Explosive Manchester derby for FA Cup third round
LONDON, England (AFP) — Holders Manchester City were handed an explosive derby clash with bitter rivals Manchester United in yesterday’s draw for the FA Cup third round.
City defeated United 1-0 in the FA Cup semi finals at Wembley en route to winning the competition last season and they will host Sir Alex Ferguson’s side at Eastlands over the weekend of January 7/8.
Roberto Mancini’s side, who beat Stoke in the final to claim their first trophy in 35 years, are currently five points clear of reigning champions United in the Premier League as they seek to snatch the English title away from Old Trafford.
The match has added spice as it will be the first Manchester derby since City’s astonishing 6-1 league triumph at Old Trafford in October.
United defender Ferdinand played in that rout and tweeted his reaction to the draw: “3rd round FA cup game vs mancity..great game to kick off this yrs FA cup, can’t wait.”
The tie was one of only two all-Premier League encounters in the third round draw, with Newcastle hosting Blackburn in the other.
Chelsea take on Portsmouth at Stamford Bridge in a rematch of the 2010 FA Cup final which the west London club won 1-0 to complete their first ever league and cup double.
Arsenal will host Championship side Leeds and Liverpool are at home to either Southend or Oldham.
Tottenham take on League Two club Cheltenham and Everton host National Conference outfit Tamworth.
Tamworth goalkeeper Jonathan Hedge said: “It’s what dreams are made of, we’ll go there full of confidence.”
Martin O’Neill’s first FA Cup tie in charge of Sunderland will come at Championship club Peterborough, while Stoke manager Tony Pulis returns to one of his former clubs at League Two Gillingham.
Aston Villa face a trip to League Two Bristol Rovers, who earned their place in the third round with a 6-1 demolition of Southern Premier Division AFC Totton at Testwood Park on Sunday.
Craven Cottage will stage a London derby as Fulham take on League
One leaders Charlton, while midlands rivals Birmingham and Wolves will meet at St Andrew’s.
