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 90min sees the 2023/24 FA Cup third round panning out. Thursday 4 January The third round begins with a real meeting of minds / James Gill/GettyImages The slate of third-round fixtures begins on Thursday night as Crystal Palace host Everton at Selhurst Park. Roy Hodgson and Sean Dyche are more concerned wi...