By CIARAN FOREMAN, SPORTS REPORTER
Published: 08:22 EST, 12 December 2025 | Updated: 08:22 EST, 12 December 2025
Eight mouthwatering FA Cup third-round ties have been selected for live television coverage - including two all-Premier League clashes.
Action in the world's oldest football competition gets underway on the second weekend in January as clubs begin their hunt for silverware.
The first of those matches is Wrexham vs Nottingham Forest in what will be The Red Dragons' first clash against Premier League opposition since Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac took over the club.
It will be broadcast from the Racecourse Ground on TNT Sports 1 and Discovery+ from 7.30pm on Friday, January 9.
Three matches will then be played on Saturday, January 10, starting with Macclesfield vs trophy holders Crystal Palace at 12.15pm. The game will have shared broadcasting rights between BBC One, TNT Sports 1 and Discovery+.
Tottenham then host Aston Villa at 5.45pm, in a game which will also be shown on BBC One, TNT Sports 1 and Discovery+, and will see one of the competition's favourites fall out at an early stage.
Eight mouthwatering FA Cup third-round ties have been selected for live television coverage
The Saturday evening game is Charlton Athletic's clash against Chelsea, with The Addicks hosting Enzo Maresca's men in South London. The game will be broadcast from 8pm on TNT Sports 1 and Discovery+.
Into Sunday, January 11, and there is yet more drama in store as Derby County host Leeds United from 12pm on TNT Sports 2 and Discovery+ in a throwback to the Spygate saga of 2019.
At 2pm it's back to TNT Sports 1 and Discovery+ as Championship dwellers Portsmouth host Arsenal, who are looking to extend their impressive FA Cup trophy wins to 15 this season.
The final game on Sunday is at Old Trafford, where Manchester United host Brighton at 4.30pm on TNT Sports 1 and Discovery+.
And on Monday, January 12, Liverpool welcome League One side Barnsley to Anfield as the Reds hope to avoid an early slip-up amid their ropey form. The tie will also be shown at 7.45pm on TNT Sports 1 and Discovery+.
Manchester City have emerged as early favourites for the trophy despite losing the final to Crystal Palace in May.
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