This weekend the FA Cup reaches the third round stage and sees the entry of the Premier League clubs. The English FA Cup is one of the oldest and most famous football competitions in the world, famous for its magic and giant-killings.
Here are the biggest ties taking place this weekend in the third round:
Liverpool v Everton (Friday, 7.55 PM)
In arguably the biggest clash of the third round, Merseyside neighbours Liverpool and Everton do battle at Anfield on Friday night.
The two teams clashed just last month in a 1-1 Premier League draw at Anfield. However, Liverpool dominated the game and have dominated recent derby games, especially at Anfield where they are now 20 matches unbeaten against their local rivals.
The Reds are also unbeaten in 15 games against the Toffees, who head into this game as massive underdogs. One negative for the home is that both Philippe Coutinho and Mohamed Salah will miss the game due to injury.
Manchester United v Derby (Friday, 8 PM)
In an intriguing clash at Old Trafford, United face a tricky clash against high-flying Championship outfit Derby County.
United have struggled for wins in recent games but recorded a 2-0 win at Everton on New Year’s Day to end a four-game winless run. Jose Mourinho’s side are second in the Premier League table but are unlikely to catch Manchester City at the top of the table.
United has a long list of injury absentees, so may give some fringe players a run out in this potentially difficult fixture. United have a good recent record against the visitors, winning five of the last six clashes between the two teams.
Derby have been in good form of late in the second period of late. A run of five wins in their last seven league outings have seen the Rams rise to second in the Championship table.
Gary Rowett’s team have been in good form at the back in recent Premier League games, conceding just two goals in their last seven outings in all competitions. Derby boss Rowett is likely to make a number of changes to his starting line-up, as the Rams priority this season is to win promotion to the Premier League.
Manchester City v Burnley (Saturday, 3 PM)
On Saturday runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City host Burnley at the Etihad Stadium.
City heads into this game on the back of a run of eight games without defeat in all competitions. In fact, their last defeat against Shakhtar Donetsk in a Champions League dead-rubber is the Citizens only loss of the season in any competition.
Pep Guardiola’s side have been fine form this season. The Citizens home form has also been stellar, as the Citizens have won their last seven games on home soil while scoring two or more goals in six of their last seven home outings.
Burnley head into this clash on their poorest run of the season so far. Despite being seventh in the Premier League table, the Clarets have failed to win any of their last five games in all competitions. Sean Dyche’s team have drawn their last three away games. However, the visitors have picked up points from trips to Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham this season.
Both teams are likely to rest their top players for this clash. However, City’s second team is likely to be full of quality.
For a full list of all the FA Cup third round ties, click here