Arsenal and Spurs to face off in FA Cup

League leaders Arsenal were handed a mouthwatering tie against north London rivals Tottenham in the third round of the FA Cup.

Arsenal’s most recent piece of silverware came in the 2005 FA Cup but if they are to repeat that success this season they will have to overcome Spurs at the first hurdle after the two sides were paired together in the pick of Sunday’s draw.

The pair are among the most successful clubs in the competition’s history, with Arsenal having lifted the trophy on 10 occasions while Spurs have won it eight times.

The only side to have won the FA Cup more times are Manchester United, who will also be involved in an all-Premier League tie in the third round after being paired at home to Swansea.

United might have been hoping for a more favourable cup draw following a hugely disappointing start to the defence of their league title which has seen them lose five times in 15 matches under new boss David Moyes, with their latest setback Saturday’s 1-0 loss to Newcastle at Old Trafford.

United have won the FA Cup 11 times, but the last time was back in 2004.

FA Cup holders Wigan start off against MK Dons while the side they beat in May’s final, Manchester City, face a short trip to Blackburn.

Ties will be played weekend of January 4th and 5th.

FA CUP THIRD ROUND DRAW

Barnsley v Hartlepool/Coventry

Yeovil v Leyton Orient

Liverpool v Oldham/Mansfield

Nottm Forest v West Ham

Bristol City v Watford

Southend v Millwall

Middlesbrough v Hull

West Brom v Crystal Palace

Kidderminster v Peterborough

Doncaster v Stevenage

Stoke v Leicester

Southampton v Burnley

Newcastle v Cardiff

Rochdale v Leeds

Wigan v MK Dons.

Charlton v Wrexham/Oxford.

Man Utd v Swansea

Port Vale v Plymouth

Norwich v Fulham

Aston Villa v Sheff Utd.

Macclesfield v Sheff Wed.

Sunderland v Carlisle.

Bolton v Blackpool

Blackburn v Man City

Everton v QPR

Brighton v Reading

Arsenal v Tottenham

Birmingham v Bristol Rovers/Crawley

Grimsby v Huddersfield

Ipswich v Preston

Derby v Chelsea

Bournemouth v Fleetwood/Burton