At dawn on Tuesday, the General Assembly of the English Football Association conducted a high-profile draw for the third round of the tournament, and one of the most intriguing is undoubtedly the "fairy tale" of Arsenal hosting Manchester United. Outside of this "battle of the immortals", Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea all beat English B teams on their doorsteps. Everton's clash with England's First Division is also highly anticipated, especially as former Manchester United star Ashley Younger is expected to appear on the pitch with his son in a "father-son duel".
Rooney Emorian's arrival at Manchester United has seen the team quickly return to a brave fighting stance. However, his first step on the English soccer tour comes with a challenge as he faces 14-time league leaders Arsenal. The two teams will meet in the Premier League in the early hours of Thursday (5), while the weekend of January 11 will see a showdown in English soccer. In addition to the 'Battle of the Demons', the other Premier League highlight of the third round will be Aston Villa hosting West Ham.
Many of the Premier League giants have been drawn with Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea all set to face League Two teams at home, including Manchester City versus Shafter, Liverpool versus Accrington and Chelsea versus Morecambe. The third round of English soccer this year has seen the abolition of the replay system, with a 12-yard penalty shootout being played in the event of a tie, to avoid the added pressure of fixtures due to replays.
A much-anticipated battle of topics is about to take place in this circle. Everton's home match against Pittsburgh promises to be a "father-son duel" Everton star Ashley Younger, 39, whose 18-year-old son is also an England international, officially joined Pittsburgh this summer and made his professional debut in October. If his son is sent on, he will have the chance of a historic father-son duel. Ashley Younger commented on social media after the draw, "Wow ...... dreams could come true! #cocking moment #Younger vs Younger."
