Aston Villa is gearing up for the third round of the Emirates FA Cup, a competition steeped in history and excitement. As the tournament enters its 144th year, fans are hopeful that Villa can clinch their seventh FA Cup title, having last reached the final in 2015. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming draw and what to expect.
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Mark Your Calendars: Draw Date and Time
The draw for the third round of the Emirates FA Cup is scheduled for Monday, December 2, kicking off at 7pm. This is a crucial moment for Aston Villa fans, as it will determine their path in one of the most prestigious cup competitions in English football.
Aston Villa’s Ball Number Revealed
Aston Villa will be ball number three in the draw. This number will be significant as it will help fans track the team’s progress through the tournament. With a strong squad and passionate support, Villa will be looking to make a deep run this season.
Who Will Join Villa in the Third Round?
The third round of the FA Cup sees the entry of all Championship and Premier League clubs, alongside several non-league teams. Villa will be among 64 teams vying for glory, including notable names such as Manchester United and Chelsea, as well as non-league sides like Tamworth and Dagenham & Redbridge. It’s an open draw, meaning any club can face any other, adding an element of unpredictability to the mix.
Understanding the Draw Format
This year’s format is particularly exciting, featuring an open draw with no seeded teams or regionalised fixtures. This means that Villa could be drawn against any team, regardless of their league status. Additionally, the traditional FA Cup replays have been scrapped for this season, ensuring that each match will be decided on the day. If the scores are level after 90 minutes, the match will go to extra time and, if necessary, penalties.
How to Follow the Draw Live
Fans can catch all the action of the draw live on BBC Two and the BBC iPlayer starting at 7pm. The draw will take place at Old Trafford, the home of the current holders, Manchester United. Kelly Somers will host the event, with former players Mark Hughes and Dion Dublin drawing the teams. It promises to be an exciting evening for football enthusiasts.
When Will the Matches Take Place?
The third round ties are set to be played over the weekend of Saturday, January 11. Fans will be eagerly anticipating the matchups, as this round often brings thrilling encounters and surprises.
Complete List of Teams and Ball Numbers
For those keen to see the full list of teams participating in the third round, here’s a quick rundown of the ball numbers:
1. AFC Bournemouth 2. Arsenal 3. Aston Villa 4. Blackburn Rovers 5. Brentford 6. Brighton & Hove Albion 7. Bristol City 8. Burnley 9. Cardiff City 10. Chelsea 11. Coventry City 12. Crystal Palace 13. Derby County 14. Everton 15. Fulham 16. Hull City 17. Ipswich Town 18. Leeds United 19. Leicester City 20. Liverpool 21. Luton Town 22. Manchester City 23. Manchester United 24. Middlesbrough 25. Millwall 26. Newcastle United 27. Norwich City 28. Nottingham Forest 29. Oxford United 30. Plymouth Argyle 31. Portsmouth 32. Preston North End 33. Queens Park Rangers 34. Sheffield United 35. Sheffield Wednesday 36. Southampton 37. Stoke City 38. Sunderland 39. Swansea City 40. Tottenham Hotspur 41. Watford 42. West Bromwich Albion 43. West Ham United 44. Wolverhampton Wanderers 45. Salford City 46. Charlton Athletic 47. Exeter City 48. Leyton Orient 49. Bristol Rovers 50. Dagenham & Redbridge 51. Accrington Stanley 52. Lincoln City 53. Tamworth 54. Birmingham City 55. Mansfield Town 56. Peterborough United 57. Stockport County 58. Wycombe Wanderers 59. Morecambe 60. Bromley 61. Doncaster Rovers 62. Reading 63. Harrogate Town 64. Wigan Athletic
As the excitement builds for the FA Cup draw, fans are hopeful that Aston Villa can make a significant impact in this year’s tournament. With the right draw and a bit of luck, the team could be on their way to lifting the trophy once again.
