The FA Cup has replays, because it has always had replays and tradition is the most important thing about the FA Cup. If one attempted to summarize the prevailing wisdom in English football with one phrase, that phrase would be 'but this is the way we've always done things'. Among the clubs who were unable to either win or get themselves knocked out of the FA Cup on their first attempt: Wigan, Stoke, Sunderland, Fulham, West Brom, QPR, Arsenal, Swansea, Manchester United and West Ham. Oof.
FA Cup, Round 3 Replays: Unnecessary fixture congestion galore!
Because it’s still 1927, the FA Cup has replays. Sup, fixture congestion?
Tuesday's most evenly matched fixture that isn't between two Premier League clubs features a fun clash of styles, with Ian Holloway's Crystal Palace going away to Stoke City. Will Tony Pulis play for a draw against any passing side, regardless of pedigree? Watch and find out!
The good games come on Wednesday, when Swansea head to the Emirates to take on Arsenal, while Manchester United host West Ham. Both get to keep half the gate from their road trips, which might give them each an extra £1-2m to spend in the January transfer window. Good for them!
Schedule
AFC Bournemouth vs. Wigan Athletic - Tuesday, 7:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Birmingham City vs. Leeds United - Tuesday, 7:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Brentford vs. Southend United - Tuesday, 7:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Leyton Orient vs. Hull City - Tuesday, 7:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
MK Dons vs. Sheffield Wednesday - Tuesday, 7:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Stoke City vs. Crystal Palace - Tuesday, 7:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Blackpool vs. Fulham - Tuesday, 8 p.m. local, 3 p.m. ET
West Bromwich Albion vs. Queens Park Rangers - Tuesday, 8 p.m. local, 3 p.m. ET
Arsenal vs. Swansea City - Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. local, 2:30 p.m. ET
Manchester United vs. West Ham United - Wednesday, 8:05 p.m. local, 3:05 p.m. ET
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