The FA Cup third round, one of the most iconic weekends in the English football calendar, is set to unfold this weekend with a significant and controversial change to its rules. Gone are the days of dramatic replays for ties level after 90 minutes.
The New Format: Straight to Extra Time and Penalties
From the first round proper of the 2024/25 season onwards, all FA Cup replays have been abolished. This decision, which directly impacts this weekend's third-round matches, means that any game finishing level at full-time will proceed directly to extra time. If the additional 30 minutes fails to produce a winner, the tie will be decided by a penalty shootout.
This marks a fundamental shift in the tradition of the world's oldest domestic cup competition, where replays offered smaller clubs a lucrative second bite of the cherry and fans the chance for a second thrilling encounter.
Why Were FA Cup Replays Scrapped?
The move was announced in April 2024 as part of a new scheduling agreement between the Football Association and the Premier League, set to run for six years. A key driver is the expanding fixture calendar, particularly with European competitions like the Champions League and Europa League now staging matches in January.
In theory, removing replays eases congestion for clubs across the board and supports player welfare. As part of the deal, the Premier League will provide an additional £33 million per season in funding for grassroots football.
However, the change has faced fierce criticism, particularly from clubs in the English Football League (EFL) and the non-league pyramid. Replays were a vital financial lifeline for many smaller teams, with the extra gate revenue sometimes crucial for their survival.
The EFL issued a strong statement in 2024, saying: "The agreement which now sees the abolition of replays from the competition format was agreed solely between the Premier League and FA... Ahead of the deal being announced there was no agreement with the EFL nor was there any formal consultation with EFL Clubs." They argued it marginalises clubs outside the top flight.
Third Round Fixtures and Key Ties
This weekend, 64 teams will battle for a place in the fourth round. The action begins on Friday, January 9 and runs through to Monday, January 12.
Defending champions Crystal Palace, who made history by beating Manchester City in last year's final, start their defence with a tricky away trip to Macclesfield of the National League North on Saturday.
Other standout fixtures include Arsenal's visit to Portsmouth on the south coast, and an all-Premier League clash between Manchester United and Brighton at Old Trafford on Sunday. Liverpool host Barnsley in Monday night's finale.
Full FA Cup Third Round Fixtures:
Friday, January 9
19:30: Wrexham v Nottingham Forest
19:30: MK Dons v Oxford United
19:30: Port Vale v Fleetwood Town
19:30: Preston North End v Wigan Athletic
Saturday, January 10
12:15: Cheltenham Town v Leicester City
12:15: Everton v Sunderland
12:15: Macclesfield v Crystal Palace
12:15: Wolves v Shrewsbury Town
15:00: Boreham Wood v Burton Albion
15:00: Burnley v Millwall
15:00: Doncaster Rovers v Southampton
15:00: Fulham v Middlesbrough
15:00: Ipswich Town v Blackpool
15:00: Manchester City v Exeter City
15:00: Newcastle United v AFC Bournemouth
15:00: Salford City v Swindon Town
15:00: Sheffield Wednesday v Brentford
15:00: Stoke City v Coventry City
17:45: Bristol City v Watford
17:45: Cambridge United v Birmingham City
17:45: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa
17:45: Grimsby Town v Weston Super Mare
20:00: Charlton Athletic v Chelsea
Sunday, January 11
12:00: Derby County v Leeds United
14:00: Portsmouth v Arsenal
14:30: Hull City v Blackburn Rovers
14:30: Norwich City v Walsall
14:30: Sheffield United v Mansfield Town
14:30: Swansea City v West Brom
14:30: West Ham v Queens Park Rangers
16:30: Manchester United v Brighton
Monday, January 12
19:45: Liverpool v Barnsley
As the football world adapts to this new era, the magic of the FA Cup third round remains, but its age-old rhythm has been permanently altered. Every match this weekend must now have a winner on the day, setting the stage for potential giant-killings under the pressure of extra time and penalties.
