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FA Cup 2025/26: Schedule, Betting, Draw & Preview

As the oldest domestic competition in world football, the FA Cup inevitably generates plenty of online betting activity.

As can be seen on the sportsbooks featured on comparison website bettingtop10.com/gb/, there are loads of different markets available on the iconic competition. Outright betting is popular with punters, particularly when the big clubs join the FA Cup in the third round.

FA Cup Schedule

Several all-Premier League showdowns headline an intriguing set of third-round fixtures in the 2025/26 FA Cup.

Everton will host Sunderland at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, while Newcastle United and Bournemouth are set to meet at St James’ Park. The Magpies will be hoping to end their disappointing run of form against the Cherries, having won just one of their last eight meetings in all competitions.

Aston Villa visit Tottenham Hotspur, while Manchester United host Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford. The Red Devils will be hoping the departure of manager Ruben Amorim does not impact their hopes of winning the FA Cup. Here is the schedule:

  • Third Round – January 9-12
  • Fourth Round – February 14
  • Fifth Round – March 7
  • Quarter Final – April 4
  • Semi-Final – April 25
  • Final – May 16

FA Cup Betting

Last season’s runners-up Manchester City are priced at 5.50 to win the FA Cup. Liverpool and Arsenal are also prominent in the outright betting. Here are the latest odds:

  • Manchester City – 5.50
  • Liverpool – 6.00
  • Arsenal – 7.00
  • Chelsea – 9.00
  • Newcastle United – 11.00
  • Manchester United – 17.00
  • Tottenham Hotspur – 17.00
  • Aston Villa – 19.00
  • Brighton & Hove Albion – 26.00
  • Crystal Palace – 26.00
  • Bournemouth – 29.00
  • Nottingham Forest – 34.00
  • Everton – 34.00
  • Fulham – 41.00
  • West Ham United – 41.00
  • Brentford – 41.00
  • Leeds United – 41.00
  • Wolverhampton Wanderers – 67.00
  • Sunderland – 67.00
  • Burnley – 67.00
  • Ipswich Town – 81.00
  • Birmingham City – 81.00
  • Leicester City – 101.00
  • Southampton – 101.00
  • Coventry City – 101.00
  • Middlesbrough – 151.00
  • Sheffield United – 151.00
  • Stoke City – 151.00
  • Swansea City – 151.00
  • West Bromwich Albion – 201.00
  • Norwich City – 201.00
  • Wrexham – 201.00
  • Bristol City – 201.00
  • Millwall – 201.00
  • Watford – 201.00
  • Blackburn Rovers – 251.00
  • Hull City – 251.00
  • Charlton Athletic – 251.00
  • Derby County – 251.00
  • Oxford United – 251.00
  • Preston North End – 251.00
  • Queens Park Rangers – 251.00
  • Sheffield Wednesday – 251.00
  • Portsmouth – 501.00
  • Milton Keynes Dons – 1001.00
  • Blackpool – 1001.00
  • Swindon Town – 1001.00
  • Doncaster Rovers – 1001.00
  • Wigan Athletic – 1001.00
  • Grimsby Town – 1001.00
  • Barnsley – 1001.00
  • Shrewsbury Town – 1501.00
  • Cheltenham Town – 2001.00
  • Macclesfield – 2501.00
  • Boreham Wood – 3001.00

FA Cup Third Round Draw

Friday, January 9

  • Milton Keynes Dons vs Oxford United
  • Port Vale vs Fleetwood Town
  • Preston North End vs Wigan Athletic
  • Wrexham vs Nottingham Forest

Saturday, January 10

  • Cheltenham Town vs Leicester City
  • Everton vs Sunderland
  • Macclesfield vs Crystal Palace
  • Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Shrewsbury Town
  • Boreham Wood vs Burton Albion
  • Burnley vs Millwall
  • Doncaster Rovers vs Southampton
  • Fulham vs Middlesbrough
  • Ipswich Town vs Blackpool
  • Manchester City vs Exeter City
  • Newcastle United vs Bournemouth
  • Salford City vs Swindon Town
  • Sheffield Wednesday vs Brentford
  • Stoke City vs Coventry City
  • Bristol City vs Watford
  • Cambridge United vs Birmingham City 
  • Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa
  • Grimsby Town vs Weston Super Mare
  • Charlton Athletic vs Chelsea

Sunday, January 11

  • Derby County vs Leeds United
  • Portsmouth vs Arsenal
  • Hull City vs Blackburn Rovers
  • Norwich City vs Walsall
  • Sheffield United vs Mansfield Town
  • Swansea City vs West Bromwich Albion
  • West Ham United vs Queens Park Rangers
  • Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion

Monday, January 12

  • Liverpool vs Barnsley

FA Cup Preview

Liverpool have fallen short in the Premier League title race and will view the FA Cup as a genuine chance to salvage their season, although they have not lifted the trophy since 2022.

Man City’s surprise defeat against Crystal Palace in last season’s final confirmed a trophyless campaign for only the second time under Pep Guardiola. It could fuel their determination to win the competition, and City have become FA Cup specialists in recent years. Since Guardiola took charge in 2016, they have only failed to reach the semi-final once.

Arsenal are also looking to dominate domestic tournaments this season. Although the Gunners have only made it past the fourth round once since 2017, it would be foolish to write off the most successful team in FA Cup history.

Man United could be worth considering in the outright market if they react positively to Amorim’s exit from the club. They have been handed a tricky third-round tie at home to Brighton, but have a strong recent record in the FA Cup.

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