ESPN reveal FA Cup Third Round Matches to air on the network
ESPN will broadcast live and exclusive coverage of three games from the FA Cup Third Round as the nation’s biggest teams enter the knock-out competition.
ESPN’s first Third Round match will see Swansea v Arsenal on Sunday 6th January, followed by a line-up of two potential giantkillings: Lincoln or Mansfield v Liverpool on Sunday 6th January, and Cheltenham or Hereford v Everton featuring on ESPN on Monday 7th January.
Simon Potter, head of programming and production, ESPN, EMEA, said: “The Third Round of The FA Cup is one of the most highly anticipated weekends of the British football calendar and we’re delighted to be able to share that with our viewers. The draw has thrown up some outstanding fixtures that highlight how truly unique and diverse the FA Cup is. In one weekend, ESPN will bring fans some true David versus Goliath match-ups, as well as an all-Premier League clash with a recent history for shock results.”
ESPN’s first live game of the Third Round sees Swansea welcome Arsenal to the Liberty Stadium on Sunday 6th January, live from 1pm, just over a month after handing them a shock 2-0 home defeat in the Barclays Premier League. The Gunners have lifted the FA Cup 10 times, and four times in Arsene Wenger’s reign, but haven’t reached the final since 2005. Brian Laudrup’s Swans are currently riding higher in the league than Arsenal and will be looking to continue their impressive form over the north Londoners, having beaten them in two out of three meetings since their return to the top flight. This will be the sides’ first meeting in the FA Cup since 1968, a game which Arsenal won 1-0.
That is followed at 3.45pm with Liverpool facing the winners of the Second Round replay between Lincoln and Mansfield. The Conference National sides played out a 3-3 draw this past weekend and both will have extra motivation to win the replay with the prospect of a visit from the Premier League giants. Seven time winners Liverpool reached the final of last year’s competition, falling 2-1 to Chelsea, and Brendan Rodgers will be keen to add to the club’s illustrious history in his first season as manager.
The live and exclusive action closes out on Monday 7th January from 7pm when Everton, winners of the FA Cup in 1995, travel to face Cheltenham or Hereford as they also look to avoid a potential giantkilling. David Moyes’ men last reached the final in 2009, losing 2-1 to Chelsea, while they progressed to the semi-finals last season, losing a Merseyside derby at Wembley to Liverpool. Cheltenham, who currently sit in the automatic promotion places in League Two, made it to the Third Round of the tournament last season, where they lost to Spurs. Hereford are currently in the Conference National and have reached the Fourth Round as recently as 2010/11, knocking out Wycombe Wanderers in the Third Round.
2ND ROUND REPLAYS
ESPN also has added its two FA Cup Second Round Replays to its schedule on the 12th and 13th December.
Mansfield Town v Lincoln City
Wednesday 12th December, 7:30pm
Hastings United v Harrogate Town
Thursday 13th December, 7:30pm
