REASON 》 why Arsenal draw tough FA Cup third-round tie against top-ten opposition Arsenal have drawn a tough FA Cup third-round tie, with Premier League heavyweights set to visit the Emirates

Arsenal face a challenging start to their FA Cup campaign as they prepare to welcome defending champions Manchester United to the Emirates in the third round. The fixture, set for the weekend of January 11, comes as top-tier teams join the competition, promising a high-stakes encounter between two Premier League heavyweights.

The Gunners are vying for success on multiple fronts this season. Following their emphatic victory over Sporting Lisbon in Europe, Arsenal currently sit fourth in the Premier League and are pushing for automatic qualification in the new UEFA Champions League format. They have also advanced to the Carabao Cup quarterfinals, where they will face Crystal Palace in two weeks.

Adding intrigue to the FA Cup tie, Arsenal and Manchester United are set to clash this Wednesday in the Premier League, with the outcome likely to influence the cup showdown. Arteta’s side will look to build on their momentum as they aim to end United’s quest for a third consecutive domestic cup triumph.

United, under new manager Ruben Amorim, have their sights set on defending their FA Cup crown. Amorim, unbeaten in league play since his arrival, will hope his side can continue their strong form and rise to the challenge posed by Arsenal.

FA Cup third-round draw in full

Southampton v Swansea City

Arsenal v Manchester United

Exeter City v Oxford United

Leyton Orient v Derby County

Reading v Burnley

Aston Villa v West Ham

Norwich City v Brighton & Hove Albion

Manchester City v Salford

Millwall v Dagenham & Redbridge

Liverpool v Accrington Stanley

Bristol City v Wolverhampton Wanderers

Preston North End v Charlton Athletic

Chelsea v Morecambe

Middlesbrough v Blackburn Rovers

Bournemouth v West Bromwich Albion

Mansfield Town v Wigan Athletic

Tamworth v Tottenham

Hull City v Doncaster Rovers

Sunderland v Stoke City

Leicester City v Queens Park Rangers

Brentford v Plymouth Argyle

Coventry City v Sheffield Wednesday

Newcastle United v Bromley

Everton v Peterborough United

Wycombe Wanderers v Portsmouth

Birmingham City v Lincoln City

Leeds United v Harrogate Town

Nottingham Forest v Luton Town

Sheffield United v Cardiff City

Ipswich Town v Bristol Rovers

Fulham v Watford

Crystal Palace v Stockport County