FA Cup draw sets up clash between London rivals

Mon, 09 Dec, 2013 - 07:27

Another potentially thrilling clash between Barclays Premier League leaders Arsenal and Tottenham is in the pipeline after the north London rivals were drawn against each other in the FA Cup third round.

Arsenal and Tottenham have been involved in a host of high-scoring matches in recent years and they will go head-to-head again after being paired together in what was the pick of Sunday’s draw.

The arch rivals are two of the three most successful clubs in the competition’s history, with the Gunners having lifted the trophy 10 times and Spurs eight.

However, neither club have enjoyed much recent joy with Arsenal’s last triumph coming in 2005 – which is also the last piece of silverware won by the Gunners - while Spurs have to go back to 1991 for their most recent FA Cup success.

Both will be hoping to go all the way this time, but Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger concedes his side could have been handed an easier first hurdle.

“There are not enough tough games, they gave us another one,” he quipped when asked about the draw following Arsenal’s 1-1 league tie with Everton, a result that left the Gunners five points clear at the top of the standings.

The most successful side in FA Cup history, Manchester United, have also been handed a tough third-round tie as they seek to win the competition for a 12th time, with Premier League rivals Swansea visiting Old Trafford.

United might have hoped for an easier match after suffering a dismal start to their league campaign under new boss David Moyes, where the champions have lost five of their 15 games and lie a massive 13 points behind Arsenal.

United have also underachieved in recent FA Cup campaigns, with their last triumph coming back in 2004, but one side who have had plenty of recent success are Chelsea, who are looking to lift the trophy for a fifth time in eight seasons.

Jose Mourinho’s side have not been handed a straightforward third-round tie either though, as they must go to a Derby side who have moved up to fourth in the Sky Bet Championship after winning their past five matches.

Derby manager Steve McClaren said on his club’s website: “It’s a great draw for the club for a number of reasons. It’s at home, we’re up against a big opponent and that will mean a big test for the players.

“They will want to test themselves against one of the best teams in the country and Europe so I think it’s great for them.

“It’s exciting for the fans too and I’m sure a great crowd will be at the iPro Stadium for it as well as it should be a cracking FA Cup tie.

Holders Wigan start off against MK Dons while the side they beat in May’s final, Manchester City, face a short trip to Blackburn.

Liverpool, who are second in the Premier League, will face either Oldham or Mansfield in the third round.

Brendan Rodgers’ men beat Mansfield in the third round last season before suffering a shock 3-2 fourth-round exit to Oldham.

Ties will be played on the weekend of January 4 and 5.

FA CUP THIRD ROUND DRAW

Barnsley v Hartlepool/Coventry

Yeovil v Leyton Orient

Liverpool v Oldham/Mansfield

Nottm Forest v West Ham

Bristol City v Watford