The FA Cup third round is almost upon us.
The first weekend in January is always a special time for football fans up and down the country, with the world's greatest domestic cup competition reaching the stage where the Premier League and Championship teams enter.
It is the time of year when lower league clubs and non-league sides revel in going up against the big boys - the David vs Goliath moments that football is built on.
The draw for the third round was made on Monday night with some eye-catching match-ups, including the Merseyside Derby between Liverpool and Everton, West Ham travelling to League One Gillingham and Arsenal taking on Championship leaders Leeds United at the Emirates.
Third round matches are scheduled to take place on January 3, 4, 5 and 6 but exact kick-off dates and times are yet to be decided.
Second round matches were not finalised until 15 days before the weekend, but football fans will not have for two weeks to find out when their team is in action and to sort out travel arrangements.
It is football.london 's understanding that the TV picks, and as a result kick-off times for every tie, should be announced before the end of this week.
With West Ham currently the only Premier League team drawn away at a club lower than the Championship and Arsenal facing a big clash with Leeds there is a strong possibility both matches will be chosen for TV coverage.
