The FA Cup’s rich history renders the competition the most significant of its kind in world football.
For England’s biggest clubs, the early rounds of the FA Cup in the new year can offer some respite in the wake of the frantic festive period, but treating the competition as a means for recuperation only exposes them to a potential upset.
The 2023/24 FA Cup third-round draw was a belter, throwing up ties between the Premier League’s best as well as an array of potential banana skins for favoured teams.
It’s not just those plying their trade in the top flight that should be on upset alert this weekend either.
Date: Saturday 6 January
Kick-off time: 12:30 GMT / 07:45 ET / 04:45 PT
Maidstone United currently sit fourth in the National League South and are the lowest-ranked team left in the competition.
Maidstone have already upset League Two side Barrow to reach the third round for the very first time. The draw threw up a winnable fixture for the minnows and they’ll welcome Stevenage to the Gallagher Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Stevenage are enjoying a fine season in League One after earning automatic promotion into the third tier last term. Despite their impressive first half to 2023/24, Maidstone’s journey thus far, a buoyant home crowd, and an astroturf pitch render Saturday’s visitors vulnerable to a shock.
Date: Saturday 6 January
Kick-off time: 12:45 GMT / 07:45 ET / 04:45 PT
Newcastle United could scarcely be heading into the first Tyne-Wear Derby since 2016 in poorer form. The Magpies have won one of their last eight games in all competitions, and they haven’t won away from home since 1 November.
On New Year’s Day, they surrendered a record-breaking xG haul at Liverpool.
Championship outfit Sunderland will thus be confident of a derby upset. Despite recently parting ways with manager Tony Mowbray, the Black Cats are sixth in the second tier and hopeful of returning to the Premier League after losing in the play-offs last season.
The Stadium of Light will be as raucous as it’s ever been for Newcastle’s visit this weekend.
Date: Saturday 6 January
Kick-off time: 15:00 GMT / 10:00 ET / 07:00 PT
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