FA Cup

Manchester United beat Reading 2-0 in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday, with the EFL Championship team putting in a strong performance at Old Trafford.

Chelsea made hard work of their cup game against Nottingham Forest, but the holders won 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal comfortably cruised to a 3-0 win away at Blackpool.

West Ham United beat Birmingham City 2-0 to progress, and Everton join them in the next round after a testing 2-1 victory against EFL League Two leaders Lincoln City.

Gillingham caused one of the upsets of the round after completing a 1-0 defeat of Cardiff City. Huddersfield Town also exited the competition after a 1-0 loss at Bristol City.

Bournemouth are out of the tournament following a 3-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion at home.

Southampton were almost eliminated at Derby County, but they survived with a 2-2 draw.

Saturday's FA Cup Results

Bournemouth 1-3 Brighton & Hove Albion

Burnley 1-0 Barnsley

Manchester United 2-0 Reading

Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Luton Town

Shrewsbury Town 1-1 Stoke City

West Bromwich Albion 1-0 Wigan Athletic

West Ham United 2-0 Birmingham City

Accrington Stanley 1-0 Ipswich Town

Aston Villa 0-3 Swansea City

Bolton Wanderers 5-2 Walsall

Brentford 1-0 Oxford United

Chelsea 2-0 Nottingham Forest

Derby County 2-2 Southampton

Everton 2-1 Lincoln City

Fleetwood Town 2-3 AFC Wimbledon

Gillingham 1-0 Cardiff City

Middlesbrough 5-0 Peterborough United

Blackpool 0-3 Arsenal

Bristol City 1-0 Huddersfield Town

Crystal Palace 1-0 Grimsby Town

Newcastle United 1-1 Blackburn Rovers

Norwich City 0-1 Portsmouth

Remaining FA Cup Third-Round Fixtures

Sunday's Schedule

2 p.m. GMT/9 a.m. ET: Fulham vs. Oldham Athletic

2 p.m. GMT/9 a.m. ET: Manchester City vs. Rotherham United

2 p.m. GMT/9 a.m. ET: Millwall vs. Hull City

2 p.m. GMT/9 a.m. ET: Preston North End vs. Doncaster Rovers

2 p.m. GMT/9 a.m. ET: Queens Park Rangers vs. Leeds United

2 p.m. GMT/9 a.m. ET: Sheffield United vs. Barnet

2 p.m. GMT/9 a.m. ET: Woking vs. Watford

4:30 p.m. GMT/11:30 a.m. ET: Newport County vs. Leicester City

Monday's Schedule

7:45 p.m. GMT/2:45 p.m. ET: Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Liverpool

Saturday's Recap

Manchester United were tested by Reading at the Theatre of Dreams, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer secured his fifth straight win as interim manager of the Red Devils.

The away side surprisingly dominated possession in the match, creating plenty of chances, but United were clinical in attack as Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku led the line.

The video assistant referee (VAR) was in use in Manchester, and it awarded a penalty for the hosts. Juan Mata was fouled in the box, and the Spaniard rose to his feet to score the spot-kick after 22 minutes.

United doubled their lead in stoppage time at the end of the first half. Sanchez's pass sliced through the Reading defence, and Lukaku rounded the goalkeeper to find the back of the net.

Chelsea struggled in the first half of their match against Forest, but the holders dug deep to make their way into the next round.

Eden Hazard started the game on the bench, but he replaced the injured Ruben Loftus-Cheek shortly before half-time.

Callum Hudson-Odoi provided the opener for Alvaro Morata after the interval, and the 18-year-old repeated his assist as the Spaniard grabbed his brace to bury Forest's hopes.

The result was never in doubt when Arsenal visited Blackpool, and Unai Emery appeared happy with his side's won 3-0 victory.

Joe Willock grabbed a brace in the first half to give the Gunners control, and Alex Iwobi scored the third with eight minutes left on the clock.

Everton sped to a two-goal lead over Lincoln, but the League Two kingpins turned the screw to scare their illustrious hosts.

Ademola Lookman and Bernard scored in the opening stages, but Michael Bostwick pulled a goal back after 28 minutes.

The Imps pressed hard in the second half, and Richarlison's goal-line clearance saved the Toffees from a replay.

Marko Arnautovic gave West Ham the perfect start as he scored the opener against Birmingham, but the Hammers had to wait until second-half injury time to wrap up victory.

Andy Carroll celebrated his first goal of the season after returning from injury, with the striker heading home in the final seconds.

League One team Gillingham celebrated a famous win against Cardiff, beating the Premier League outfit with a goal from Elliott List with nine minutes remaining.

Elsewhere, the woes for Huddersfield continued during their visit to the south west after a goal for Josh Brownhill gave Bristol City victory.

It was a bad day at the office for Bournemouth, with Brighton collecting the win on the south coast.

Anthony Knockaert and Yves Bissouma gave the Seagulls a two-goal advantage in the first half, but Marc Pugh gave the Cherries hope after the restart.

Florin Andone's header shortly after the hour mark put the recovery out of reach for the hosts.

Southampton appeared to be on their way to victory after a double from Nathan Redmond, but the Rams hit back and almost stole the win.

Second-half goals from Jack Marriott and Tom Lawrence gave Frank Lampard's team energy, and the Saints only just survived in the closing stages.

Crystal Palace edged past Grimsby Town 1-0 at Selhurst Park to progress, with Jordan Ayew's late goal making him the hero.

Laurent Koscielny had to be withdrawn with what proved to be a broken jaw during the second half of Arsenal's 2019 FA Cup fourth-round tie against Manchester United on Friday night.

Head coach Unai Emery confirmed the extent of the problem after the Gunners lost 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium and were eliminated from the cup:

Koscielny left the pitch after a clash with Romelu Lukaku, with Arsenal trailing 2-1 at the time to first-half goals from the Belgian centre-forward and former Gunner Alexis Sanchez. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hit back for the hosts just before the break.

Koscielny going off four minutes after the hour mark, following a lengthy delay, meant Arsenal had lost both starting centre-backs to injury. An ankle problem forced Sokratis Papastathopoulos to leave the pitch in the first half:

While natural centre-back Shkodran Mustafi replaced Sokratis, Gunners head coach Unai Emery was forced to bring on midfielder Matteo Guendouzi in place of Koscielny.

The decision was a reflection of Emery's fast-dwindling pool of options at the back. Injuries are thinning the herd with centre-back Rob Holding and right-back Hector Bellerin both out for the remainder of the season.

Losing Koscielny may be the toughest blow of all, thanks to the 33-year-old's experience. He is the most assured defender in Emery's squad, and the Frenchman offered a reminder of his talents and value with a superb display during the recent 2-0 home win over Chelsea in the Premier League.

Unfortunately, injuries have become increasingly common for the former FC Lorient man in recent years. He returned earlier this season following an absence of six months after rupturing his Achilles.

Koscielny has still been blighted by problems since then. He suffered a back injury before the FA Cup third-round match at Blackpool earlier in January.

Goal's Chris Wheatley reported the late change for the Gunners on Jan. 5, with Carl Jenkinson taking Koscielny's place for a game the Gunners went on to win 3-0.

When fit, Koscielny has been an invaluable presence at the back for both club and country. He joined the Gunners in 2010 and became a mainstay for then-manager Arsene Wenger, helping the north London club win a trio of FA Cups.

Emery is now being forced into trying to find fit and able defenders during the remainder of the winter transfer window.

Chelsea defeated Nottingham Forest in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday, with the Blues prevailing 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.

Eden Hazard was initially rested and started on the bench, but Chelsea called the superstar into action as they reviewed their tactics due to an injury for Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

Alvaro Morata was the main beneficiary as he twice found the net in the second half, and a slow start by the hosts was soon forgotten.

Callum Hudson-Odoi started for Chelsea, and the teenager was impressive as he assisted both goals.

Chelsea Have No Creativity When Eden Hazard Is Out

The home side were devoid of ideas before Hazard entered the fray just before half-time.

Loftus-Cheek was injured three minutes before the interval, forcing Maurizio Sarri to make a premature change. Hazard was summoned, with Chelsea's forward line struggling against an inferior opponent.

The second half was more favourable for the Premier League side, and home supporters were clearly more relaxed as their side found the opener.

Hazard and Hudson-Odoi quickly clicked, and the prodigious 18-year-old set up Morata for a goal four minutes after the restart.

It was an important moment for both Hudson-Odoi and Morata, with the pair desperate to prove themselves under their latest coach.

Bayern Munich have reportedly been linked with a swoop for the young Englishman, per the Daily Mail's Sami Mokbel, and Morata has persistently lacked authority as the No. 9.

Sarri will continue to play Hazard at the point of the attack in the weeks ahead, but Morata's brace could ease fears about his form.

The Spain international missed a sitter between his two goals, and he appeared dejected as he found the net—failing to celebrate his effort.

Chelsea have to find a player who can support Hazard in the second half of the season, and a new striker appears an essential purchase.

Hudson-Odoi could provide part of the answer, but Sarri will need to convince the youngster his future remains in the capital.

The Blues will not scoop silverware unless they can add firepower, but the holders completed a professional job against a mediocre Forest team.

Chelsea Must Sell Washed-Up Cesc Fabregas In January

Nostalgia was in the air as Fabregas made a rare start at the Bridge, with the 31-year-old reportedly on the brink of a departure from west London.

Monaco manager Thierry Henry is interested in his former Arsenal team-mate, per Sky Sports, and Fabregas' lack of playing time at Chelsea could see him tempted to leave.

Fabregas appeared in line for a farewell goal in the first half, but the midfielder missed from the penalty spot after Loftus-Cheek was fouled.

It was a sad moment for the decorated former Gunner, but his run up to the spot and stutter was unconvincing.

Fabregas lacked his usual influence, and he appeared like an individual who needs a fresh challenge after four years at the Bridge.

Hudson-Odoi was excellent, and the Blues should find a place in their starting XI for the attacking prodigy.

The Daily Telegraph's Matt Law said the young winger should bide his time with his current club before the game:

Fabregas' tenure at Chelsea is over, but he has been a formidable talent during his spells in English football.

What's Next

Chelsea feature against Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of the semi-final of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. Forest travel to Reading in the EFL Championship on Saturday, January 12.

Arsenal travel to Blackpool on Saturday to begin their 2019 FA Cup campaign against the same opposition they beat 2-1 in the Carabao Cup fourth round back in October.

While the Gunners' victory over League One opposition came at the Emirates Stadium, they will be at Bloomfield Road for the third round of a competition they have won a record 13 times.

Playing away from home hasn't stopped Arsenal being firm favourites for the tie, even though head coach Unai Emery is likely rotate his options. He'll have to be careful how much rotating he does, though, if the Gunners are going to avoid another third-round exit to lower-league opposition after last season's 4-2 defeat away to Nottingham Forest.

Date: Saturday, January 5

Time: 5:30 p.m. BST/12:30 p.m. ET

TV Info: BT Sport 2

Live Stream: BT Sport App. ESPN+.

Odds (Per Oddschecker)

• Blackpool: 14-1
• Arsenal: 5-19
• Draw: 11-2

Emery has been dealing with a host of injuries in defensive areas, but he should have enough options to deploy either a back four or back three. The doubt will be Shkodran Mustafi, who was withdrawn at the break during the 4-1 Premier League win at home to Fulham on New Year's Day.

His condition was updated by Emery after the match:

Emery said full-backs Nacho Monreal and Hector Bellerin haven't trained, but he did confirm centre-back Konstantinos Mavropanos is back in training, per Football.London's Charles Watts.

Laurent Koscielny, Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Sead Kolasinac, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Ainsley Maitland-Niles will likely continue to form a makeshift defensive unit.

Emery does at least have ample options in midfield and attack, even though schemers Mesut Ozil and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are dealing with injuries. There's still strikers Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, as well as playmakers Alex Iwobi and Aaron Ramsey.

Aubameyang is the player Blackpool will fear since he's been in red-hot form in England's top flight:

The midfield will be strong no matter who starts between Granit Xhaka, Lucas Torreira, Matteo Guendouzi and Mohamed Elneny.

Blackpool can't match the Gunners for talent but manager Terry McPhillips is taking comfort from how close his side pushed Arsenal at the Emirates. He told the Press Association (h/t BT Sport):

"They did score two goals from their only two shots on target in that game. But there were loads of positives. Paudie O'Connor heads one against the crossbar and then he heads one in the net to make it 2-1, and we had them on the back foot for 10 or 15 minutes."

Blackpool have the aerial power up top to cause Arsenal's suspect defence more than a few problems. The hosts will also enter the game boasting one of the stingier defences in League One, having conceded 25 times in as many matches.

Blackpool's capabilities mean Emery can't afford to take this tie lightly. He's struggling to return Arsenal to the top four in the Premier League and has already been knocked out of one competition after losing 2-0 to north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup quarter-final.

The FA Cup may represent Emery's most realistic chance of silverware during his first season in charge since succeeding Arsene Wenger.

When the draw was made for the third round of the FA Cup in early December, Reading may have felt they had a chance of causing a massive upset against Manchester United.

The Red Devils were at a low ebb under former manager Jose Mourinho and struggling amid a four-game Premier League run without a win.

But the Manchester giants are flying after four consecutive wins under caretaker boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and they will have the full backing of a raucous Old Trafford on Saturday against the struggling Royals, who have not won a game since November. 

Date: Saturday, January 5

Time: 12:30 p.m. GMT, 7:30 a.m. ET

TV Info: BT Sport 2 (UK), ESPN+ (U.S.)

Live Stream: BT Sport app, ESPN Player

Match Odds (via Oddschecker): United 2-17, Reading 28-1, Draw 19-2 

Reading are second bottom of the Championship and go into Saturday's clash on the back of a 4-1 home drubbing by Swansea City.

They met United at Old Trafford at the same stage of the FA Cup in 2016-17 and were handed a 4-0 defeat.

Avoiding another thrashing may be the best Jose Manuel Gomes' side can hope for this time around as United are in fine form.

They have netted 14 goals in four games under Solskjaer, a marked increase in the scoring rate from Mourinho's final months:

The Norwegian may opt to rest some key players after a hectic festive period.

Paul Pogba, for example, has played every minute under Solskjaer, and Marcus Rashford has been similarly busy.

The problem for Reading is that United have a fantastic squad.

If Rashford does not start, it likely means Romelu Lukaku will, and the Belgium international has scored twice in 47 minutes of game time since returning from compassionate leave.

Meanwhile, Jesse Lingard, Alexis Sanchez and Fred could all come into the side, having started on the bench in Wednesday's 2-0 victory over Newcastle United.

Despite the Red Devils' clean sheet against Rafael Benitez's side, Reading will know that United's defence remains vulnerable.

Their best chance of pulling off a giant-killing could be to catch the hosts cold, grab an early goal and then protect their lead.

But that will be a difficult task given United's quality and the attacking freedom Solskjaer has given them.

Chelsea will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing draw with Southampton in the Premier League when they start their defence of the FA Cup against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

The Blues were frustrated throughout their clash with Saints on Wednesday, with Maurizio Sarri's team nowhere near incisive enough with the possession they had. They looked like a team that were jaded at the end of a challenging festive period.

With that in mind, there will surely be a number of changes for Chelsea for their third-round tie, although they will need to be wary of Forest. Aitor Karanka's side earned an impressive 4-2 win over Championship leaders Leeds United on New Year's Day and knocked Arsenal out of the competition at this stage last season.

Here are the key details for the encounter, including the odds for the match and the viewing information.

Odds

Chelsea win (1-4)

Draw (6-1)

Nottingham Forest win (29-2)

Odds courtesy of Oddschecker

Date: Saturday, January 5

Time: 3 p.m. (GMT), 10 a.m. (ET)

TV Info: ESPN+ (U.S.)

Live Stream: ESPN Player (U.S.)

Preview

Although Sarri will be keen to earn some silverware in his first season as Chelsea boss, he will likely use this tie to give a number of players an overdue rest.

During the clash with Southampton, there was a distinct lack of freshness in the way the Blues went about their business. Despite dominating for long spells of the game, they were unable to find a way through the deep defensive setup employed by the visitors.

Football journalist Dan Levene summed up how Sarri's side toiled at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday:

Rotating the team may be the sensible option for the Italian here, but the squad is looking a little threadbare.

Not only are they already heavily reliant on Eden Hazard to spark them into life when the ball does get into the final third, an injury to Olivier Giroud has left them with one senior forward in the form of Alvaro Morata.

The former Real Madrid man was given his chance to start against Saints but again failed to grasp the opportunity. His lack of awareness in his movement is becoming an increasing source of frustration for Chelsea fans too:

One man who is likely to play is Cesc Fabregas, and the game could be his final outing for the Blues, having been strongly linked with a move to AS Monaco lately:

Forest have also had to battle through a challenging festive period, and Karanka may use this game to rotate his side as a result.

The team hasn't been performing to their best during this congested spell but did earn a morale-boosting win over Leeds in midweek, coming from behind to win 4-2.

The manager has been under pressure lately, with some speculation the axe is imminent, but he was delighted with the way his players responded on Tuesday:

A win here would surely give Karanka more credit in the bank, but there's every chance Forest's focus will be elsewhere. Their aim this season must be promotion, and they sit in seventh in the Championship table, four points behind Derby County in the final playoff spot.

As a result, Chelsea will likely have too much for their second-tier opponents, even if Sarri decides to ring the changes.

Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Nottingham Forest

The 2018-19 FA Cup campaign gets under way in earnest on Friday with the third round, as teams from the Premier League and the Championship enter the competition.

League Two side Tranmere Rovers will hope to cause an upset when they host Tottenham Hotspur in the Friday night game, while League One's Blackpool will look to do the same against Arsenal the following evening.

Meanwhile, Chelsea welcome Nottingham Forest to Stamford Bridge, and Manchester United host Reading at Old Trafford.

On Sunday, Rotherham United will try their luck away at Manchester City, while Leicester City will be eager to avoid a slip-up against Newport County.

Friday, January 4

7:45 p.m. GMT/2:45 p.m. ET: Tranmere Rovers vs. Tottenham Hotspur, BT Sport 2 (0-2)

Saturday, January 5

12:30 p.m. GMT/7:30 a.m. ET: Bournemouth vs. Brighton & Hove Albion (1-0)

12:30 p.m. GMT/7:30 a.m. ET: Burnley vs. Barnsley (1-2)

12:30 p.m. GMT/7:30 a.m. ET: Manchester United vs. Reading, BT Sport 2 (3-0)

12:30 p.m. GMT/7:30 a.m. ET: Sheffield Wednesday vs. Luton Town (0-2)

12:30 p.m. GMT/7:30 a.m. ET: Shrewsbury Town vs. Stoke City (1-1)

12:30 p.m. GMT/7:30 a.m. ET: West Bromwich Albion vs. Wigan Athletic (2-1)

12:30 p.m. GMT/7:30 a.m. ET: West Ham United vs. Birmingham City (3-0)

3 p.m. GMT/10 a.m. ET: Accrington Stanley vs. Ipswich Town (1-2)

3 p.m. GMT/10 a.m. ET: Aston Villa vs. Swansea City (2-2)

3 p.m. GMT/10 a.m. ET: Bolton Wanderers vs. Walsall (3-1)

3 p.m. GMT/10 a.m. ET: Brentford vs. Oxford United(1-0)

3 p.m. GMT/10 a.m. ET: Chelsea vs. Nottingham Forest (2-1)

3 p.m. GMT/10 a.m. ET: Derby County vs. Southampton (1-2)

3 p.m. GMT/10 a.m. ET: Everton vs. Lincoln City (4-0)

3 p.m. GMT/10 a.m. ET: Fleetwood Town vs. AFC Wimbledon (1-1)

3 p.m. GMT/10 a.m. ET: Gillingham vs. Cardiff City (2-1)

3 p.m. GMT/10 a.m. ET: Middlesbrough vs. Peterborough United (1-2)

5:30 p.m. GMT/12:30 p.m. ET: Blackpool vs. Arsenal, BT Sport 2 (1-3)

5:30 p.m. GMT/12:30 p.m. ET: Bristol City vs. Huddersfield Town (1-0)

5:30 p.m. GMT/12:30 p.m. ET: Crystal Palace vs. Grimsby Town (2-0)

5:30 p.m. GMT/12:30 p.m. ET: Newcastle United vs. Blackburn Rovers (1-0)

5:30 p.m. GMT/12:30 p.m. ET: Norwich City vs. Portsmouth (1-2)

Sunday, January 6

2 p.m. GMT/9 a.m. ET: Fulham vs. Oldham Athletic (2-0)

2 p.m. GMT/9 a.m. ET: Manchester City vs. Rotherham United (5-0)

2 p.m. GMT/9 a.m. ET: Millwall vs. Hull City (2-1)

2 p.m. GMT/9 a.m. ET: Preston North End vs. Doncaster Rovers (1-0)

2 p.m. GMT/9 a.m. ET: Queens Park Rangers vs. Leeds United (2-3)

2 p.m. GMT/9 a.m. ET: Sheffield United vs. Barnet (1-0)

2 p.m. GMT/9 a.m. ET: Woking vs. Watford, BT Sport 2 (0-1)

4:30 p.m. GMT/11:30 a.m. ET: Newport County vs. Leicester City, BBC One (0-2)

Monday, January 7

7:45 p.m. GMT/2:45 p.m. ET: Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Liverpool, BBC One (1-3)

In the UK, matches broadcast on BT Sport can be streamed with the BT Sport app, while matches on the BBC can be streamed via BBC iPlayer. Viewers in the United States can watch every game via ESPN+.

Selected Match Odds

Tranmere Rovers (14-1), Draw (6-1), Tottenham Hotspur (2-9)

Manchester United (2-17), Draw (19-2), Reading (25-1)

Chelsea (1-4), Draw (11-2), Nottingham Forest (29-2)

Derby (9-5), Draw (23-10), Southampton (17-10)

Blackpool (12-1), Draw (11-2), Arsenal (1-4)

Crystal Palace (1-6), Draw (71-10), Grimsby (25-1)

Manchester City (1-14), Draw (25-2), Rotherham (40-1)

Woking (16-1), Draw (6-1), Watford (2-9)

Newport County (10-1), Draw (5-1), Leicester City (3-10)

Wolves (16-5), Draw (11-4), Liverpool (10-11)

According to Oddschecker.

Tranmere vs. Tottenham

With Spurs playing Chelsea and Manchester United in their two fixtures after FA Cup duty, their trip to Tranmere isn't likely to be too high on their list of priorities.

Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News believes Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino should be targeting silverware, though:

The Argentinian's work in transforming Tottenham into consistent top-four finishers should make his time at the club be considered a success regardless of whether he delivers a trophy, but having honours to show for it would enhance his reputation.

Having reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup in both of the past two seasons, Pochettino will hope to go a step further this time around if they can progress through the early rounds without hiccups.

Even a rotated side should be capable of dispatching Tranmere, but Rovers have only lost once at home in all competitions since September, so Spurs might need to be patient in breaking them down.

Blackpool vs. Arsenal

Arsenal and Blackpool have already met once this season, in the Carabao Cup, with the Gunners triumphing 2-1.

Paudie O'Connor pulled one back for Blackpool after Matteo Guendouzi was sent off with Arsenal 2-0 up:

O'Connor was sent off himself later on, though, putting an end to the Tangerines' hopes of mounting a comeback.

This time, they will meet at Bloomfield Road, but Blackpool's only win in their past six matches was their FA Cup second-round replay with Solihull Moors.

As for Arsenal, they bounced back from a 5-1 demolition by Liverpool on Saturday with a 4-1 win over Fulham on Tuesday.

The Gunners haven't kept a clean sheet in six matches, so it would come as little surprise if Blackpool find the back of the net on Saturday.

Arsenal should have the firepower to avoid an embarrassing defeat, but it may not be all smooth sailing for them.