FA Cup third-round TV fixtures have been released and fans can't believe one of the games that's been picked

Fans have been reacting after the TV schedule for the FA Cup third-round fixtures was confirmed.

On Monday evening, the draw for the FA Cup third round took place as Premier League teams entered the pot.

Holders Manchester United will face a tough start to their defence as they have been drawn against fellow Premier League giants Arsenal.

Meanwhile, high-flying Liverpool will host Accrington Stanley, Manchester City will take on Salford City and Chelsea are at home against Morecambe.

On Friday morning, the main third-round TV picks were confirmed, with Aston Villa vs West Ham United, Liverpool vs Accrington Stanley, Manchester City vs Salford City, Tamworth vs Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal vs United and Millwall vs Dagenham&Redbridge to be shown across the BBC and ITV.

Reacting to the news, fans were left baffled by the decision to select Villa vs West Ham for a TV slot.

One fan said on social media: "Someone please explain how Aston Villa vs West Ham has been picked as a TV game."

Another tweeted: "Gotta love the TV picks for FA Cup 3rd Round, I'm sure we really needed Villa V West Ham & Arsenal v Man Utd instead of two Premier League v League Two ties that weren't picked, as well as some PL v League One that might be interesting."

A third fan added: "How Villa v West Ham been picked over Newcastle v Bromley or Leeds v Harrogate."

The FA Cup third round TV picks. Image: The FA

Someone else wrote: "Not to sound too lower league fan here, but Villa vs West Ham as a picked TV match is a massive waste."

A fifth commented: "Genuinely, what neutral wants to watch Villa Reserves against West Ham Reserves on prime time terrestrial? A mad, mad pick."

Another fan joked: "Aw yes can’t wait to watch Villa vs West Ham get in."

On their official website, the English Football Association added: "Each of the sides involved in these main live broadcast selections will receive £85,000 in addition to any payments from the competition’s prize fund.

"Further broadcast selections and the full Emirates FA Cup third round schedule will be announced as soon as possible."