Three FA Cup matches you don't want to miss this weekend

The third round of fixtures features several intriguing contests, including a derby that has not been seen in years and a clash of Premier League giants
Liverpool FC v Newcastle United - Premier League
Liverpool FC v Newcastle United - Premier League / Jan Kruger/GettyImages
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Newcastle United vs Sunderland

These two storied rivals from the north have been heading in different directions in recent years.

Newcastle United’s newfound wealth has brought European football back to the Tyneside region, while mismanagement and financial struggles saw Sunderland plummet as low as League 1.

The Black Cats have been slowly but surely making their way back up the ranks and the current Championship side will look to inflict some misery upon their rich neighbors.

This is a classic English derby that we have not gotten to enjoy recently but the FA Cup provides on opportunity for more classic Tyne-Wear Derby moments. And there’s already been some supporter related controversy. 

Liverpool vs Arsenal

Mohamed Salah, Oleksandr Zinchenko
Michael Regan/GettyImages

Liverpool come in surging and are presently sitting at the top of the Premier League table, while Arsenal have been victorious in only one of their last five.

The Gunners could be thinking about the Cup as their best chance to win something this year while also keeping the forward-momentum the club has been experiencing the last few years. 

The same match-up played out to a draw on Dec. 23, but with the FA Cup magic in the air, expect both sides to go for it from the jump with neither really wanting a replay to further congest their schedules.

Manchester United vs Wigan

Erik ten Hag
Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag / James Baylis - AMA/GettyImages

A deep Cup run could potentially save Erik ten Hag’s career, or at least buy him some time because he might not be long for the Man United hot-seat.

A win against Aston Villa over the holiday break inspired hope, only to see that hope immediately extinguished with a limp performance during a loss to Nottingham Forrest.

With United already out of European competition as well, this is it for the Red Devils.

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Wigan will look to play spoilers to a Manchester side once again as they did the last time they won the tournament. Look for the club currently in League 1 to put up a fight by sitting deep and waiting to capitalize on any chance they get.