There’s still a ways to go before Liverpool starts their FA Cup campaign, but late yesterday they learned who they would be facing in the Third Round of the competition when they were drawn against League Two side Exeter City. Manchester City head to Norwich, Southampton entertain Crystal Palace and Watford host Newcastle.
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Three other non-league teams feature in the draw.
Tottenham’s clash with surprise league leaders Leicester is the standout match.
As ever, the tournament has thrown up its fair share of exciting ties with non-league sides mixing it with the big boys of the Premier League.
Whitehawk manager Steve King had admitted before the third-round draw that he was hoping to be given the chance to take on Liverpool.
Chelsea welcomes Leyton Orient or Scunthorpe United to Stamford Bridge, while Sheffield United – a 2013 semifinalist – will visit Old Trafford.
“I will ban the name Everton around the dressing room and around the club”, he told BBC Sussex.
Of those, only National League team Eastleigh are definitely through to the third round and they have been rewarded with a home tie against Bolton Wanderers, now struggling at the foot of the second-tier Championship.
“We have a tough game to get through first with Dagenham”.
Many Manchester United fans might also have an eye on Salford City, which will host Championship side Derby County if it can progress past a replay against Hartlepool United.
Now the winners of the replay between the two will travel to Goodison Park on the weekend of January 9-10.
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Sunderland last met Arsenal in this competition in February 2012, when a goal from Kieran Richardson and an own-goal from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain gave Steve Bruce’s side a 2-0 win at the Stadium of Light in the fifth round.
