plus history of this world famous competition, shocks do happen. Indeed, it’s one of the best known football betting tips in English football: don’t count your chickens on the big team always winning. There have been a number of notable instances down the years of big boys being brought back down to earth by a seemingly smaller side. And with the big clubs often stretched by multiple competitions, you can expect to see plenty of fringe and younger players getting their chance to impress.
And with the eyes of the footballing public on those smaller teams, rooting for the underdog, you can be sure that motivation will be higher than ever for new heroes to emerge.
It’s all part of the glory of the FA Cup, and the appeal of the third round in particular.
