FA Cup hots up with a Merseyside derby draw

Liverpool will host city rivals Everton for the second time in a month when they face off in the third round of the FA Cup in early January.

Liverpool, who beat Everton in the 2012 semifinal, their last FA Cup meeting, will host their struggling neighbours in the Premier League on Sunday.

Everton have had a torrid time in the Premier League so far this season and failed to progress to the knockout stages in the Europa League, although now they have survival specialist Sam Allardyce installed as their manager.

Adding extra spice to the Merseyside derbies is a tense relationship between Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and Allardyce, with the latter making disparaging remarks about the German in the past. Klopp, though, offered an olive branch last week, wishing Allardyce — who has brought in former Liverpool midfielder and coach Sammy Lee on to his staff — well in his new job.

Liverpool have beaten Everton on both the occasions they have met in the final in 1986 and 1989. Their overall head-tohead FA Cup record has seen them clash on 23 occasions, with Liverpool winning 10, Everton seven and six draws.

Elsewhere, holders Arsenal’s first challenge is an away trip to second-tier Nottingham Forest. Premier League leaders Manchester City face a potentially tricky home tie with Burnley.

Arsenal are not the only Premier League giants to face second-tier opposition.

Manchester United are at home to Derby County and last season’s beaten finalists Chelsea are away at Norwich City.

Several Premier League sides could fall prey to giantkilling exploits.

Inconsistent Southampton travel to Fulham, and struggling West Ham United and Swansea are away at third-tier highflyers Shrewsbury and Championship leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers, respectively.