ESPN will broadcast live and exclusive coverage of three games from the FA Cup Third Round as the nation’s biggest teams enter the knock-out competition. ESPN’s first Third Round matches are:
Swansea v Arsenal on Sunday 6th January
Mansfield v Liverpool on Sunday 6th January
Cheltenham v Everton on Monday 7th January
The Gunners have lifted the FA Cup 10 times, and four times in Arsene Wenger’s reign, but haven’t reached the final since 2005. Brian Laudrup’s Swans are currently riding higher in the league than Arsenal and will be looking to continue their impressive form over the north Londoners, having beaten them in two out of three meetings since their return to the top flight. This will be the sides’ first meeting in the FA Cup since 1968, a game which Arsenal won 1-0.
Liverpool face Mansfield. Seven time winners Liverpool reached the final of last year’s competition, falling 2-1 to Chelsea, and Brendan Rodgers will be keen to add to the club’s illustrious history in his first season as manager.
The live and exclusive action closes out on Monday 7th January when Everton, winners of the FA Cup in 1995, travel to face Cheltenham as they also look to avoid a potential giantkilling. David Moyes’ men last reached the final in 2009, losing 2-1 to Chelsea, while they progressed to the semi-finals last season, losing a Merseyside derby at Wembley to Liverpool. Cheltenham made it to the Third Round of the tournament last season, where they lost to Spurs.
Simon Potter, head of programming and production, ESPN, EMEA, said: “The Third Round of The FA Cup is one of the most highly anticipated weekends of the British football calendar and we’re delighted to be able to share that with our viewers. The draw has thrown up some outstanding fixtures highlighting how truly unique and diverse the FA Cup is.
In one weekend, ESPN will bring fans true David versus Goliath match-ups, as well as an all-Premier League clash with a recent history for shock results.”
