Holders Chelsea to host Forest in FA Cup, possible non-league test for Arsenal

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·3 December 2018

Holders Chelsea to host Forest in FA Cup, possible non-league test for Arsenal

Holders Chelsea will begin their FA Cup defence with a home tie against Nottingham Forest, while Arsenal could face non-league opposition in the third round.

The Blues beat Manchester United 1-0 at Wembley in May thanks to an Eden Hazard penalty, in what proved to be Antonio Conte's last game as head coach.

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Championship Forest were 4-2 winners over Arsenal in the third round last season and Unai Emery's men could have a venture into the unknown if Solihull Moors of the National League can overcome League One Blackpool in a second-round replay.

Premier League leaders Manchester City, who were knocked out by Wigan Athletic in the fifth round last season, entertain Rotherham United.

City's neighbours United are also at home to Championship strugglers in the form of Reading.

Liverpool will travel to Wolves in one of only two all-Premier League ties, with Bournemouth hosting Brighton and Hove Albion.

Tottenham, still seeking their first trophy under Mauricio Pochettino, face a trip to Merseyside against either Southport of the National League North or League Two Tranmere Rovers.

Ties will take place between January 4-7.

FA Cup third round – draw in full

Bolton Wanderers v Walsall or Sunderland

Millwall v Hull City

Gillingham v Cardiff City

Brentford v Oxford United

Sheffield Wednesday v Luton Town

Manchester United v Reading

Everton v Lincoln City

Tranmere Rovers or Southport v Tottenham

Preston North End v Doncaster Rovers

Newcastle United v Blackburn Rovers