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FA Cup: Everton Faces Depleted Squad, Big Upsets Ahead

1/10/2026

28 3 Full Breakdown

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FA Cup Matchups

Everton will host Sunderland in the FA Cup third round on January 10 as manager David Moyes faces a depleted squad missing at least eight first-team players.
Sunderland seek their first fourth-round appearance in over a decade after a heavy loss to Brentford.
Liverpool will play Barnsley, known for upsetting top teams at Anfield.
Crystal Palace will begin title defense against non-league Macclesfield, the lowest-ranked team in the competition.

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Manchester City Hosts Exeter

Manchester City will host Exeter City in the FA Cup third round at the Etihad Stadium on January 10.
Manchester City are the reigning champions and remain heavy favorites despite three consecutive draws.
They will rotate their squad due to injuries.
Exeter City, currently 14th in League One, aims to build on their 4-0 victory over Wycombe in the previous round.

History

Historical Context

The FA Cup, established in 1871, has a storied history of surprises, notably in 1925 when Cardiff City, a non-league team, defeated Arsenal, highlighting the competition's unpredictability. This legacy continues today, as teams like Everton and Sunderland face off, embodying the spirit of underdogs challenging established clubs and fostering excitement in English football.

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FA Cup Matchups

Everton will host Sunderland in the FA Cup third round on January 10 as manager David Moyes faces a depleted squad missing at least eight first-team players.
Sunderland seek their first fourth-round appearance in over a decade after a heavy loss to Brentford.
Liverpool will play Barnsley, known for upsetting top teams at Anfield.
Crystal Palace will begin title defense against non-league Macclesfield, the lowest-ranked team in the competition.

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