FA Cup third round draw pairs Chelsea and Watford

Chelsea beat Everton in last season's FA Cup final

FA Cup holders Chelsea will kick off the defence of their trophy with a home tie against Watford in the third round.

Ten-time winners Arsenal will travel to London rivals West Ham in what looks the tie of the round, while Liverpool travel to Championship outfit Reading.

Leeds beat Kettering in their second-round replay to earn a trip to Manchester United.

Aston Villa host Blackburn in one of three all-Premier League ties on the weekend of 2/3 January.

The other, aside from West Ham-Arsenal, is Hull City's trip to Wigan Athletic.

606: DEBATE What do you think of your team's draw?

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti meanwhile is hoping that his side's clash with Watford will give him a chance to meet one of his heroes - musician Sir Elton John.

John is the former chairman of the Championship side and Ancelotti is a huge admirer.

"I do not know Watford very well at the moment but I will have the opportunity to learn about them," said Ancelotti.

"The owner of Watford many years ago was Elton John. Elton John is my favourite singer. The match will be an opportunity to meet Elton John."

Other intriguing ties see Manchester City travel to Middlesbrough, Tottenham host Peterborough United, and League One outfit Carlisle drawn away to Everton.

---

FA CUP THIRD ROUND DRAW:

Tottenham v Peterborough United
Brentford v Doncaster Rovers
Middlesbrough v Manchester City
Stoke City v York City
Notts County v Forest Green Rovers
Huddersfield Town v West Bromwich Albion
Sheffield United v QPR
MK Dons v Burnley
Chelsea v Watford
Nottingham Forest v Birmingham City
Preston North End v Colchester United
West Ham United v Arsenal
Aston Villa v Blackburn Rovers
Portsmouth v Coventry City
Sunderland v Barrow
Wigan Athletic v Hull City
Everton v Carlisle United
Sheffield Wednesday v Crystal Palace
Tranmere Rovers v Wolves
Blackpool v Ipswich Town
Fulham v Swindon Town
Stockport County or Torquay v Brighton
Scunthorpe United v Barnsley
Southampton v Luton Town
Bristol City v Cardiff City
Reading v Liverpool
Millwall v Derby County
Plymouth Argyle v Newcastle United
Leicester City v Swansea City
Bolton Wanderers v Lincoln City
Accrington v Gillingham
Manchester United v Leeds United

Ties to be played over the weekend of 2/3 January