The FA Cup is the most traditional and prestigious cup competition in world football, watched by millions around the globe.
For some teams, to win this competition would mean the world, for others not so much as they would field a weakened side to rest their key players for the Premier League.
The third round of the FA Cup is where the ‘big boys’ of the Premier League enter the competition ready to crush the dreams of hopeful fans from tiers below.
This year’s third round draw threw up some huge clashes, the most notable mention is the Tyne & Wear derby, Sunderland v Newcastle.
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Arsenal v Liverpool was another huge clash that was drawn out of the bag.
But fans are not happy as the games picked for TV coverage were nearly all Premier League clashes.
One guy commented – “Premier League getting preferential treatment once again, corrupt cup”
Another stated – “It’s all about money not about the lower league fans”
The third round matches chosen for television are below:
Thursday 4 January 2024
Crystal Palace v Everton at 8pm on ITV4 and ITVX
Friday 5 January 2024
Tottenham Hotspur v Burnley at 8pm on ITV1, UTV, STV and ITVX
Saturday 6 January 2024
Sunderland v Newcastle United at 12.45pm on ITV1, UTV, STV and ITV
Middlesbrough v Aston Villa at 5.30pm on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport
Sunday 7 January 2024
Arsenal v Liverpool at 4.30pm on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport
Monday 8 January 2024
Wigan Athletic v Manchester United at 8.15pm on ITV1, UTV, STV and ITVX
What do you think of the TV picks for the FA Cup third round? Let us know!
