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FA Cup champions Crystal Palace are set to begin their title defence with a third-round match against Macclesfield, a team from the sixth tier. Macclesfield, reformed in 2020 after the dissolution of Macclesfield Town, are currently 14th in the National League North. They reached this stage by defeating AFC Totton and Slough Town, earning a high-profile clash with Oliver Glasner's 2024-25 champions on January 10 and 11.
Among other notable fixtures, Tottenham will face Aston Villa in one of four all-Premier League encounters. Sunderland is set to travel to Everton, while Newcastle United will host Bournemouth at St James' Park. Manchester United will welcome Brighton to their home ground.Liverpool is scheduled to play against Barnsley from League One at Anfield. Meanwhile, Manchester City will host Exeter City, another third-tier team. Portsmouth, who have won the FA Cup twice, including a victory in 2008 under Harry Redknapp's management, will face Premier League leaders Arsenal at home.Weston-super-Mare from the National League South is another sixth-tier club making it to round three. They are set to visit Grimsby Town, who earlier this season eliminated Manchester United from the EFL Cup. Chelsea will cross London for a match against Charlton Athletic.In another London derby, West Ham will play Queens Park Rangers. These matches provide opportunities for lower league teams to cause upsets against higher-ranked opponents.Crystal Palace secured their first major trophy last May by defeating Manchester City 1-0 at Wembley Stadium. Eberechi Eze scored the decisive goal while Dean Henderson saved a penalty from Omar Marmoush during that memorable final.The upcoming FA Cup fixtures promise excitement as teams from different tiers compete for glory. Fans eagerly anticipate potential surprises and thrilling matches as clubs vie for advancement in this historic competition.| The Silkmen will face Holders Crystal Palace at https://t.co/fL99QEEJ4D Stadium in the Third Round of the Emirates FA Cup! #AgainstAllOdds pic.twitter.com/m5Folyul7t Macclesfield FC (C) (@thesilkmen) December 8, 2025
