The FA Cup holders Manchester United enter the fray at next month’s third-round stage with a visit to the record 14-time winners Arsenal, in a repeat of the 2005 final.
This stage of the competition sees the arrival of the 44 clubs from the Premier League and Championship, joining the 20 lower-league and non-league sides who won in round two.
The draw was conducted at Old Trafford by former United strikers Mark Hughes and Dion Dublin and that formidable fixture drew groans from those present, the first of only two all-Premier League ties along with Aston Villa v West Ham. United’s Wembley victory in May was the 13th time they had lifted the trophy. Erik ten Hag, the winning manager that day, has since been replaced by Ruben Amorim.
Liverpool, eight-time winners and the Premier League leaders, will host Accrington, evoking memories of a 1980s Milk Marketing Board advert where a young Reds fans said: “If I don’t drink lots of milk, I’ll only be good enough to play for Accrington Stanley.” “Accrington Stanley? Who are they?” his friend asked. “Exactly,” came the response.
Pep Guardiola’s out-of-form Manchester City, who lost last year’s final, will take part in a local affair against Salford City, who feature a host of former United luminaries among their directors. Newcastle United will host Bromley who like fellow League Two side Salford, are playing in the third round for the first time.
Fifth-tier Tamworth, who knocked out League One Burton in a dramatic penalty shootout on Sunday, earned a fairytale home draw against Tottenham. Championship side Leeds, who won the trophy in 1972, will feature in an all-Yorkshire tie against fourth-tier Harrogate Town.
The other non-league team in the draw, Dagenham & Redbridge, will contest a London derby at Millwall. Chelsea host League Two strugglers Morecambe, while Wolves and Brighton will look to avoid upsets on trips to Bristol City and Norwich respectively.
Everton will face third-tier Peterborough United at home, a draw that could see Ashley Young play against his son, Tyler, who is on Posh’s books. “Wow … dreams might come true,” wrote Young Sr on social media. All ties will be played over the weekend of 11-12 January.