FA Cup third round delivers live action as clubs clash across England with most games on TNT Sports and Discovery+

The FA Cup’s third round is just around the corner, and football fans are in for a treat – though most of it comes behind a paywall.

Only two matches this weekend will air on free-to-air BBC, leaving the rest for subscribers on TNT Sports and Discovery+.

The action begins on the second weekend of January as clubs chase glory in the world’s oldest football competition.

BBC Coverage Remains Limited

BBC Sport secured a deal with TNT Sports last year that limits its live coverage to just two matches per round through to the quarter-finals.

The broadcaster can then show one semi-final and, of course, the Wembley final.

Over four seasons, this deal allows BBC to broadcast only 14 FA Cup games per campaign.

For fans hoping to watch every third-round clash, that means a lot of TNT Sports and Discovery+ streaming.

Wrexham Faces Nottingham Forest in Historic Clash

The first televised match of the round features Wrexham against Nottingham Forest on Friday, January 9, at 7.30pm.

It’s a big moment for The Red Dragons, who face Premier League opposition competitively for the first time since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took over.

Unfortunately for free-to-air viewers, this game won’t be on BBC – only on TNT Sports 1 and Discovery+.

Saturday Brings Multiple High-Profile Ties

Saturday, January 10, delivers three exciting fixtures:

• Macclesfield vs Crystal Palace kicks off at 12.15pm and will be shared across BBC One, TNT Sports 1, and Discovery+. Palace, the reigning FA Cup holders, will be looking to defend their title early.

• Tottenham vs Aston Villa at 5.45pm promises fireworks, with one of the competition’s favourites likely to be eliminated. This game is also on BBC One, TNT Sports 1, and Discovery+.

• Charlton Athletic vs Chelsea rounds out the day at 8pm. The Addicks host Enzo Maresca’s men in South London, with coverage on TNT Sports 1 and Discovery+.

Sunday’s Action Continues With Championship and Premier League Clashes

Sunday, January 11, sees more drama with:

• Derby County vs Leeds United at 12pm on TNT Sports 2 and Discovery+, bringing back memories of the 2019 Spygate saga.

• Portsmouth vs Arsenal at 2pm on TNT Sports 1 and Discovery+, as the Gunners aim to extend their FA Cup tally to 15.

• Manchester United vs Brighton at 4.30pm at Old Trafford, broadcast on TNT Sports 1 and Discovery+.

Liverpool Host Barnsley to Close the Round

On Monday, January 12, Liverpool welcome League One side Barnsley to Anfield at 7.45pm.

The Reds will be eager to avoid a shock exit amid some inconsistent form, with coverage again on TNT Sports 1 and Discovery+.

Manchester City, despite losing last season’s final to Crystal Palace, are early favourites to lift the trophy this year, keeping fans on tenterhooks for every knockout twist.

Full Third-Round TV Schedule

• Wrexham vs Nottingham Forest – Jan 9, 7.30pm – TNT Sports 1 & Discovery+

• Macclesfield vs Crystal Palace – Jan 10, 12.15pm – BBC One, TNT Sports 1 & Discovery+

• Tottenham vs Aston Villa – Jan 10, 5.45pm – BBC One, TNT Sports 1 & Discovery+

• Charlton Athletic vs Chelsea – Jan 10, 8pm – TNT Sports 1 & Discovery+

• Derby County vs Leeds United – Jan 11, 12pm – TNT Sports 2 & Discovery+

• Portsmouth vs Arsenal – Jan 11, 2pm – TNT Sports 1 & Discovery+

• Manchester United vs Brighton – Jan 11, 4.30pm – TNT Sports 1 & Discovery+

• Liverpool vs Barnsley – Jan 12, 7.45pm – TNT Sports 1 & Discovery+