FA Cup predictions: Third round

The sweet smell of FA Cup magic is all around in early January as teams up and down the land compete for places in the next round of the oldest national football competition in the world.

Holders Manchester City and their fellow Premier League teams enter the 2023/24 tournament this weekend, with everyone keen to avoid the embarrassment and shame that goes with an early cup exit.

The draw for the third round threw up some wonderful prospective encounters as Sunderland and Newcastle prepare for a first Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 while Premier League title hopefuls Arsenal and Liverpool collide at the Emirates Stadium.

With teams aiming for places in the fourth round, here's how sees the 2023/24 FA Cup third round panning out.

The slate of third-round fixtures began on Thursday night as Crystal Palace hosted Everton at Selhurst Park.

Roy Hodgson and Sean Dyche are more concerned with Premier League safety, with their sides sitting 14th and 17th respectively, and neither would have really wanted a replay. But after a 0-0 stalemate and frankly absurd Dominic Calvert-Lewin red card, the duo must square off again on Merseyside.

Kick-off Time (GMT)

Fixture

Result

20:00

Crystal Palace vs Everton

0-0

Three games — two being ties between top-flight clubs — signal the start of the weekend on Friday evening.

Brentford will be happy for the break in league duties having lost their last five games, though upcoming opponents Wolves won 4-1 on their recent trip to Gtech Community Stadium and will be full of confidence.

Fulham will hope to build on their win over Arsenal last time out in their meeting with Championship side Rotherham United and have already shown their cup pedigree so far this season by reaching the Carabao Cup semi-finals.

Tottenh