The magic returns: Full preview of the Emirates FA Cup Third Round

The Emirates FA Cup third round is here, and with it comes the drama that defines the world’s oldest knockout competition. From Premier League heavyweights to non-league dreamers, 32 ties across four days promise shocks, nostalgia, and unforgettable storylines. Here’s your full guide to every matchup.

MK Dons v Oxford United

A first-ever FA Cup meeting between these sides. Oxford travel with confidence, having lost just once in six visits to Milton Keynes. MK Dons, though, have a poor record against higher-tier opposition, but Nathaniel Mendez-Laing’s recent form could be decisive. Oxford are chasing their first fourth-round appearance since 2020.

Port Vale v Fleetwood Town

Vale Park hosts another first-time FA Cup clash. Fleetwood haven’t won away at Port Vale since 2015, while Vale have lost their last three third-round ties, conceding heavily each time. Fleetwood are chasing only their second-ever run beyond round three.

Preston North End v Wigan Athletic

Preston have dominated recent home meetings with Wigan, winning four straight. This is their first FA Cup clash, though they’ve met in the League Cup before. Preston, quarterfinalists last season, want back-to-back fourth-round appearances. Wigan, meanwhile, have relied on penalties to progress so far—no team has ever done so in rounds one, two, and three.

Wrexham v Nottingham Forest

A fixture steeped in nostalgia. Wrexham famously stunned Forest in 1982, and they’ve built a reputation for giant-killing in recent years. Forest are steady FA Cup performers, reaching the fourth round in each of the last two campaigns. Expect a raucous atmosphere in North Wales.

Matchday in the @EmiratesFACup. 🛣️ pic.twitter.com/v7YHwx4owe — Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) January 9, 2026

Cheltenham Town v Leicester City

The Foxes and Robins last met in League One back in 2008-09, with Leicester winning both games 4-0. Cheltenham have only reached the fourth round three times in their history, while Leicester have been ruthless at this stage, winning their last four ties against lower-league opposition. Isaac Hutchinson is Cheltenham’s man to watch.

Everton v Sunderland

A familiar pairing: Everton have knocked Sunderland out of the FA Cup eight times. Sunderland’s record at Goodison is poor, with just two wins in 19 visits. Everton have been consistent in recent years, while Sunderland have lost their last seven ties against teams from the same division. David Moyes faces his former club with history on the line.

Macclesfield v Crystal Palace

Macclesfield’s fairy-tale run continues—they’re in the FA Cup proper for the first time ever. Palace, the holders, face a non-league side for the first time since 2014-15. History favours the holders: 12 of the last 13 defending champions have made it past round three. Daniel Elliott has been Macclesfield’s talisman.

Our @EmiratesFACup defence begins. — Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) January 8, 2026

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Shrewsbury Town

Wolves have twice beaten Shrewsbury in the FA Cup, though both required replays. Shrewsbury’s record against top-flight opposition is dire—14 defeats in 15 away ties. Wolves are usually strong against lower-league sides, while Anthony Scully could be Shrewsbury’s spark.

Boreham Wood v Burton Albion

Boreham Wood are becoming FA Cup regulars, reaching the third round in four of the last six seasons. Burton are chasing only their second-ever fourth-round appearance. Boreham Wood have won both their ties this season 3-0—no non-league side has ever strung together three straight wins by such margins.

Burnley v Millwall

Millwall knocked Burnley out in 2004 and have a poor record against top-flight sides away from home. Burnley, meanwhile, have lost their last three FA Cup ties as a Premier League club. Alex Neil has never beaten Premier League opposition in the Cup.

Doncaster Rovers v Southampton

Doncaster have progressed from their last three third-round ties, while Southampton are unbeaten in 12 away FA Cup matches against lower-league opposition. Veteran striker Billy Sharp faces his former club, adding spice to the tie.

Fulham v Middlesbrough

Fulham are unbeaten in their last seven against Boro and have progressed from six straight third-round ties. Middlesbrough, by contrast, are winless in 22 FA Cup trips to London and have lost their last four matches in the competition.

Ipswich Town v Blackpool

Ipswich beat Blackpool in their only previous FA Cup meeting. The Tractor Boys have reached the fourth round in each of the last three seasons. Blackpool, however, have a dreadful record against higher-tier opposition, losing 17 of their last 20 ties.

Manchester City v Exeter City

City face Exeter for the first time in the FA Cup. Pep Guardiola’s side have won 15 straight home ties in the competition, scoring 65 goals. Exeter haven’t reached the fourth round in consecutive seasons since the 1950s. Phil Foden’s record against lower-league opposition is outstanding.

Newcastle United v Bournemouth

A heavyweight Premier League clash. Newcastle have lost their last four third-round ties against top-flight opposition, while Bournemouth are unbeaten in their last six against the Magpies. Eddie Howe faces his former club in a tie full of intrigue.

Salford City v Swindon Town

Salford are in the third round for just the second time, while Swindon have lost 10 of their last 11 ties at this stage. Kelly N’Mai has already set a club record with three FA Cup goals this season.

Sheffield Wednesday v Brentford

Wednesday are winless in their last four against Brentford, and this is their first FA Cup meeting. Brentford have lost three straight third-round ties, while Wednesday are looking to avoid back-to-back exits at this stage for the first time in over a decade.

Stoke City v Coventry City

Coventry have already beaten Stoke away this season and have a strong FA Cup record against them. Stoke have been eliminated in 11 of their last 12 third-round ties against equal or higher-tier opposition. Ellis Simms is in red-hot Cup form.

Bristol City v Watford

Bristol City are unbeaten in six home games against Watford, but the Hornets have knocked them out three times before. Watford have lost seven straight FA Cup ties against league opposition, while Javi Gracia returns to the competition he once reached the final in.

Cambridge United v Birmingham City

Cambridge face Birmingham for the first time in the FA Cup. The U’s have a poor record against higher-tier sides, while Birmingham have been ruthless against lower-league opposition, progressing in 15 of their last 17 ties.

Grimsby Town v Weston-super-Mare

Weston-super-Mare reach the third round for the first time ever. Grimsby have only progressed once in their last six ties at this stage. Danny Rose’s scoring record against non-league opponents could prove decisive.

Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa

Spurs have an extraordinary record at this stage, progressing in 18 of their last 19 third-round ties. Villa, though, have already beaten them in the league this season. Morgan Rogers has enjoyed facing Spurs and could be the difference again.

Charlton Athletic v Chelsea

Chelsea have never lost to Charlton in the FA Cup, winning both previous meetings 3-0. Charlton have been eliminated in five straight third-round ties. Chelsea, meanwhile, have progressed from 61 of their last 63 ties against lower-league opposition.

Derby County v Leeds United

Leeds have knocked Derby out of the FA Cup four times before. Derby have lost three of their last four third-round ties, while Leeds are unbeaten in their last four against lower-tier opponents. Managers Daniel Farke and John Eustace renew their rivalry.

Portsmouth v Arsenal

Arsenal have a perfect FA Cup record against Pompey, winning all four previous ties. Portsmouth are winless in 22 games against the Gunners in all competitions. Arsenal, however, have been eliminated at this stage in each of the last two seasons.

Hull City v Blackburn Rovers

Hull and Blackburn meet for the sixth time in the FA Cup. Hull have been eliminated in five straight ties, while Blackburn have won eight of their last 12 away matches in the competition.

Norwich City v Walsall

Norwich have won just one of their last 12 home FA Cup matches. Walsall, by contrast, have won seven of their last nine away ties. Daniel Kanu could be the Saddlers’ danger man.

Sheffield United v Mansfield Town

Mansfield have beaten Sheffield United twice before in the FA Cup. The Blades were knocked out at this stage last season, while Mansfield have lost 10 of their last 11 third-round ties.

Swansea City v West Bromwich Albion

Swansea and West Brom meet for just the second time in the FA Cup. Both sides arrive in poor Cup form, with Swansea losing their last two ties 8-0 on aggregate and West Brom losing their last two away ties 8-1.

West Ham United v Queens Park Rangers

QPR have knocked West Ham out three times before, most recently in 1995. West Ham have gone out at this stage in each of the last two seasons. QPR, meanwhile, have been eliminated from the third round more often