Charlton face Blackburn

Charlton, whose only FA Cup final success was their 1-0 win over Burnley in 1947 during a match when when the ball burst, travel to Blackburn Rovers in one of only two third round ties between two Premier League teams tomorrow.Charlton have lost their last seven matches and, despite Wenger’s optimistic backing, will do well to escape from Ewood Park with as much as a draw following the mini-revival underway there since Brian Kidd became manager a month ago.

Arsenal, who won the cup for the seventh time when they defeated Newcastle United 2-0 to complete the double at Wembley, must wait until Monday night before they start the defence of the trophy, against Preston North end in an intriguing tie at Deepdale.

Prestoncompleted the first double in 1888-89, the first season of League football, and after years in the doldrums they are enjoying a revival and pushing for promotion from the second division. Arsenal should win, but are no strangers to big cup defeats as losses to York City and Wrexham in the last 15 years have proved.

For once the third round draw did not provide its usual number of potential giant-killing ties, but there are still some intriguing matches to savour.Premier League leaders Aston Villa, who have not won the Cup or appeared in the final since their seventh success in 1957, face hull city, currently the 92nd and bottom club in the League. Villa manager John Gregory says he will send his team out with instructions to score as many goals as possible against the League’s basement side in a bid to keep their confidence high going into the second half of the season. Anything other than Villa win by at least four goals will be a major shock.

Leeds United, looking for their first Cup final success sincetheir only win in 1972, face Rushden and Diamonds, an enterprising non-league club from rural Northamptonshire.