Holders Arsenal begin cup quest

Arsenal FC begin their quest to become the first club since Blackburn Rovers FC in 1886 to win the English FA Cup three years in succession with a tough tie against Leeds United AFC at Elland Road on Sunday.

Plum fixture
Manchester United FC, record 10-times winners of the competition, visit Aston Villa FC in a plum third-round fixture, while another glamour game sends Liverpool FC to renowned giant-killers Yeovil Town FC of the third division. Arsenal, who defeated Southampton FC 1-0 in last season's final to lift the trophy for the ninth time, are chasing glory on four fronts this season.

Unbeatean Arsenal
Arsène Wenger's side, one point behind champions United going into the second half of the season, are also through to the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League and the League Cup semi-finals. They have not lost to domestic opposition this season but will be wary of a Leeds side who have improved under caretaker manager Eddie Gray, despite a 3-1 reverse at Wolverhampton Wanderers FC last Saturday which kept them in the relegation zone.

Thrilling encounter
United's trip to Villa Park will evoke memories of the thrilling third-round encounter at the same ground in the 2001/02 season when Sir Alex Ferguson's side came back from 2-0 down to win. There are three other all-Premiership ties. Southampton take on Newcastle United FC, Birmingham City FC are at home to Blackburn and Manchester City FC entertain Leicester City FC.

Potential upsets
As ever in the world's oldest cup competition there is the potential for upsets, particularly at White Hart Lane where struggling Tottenham Hotspur FC take on first division Crystal Palace FC. Everton FC also face a stern test from first division leaders Norwich City, while Wolves, bottom of the Premiership, visit Kidderminster Harriers FC of the third division.

Madrid on top
Football returns to Spain this weekend following a short Christmas break with Real Madrid CF looking to keep the likes of Valencia CF and RC Deportivo La Coruña at bay. The champions have a full squad to choose from ahead of the visit of a Real Murcia CF side boosted by new signings Leonel Gancedo, Iván Hurtado and ex-FC Barcelona goalkeeper Roberto Bonano.

Derby drama
Madrid's chief challengers are both involved in new year derbies: Valencia are at home to Villarreal CF on the east coast, while Depor travel to RC Celta de Vigo with Galician pride at stake. Valencia have made their best start to a Primera División season in half a century, yet still lie two points behind Madrid.

Struggling Celta
Depor, six points off the summit, welcome back Mauro Silva and Diego Tristán, although Nourredine Naybet is on African Cup of Nations duty with Morocco and Jorge Andrade is suspended. Their opponents Celta are worryingly just two points clear of the Primera División relegation zone despite qualifying for the last 16 of the Champions League. Other fixtures see fourth-placed CA Osasuna travel to Athletic Club Bilbao and Barcelona to Real Racing Club Santander.

Italy recommences
The Italian season resumes on Tuesday with a full programme of Serie A fixtures, including the leaders AS Roma against AC Milan. Football in France recommences on 9 January and the German Bundesliga gets under way again on 31 January.