The FA Cup third round kicks off this weekend, bringing together a host of top clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Newcastle, all eager to embark on their journey in this prestigious tournament. Sky Sports’ football journalists have identified several compelling narratives surrounding the matches that are set to unfold.
**Everton vs Peterborough, Thursday, 7.45pm**
A heartwarming family storyline emerges at Goodison Park as Ashley Young prepares to face his son, Tyler, who has joined Peterborough following a spell at Arsenal's academy. Tyler, an 18-year-old midfielder, has made just one first-team appearance thus far. Ashley Young, a veteran of nearly 22 years in professional football, expressed his excitement on social media, stating: "WOW Dreams Might Come True #GoosebumpsMoment #YoungVsYoung." The match holds additional significance, as Ashley Young's brother, Lewis, is the caretaker manager at Dagenham and Redbridge, who will also be in action against Millwall on Monday. Regardless of the outcomes, at least one member of the Young family will progress to the fourth round.
**Aston Villa vs West Ham, Friday, 8pm**
West Ham enters a new era following the departure of Julen Lopetegui, with Graham Potter now at the helm. Potter, who returned to management after a stint at Chelsea, will lead the Hammers against Aston Villa, who are celebrating their 150th anniversary. The prospect of a 'new manager bounce' could be critical for West Ham, especially with both teams scheduled to meet again in the Premier League later this month. Potter, a Birmingham native and former player for the club, will aim to disrupt Villa's celebrations, making this encounter particularly intriguing.
**Liverpool vs Accrington, Saturday, 12.15pm**
In what marks their first competitive meeting, Liverpool will host Accrington Stanley at Anfield. Accrington, currently languishing in 19th place in League Two, will approach the match without the burden of expectation. Manager Arne Slot has favoured consistency in his squad, but with a congested January schedule, key players like Harvey Elliott and Darwin Nunez are likely to see significant action. This match offers Liverpool a chance to assert their dominance and for players such as Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah to regain form.
**Chelsea vs Morecambe, Saturday, 3pm**
Chelsea, boasting a squad of 33 first-team players, is well-positioned to leverage its depth against Morecambe. Manager Enzo Maresca is expected to adopt a strategy reminiscent of their Conference League approach, aiming for an entertaining fixture. Rising talent Marc Guiu, who has scored six goals in just six league-phase matches, is one to watch. Maresca has also praised academy graduate Josh Acheampong, calling him Chelsea's 'best player' in a recent match. A strong performance is crucial for Chelsea as they seek to recover from recent form issues.
**Manchester City vs Salford City, Saturday, 5.45pm**
Salford City, owned by the Class of '92 since 2014, faces a monumental challenge against reigning champions Manchester City. Despite achieving four promotions in five seasons to reach League Two, Salford's progress has plateaued. The appointment of Karl Robinson as manager has revitalised their promotion hopes. In contrast, City has not faced elimination at this stage of the FA Cup since 2012, when they fell to Manchester United.
**Leeds vs Harrogate, Saturday, 5.45pm**
A local derby atmosphere is set for the match between Leeds United and Harrogate Town. Although the clubs have no historical rivalry, their proximity adds a competitive edge. Leeds manager Daniel Farke may choose to rest key players following a busy festive period, potentially giving Harrogate a rare opportunity to upset their more illustrious opponents. Despite recent struggles, a victory for Harrogate would be a remarkable achievement.
**Tamworth vs Tottenham, Sunday, 12.30pm**
Tottenham faces a challenging tie against National League side Tamworth, known for their modest ground and artificial pitch. Manager Andy Peaks has steered Tamworth to successive promotions, and they will be eager to challenge Spurs, having previously eliminated teams from League One.
**Arsenal vs Manchester United, Sunday, 3pm**
Arsenal's recent semi-final defeat in the Carabao Cup has intensified the pressure as they prepare to face Manchester United in the FA Cup. Manager Mikel Arteta understands the necessity of securing silverware, particularly as his team trails Liverpool in the Premier League and faces hurdles in the Champions League. A strong performance against United is essential to keep their trophy ambitions alive. United, demonstrating resilience in recent encounters, will look to upset Arsenal at the Emirates.
**Newcastle vs Bromley, Sunday, 3pm**
Newcastle United heads into their match against Bromley with a surge of confidence, having won their last seven matches, including a notable victory over Arsenal. Manager Eddie Howe may opt to rotate his squad, but fans expect the Magpies to maintain their high standards against the League Two side. For Bromley, the match carries personal significance for manager Andy Woodman, a former Newcastle staff member, as they aim for a monumental upset in the FA Cup.
As the FA Cup third round unfolds, these narratives promise an exhilarating weekend of football, with each match offering its own unique story and potential for drama.