Manchester derby is stand out tie of FA Cup third round draw
United out for revenge
By Chris,
December 4 2011
Manchester United have, arguably, been dealt the toughest possible test in the FA Cup third draw with an away tie against holders Manchester City. The Cup clash at Eastlands is likely to be one of the most hotly-anticipated third round Cup ties in years, particularly after United’s recent 6-1 home humbling at the hands of their bitter rivals.
City ended their 35-year wait for a major trophy last season as they won the competition with victory at Wembley against Stoke City.
United will be under-dogs as they travel to Eastlands in January, looking to avenge October’s 6-1 hammering at home to their big-spending neighbours.
Robert Mancini’s men remain on scintillating form and have not been beaten in domestic competition so far this season.
With sections of the media speculating that City could become the first ever club to win a domestic Treble, Sir Alex Ferguson faces one of the biggest challenges of his career in challenging for honours this season.
United were dumped out of the Cup last season by City at the semi-final stadium, which only adds to the significance of this incredible tie.
The sensational match-up is almost certain to be picked for live television coverage and will take place on either January 7th or 8th.
Elsewhere, Arsenal host Leeds United, non-league Tamworth travel to Everton and Conference leaders Wrexham travel to Championship promotion hopefuls Brighton.
The full draw is as follows:
Middlesbrough v Shrewsbury
Nottingham Forest v Leicester City
Manchester City v Manchester United
Dagenham & Redbridge/Walsall v Millwall
Crawley v Bristol City
Doncaster v Notts County
Bristol Rovers v Aston Villa
Tottenham v Cheltenham Town
Sheffield Wednesday v West Ham
Milton Keynes Dons v QPR
Hull City v Ipswich Town
Coventry v Southampton
Brighton v Wrexham
Fulham v Charlton Athletic
Birmingham v Wolves
Norwich v Burnley
Arsenal v Leeds United
Derby v Crystal Palace
Fleetwood/Yeovil v Blackpool
Swindon v Wigan
Barnsley v Swansea
Chelmsford/Macclesfield v Bolton
Newcastle v Blackburn
Everton v Tamworth
Sheffield United v Salisbury City/Grimsby
Liverpool v Southend/Oldham
Gillingham v Stoke
Chelsea v Portsmouth
Watford v Bradford
Peterborough v Sunderland
West Brom v Cardiff
Reading v Stevenage