Macclesfield will square off against the defending champions, Crystal Palace, in the third round of the FA Cup. This match represents a significant moment for the sixth-tier club as they host a Premier League team.
FA Cup Third Round Overview
Several exciting matchups are scheduled for the FA Cup third round. Fans can look forward to the following key matches:
- Macclesfield vs. Crystal Palace; Sixth-tier meets Premier League title holders.
- Tottenham vs. Aston Villa; A thrilling all-Premier League showdown.
- Sunderland vs. Everton; Another clash between top-flight teams.
- Newcastle vs. Bournemouth; The Magpies host the Cherries at St James’ Park.
- Manchester United vs. Brighton; The Red Devils welcome the Seagulls.
Other Exciting Matches
The tournament will feature a variety of fixtures, including the following:
- Weston-super-Mare vs. Grimsby; The sixth-tier side plays in League Two for the first time.
- Arsenal vs. Portsmouth; Premier League leaders head to Fratton Park.
- Manchester City vs. Exeter City; City hosts the League One club at the Etihad.
- Liverpool vs. Barnsley; The Reds face a third-tier challenge.
London Derbies
Fans can also anticipate several London derbies:
- Chelsea vs. Charlton; A competitive match between local rivals.
- West Ham vs. Queens Park Rangers; Another intense meeting in the capital.
- Fulham vs. Middlesbrough; The Cottagers take on Boro.
- Leeds vs. Derby County; A promising clash in the cup.
- Boreham Wood vs. Burton Albion; The only remaining non-league side takes on League One opponents.
Match Schedule
All matches are set to occur during the weekend of January 10, 2026. Notably, matches that end in a draw will not have replays this year. Instead, teams will compete in extra time, followed by a potential penalty shootout to determine the winner.
This year’s FA Cup promises excitement with its mix of lower-league teams and Premier League heavyweights, as fans eagerly await each encounter.
