The FA Cup, with its storied history and reputation for drama, once again promises a weekend of enthralling clashes as the Third Round unfolds.
Known for its unpredictability and the legendary “David versus Goliath” moments that have defined English football, this stage of the competition often produces stories that linger long after the final whistle.
Fans can expect the magic of the Cup to be on full display, with a tantalizing mix of lower-league hopefuls taking on Premier League giants, each tie carrying the potential for shock and wonder.
The excitement kicks off on Friday night as Wrexham host Nottingham Forest.
Wrexham, steeped in passion and ambition, will look to defy expectations against a team accustomed to top-flight pressures.
The atmosphere alone promises to make this an enthralling contest, with the possibility of a major upset hanging in the air.
Peterborough v Barnsley – Emirates FA Cup Second Round, United Kingdom – 06 Dec 2025 Credit: Photo by MI News/NurPhoto/Shutterstock (16030548bk)
Saturday brings a series of fixtures that showcase the Cup’s unpredictable nature, starting with Macclesfield welcoming the defending champions, Crystal Palace.
The scenario is perfect for the underdog narrative, with Macclesfield hoping to channel the FA Cup spirit to produce a headline-grabbing result.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Wolves, struggling at the lower end of the Premier League table, face Shrewsbury in a tie that could be ripe for surprises.
Wolves’ league woes could give Shrewsbury the confidence to push for a shock, embodying exactly the kind of unexpected outcomes that the FA Cup thrives on.
Wrexham FC v Preston North End, EFL Sky Bet Championship – 29 Dec 2025. Credit: Photo by Alun Roberts/ProSports/Shutterstock (16216454ef)
Meanwhile, Manchester City host Exeter City, a classic scenario of top-flight dominance versus lower-league grit.
While the visitors face an uphill battle, the FA Cup has always been fertile ground for the improbable, and a spirited performance from Exeter could provide a memorable upset.
The drama continues as Sheffield Wednesday, mired in off-field troubles, welcome Brentford.
With internal challenges weighing heavily on the home side, Brentford might find opportunities to exploit vulnerabilities, making this another intriguing David versus Goliath encounter.
London is also the setting for Charlton against Chelsea, a fixture that carries the added spice of a local rivalry.
Even with a clear favourite, the intensity and unpredictability of a derby match in the FA Cup can never be underestimated, offering fans the thrill of potential shocks.
Portsmouth versus Arsenal on Sunday exemplifies the magic of the Cup, as a historic lower-league side tests itself against a Premier League powerhouse.
The possibility of an upset hangs in the air, fuelled by the home crowd’s fervour and the inherent unpredictability that defines the competition.
The Third Round concludes with Liverpool hosting Barnsley, another classic top-flight versus lower-league clash.
While Liverpool enter as overwhelming favorites, the FA Cup has a long tradition of defying expectations, and Barnsley could yet provide a story to remember.
Across these fixtures, the FA Cup Third Round captures everything that makes this competition iconic: the tension, the drama, and the constant threat that any tie could see the established order challenged. Whether it’s Wrexham against Forest or Liverpool against Barnsley, every match holds the promise of a magical moment, reminding fans why the Cup remains one of football’s most beloved and unpredictable tournaments. The stage is set for unforgettable drama, and as always, anything is possible.
FA Cup, Third Round – Broadcast details
Friday 9 January
21:30: Wrexham v Nottingham Forest – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 2
Saturday 10 January
14:15: Macclesfield v Crystal Palace – LIVE on SuperSport Action, SuperSport GOtv Football and SuperSport Maximo 1
14:15: Wolves v Shrewsbury – LIVE on SuperSport Action Africa and SuperSport Events
14:15: Everton v Sunderland – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2
17:00: Fulham v Middlesbrough – LIVE on SuperSport Action Africa
17:00: Manchester City v Exeter City – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2
17:00: Burnley v Millwall – LIVE on SuperSport Events
17:00: Newcastle v Bournemouth – LIVE on SuperSport Variety, SuperSport GOtv Football and SuperSport Maximo 1
17:00: Sheffield Wednesday v Brentford – LIVE on SuperSport Variety and SuperSport OTT3
17:00: Doncaster v Southampton – LIVE on SuperSport OTT6
19:45: Tottenham v Aston Villa – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2
19:45: Cambridge v Birmingham – LIVE on SuperSport Variety and SuperSport Africa
22:00: Charlton v Chelsea – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 2
Sunday 11 January
14:00: Derby v Leeds United – LIVE on SuperSport Variety, SuperSport GOtv Football and SuperSport Maximo 1
16:00: Portsmouth v Arsenal – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2
16:30: Hull City v Blackburn – LIVE on SuperSport Action and SuperSport OTT3
16:30: West Ham v QPR – LIVE on SuperSport Events and SuperSport GOtvFootball
18:30: Manchester United v Brighton – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Action Africa, SuperSport Variety, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 2
Monday 12 January
21:45: Liverpool v Barnsley – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 2
