FA CUP THIRD ROUND DRAW: Arsenal to host Liverpool in mouthwatering heavyweight clash, Man United travel to Wigan and Newcastle play Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby

Liverpool face a stern challenge in the FA Cup after they were drawn away at Premier League title rivals Arsenal in the third round of the tournament.

The sides that sit top and third in the league will play each other on the weekend of January 6 in the standout game from the third round.

It means they will play each other three times in the space of six weeks as they are due to play at Anfield on December 23, before they play at the Emirates on February 3. 

Another tie in a cracking third round draw will see Newcastle travel to Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby.

It will be the first time that the two sides have met in any competition since a 1-1 draw in the Premier League back in March 2016. 

Arsenal will host Liverpool in the standout tie of the third round of the FA Cup.

Newcastle will travel to Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby while Manchester United travel to Wigan.

More to follow…

Newcastle play Sunderland in the first Tyne-Wear derby since 1-1 draw back in March 2016

Erik ten Hag’s side have finally been drawn away from home but they have got a favourable tie

Manchester United got a rare away draw in the FA Cup meanwhile, but they avoided Premier League opposition as they will travel to League One side Wigan.

Local rivals Man City also got a favourable draw as they look to defend the competition which they won as part of their famous Treble last season.

City, who beat Erik ten Hag’s side in the final, will face Huddersfield Town at the Etihad Stadium.

Ange Postecoglou, in his first FA Cup game as Tottenham manager, will see his side welcome Vincent Kompany’s Burnley in the third round of the competition.

Other all-Premier League ties include Crystal Palace vs Everton and Brentford against Wolves.