FA Cup Third Round Preview – Where Could The Giants Be Killed?
The FA Cup Third Round is a notable date in the football calendar each year. In the first week of January, the top teams from the Championship and Premier League enter the tournament, setting up the prospect of some stellar ties and the occasional giant-killing.
Over the years, we have seen a number of surprise results including Plymouth Argyle knocking out Liverpool last season. So could there be a surprise result or two in the Third Round this year?
In this preview, we take a look at some of the games where there is real potential for an upset.
FA Cup Third Round – Potential Giant Killings
Wrexham v Nottingham Forest
Wrexham’s incredible journey through the divisions has been well-documented and they face a Nottingham Forest side who may well have their focus on preserving their status in the Premier League. With a packed Racecourse Ground behind them, this is a tie with real potential for serving up a third round shock.
Shockometer – 75% – Wrexham stand a great chance here, especially if Forest rest key players.
Macclesfield v Crystal Palace
Macclesfield would have been delighted to have landed last years FA Cup winners in the third round. The phoenix club, raised from the Ashes of the former Macclesfield Town, play in the National League North, five divisions below Palace. It would be a huge shock if the non-leaguers were to send the holders out of the competition.
Shockometer – 5% – Don’t expect Palace’s Eagles to be booted out the cup here.
Wolves v Shrewsbury Town
Wolves have struggled in the Premier League this season, but a change of competition against a relatively local rival three divisions below them may ensure that the home team put those difficulties behind them. Shrewsbury have sprung surprises before, but a win away here looks a big ask.
Shockometer – 20% – Wolves have struggled in the Premier League, but should be fine here.
Manchester City v Exeter City
Pep Guardiola will rest some key players for this game, but City’s strength in depth is so good that they will still be far too strong for Exeter. The Grecians would have stood a much better chance had they been at home, but this match looks like being a very difficult 90 minutes for the visitors.
Shockometer – 1% – Don’t expect the Citizens to slip up here.
Charlton Athletic v Chelsea
A London derby sees Charlton host Chelsea with the Addicks focusing primarily on survival in the Championship at present. Chelsea have had a bit of an up-and-down season so far and they will likely rest players for this game, however, it would still be a huge surprise if they were not to progress from this tie.
Shockometer – 33% – Charlton stand a chance if Chelsea don’t show up, but the visitors should progress.
Portsmouth v Arsenal
Pompey fans will have the chance to witness one of the biggest upsets in recent years if they can defeat Premier League leaders Arsenal. It is a huge ask though against the top team in England so far this season, even if the Gunners do rest key players for the fixture. Expect a closely fought game but Arsenal to land the win.
Shockometer – 5% – Arsenal will rest players, but they’ll still be too strong for Pompey here.
Liverpool v Barnsley
Reds fans will remember when Barnsley defeated them at Anfield when the Tykes were in the Premier League many years ago, but with Reds boss Arne Slot likely to rest several star names for this game, Barnsley stand a real chance of another upset here, especially with the Reds form this season being so patchy.
Shockometer – 45% – A weakened Liverpool team may well find this a very difficult game.
The FA Cup Third Round takes place from Friday 9th to Monday 12th January 2026.
