There could be giant killings aplenty in the  FA Cup this afternoon as the top-flight clubs begin their involvement in the third round.

Chelsea will be begin the defence of their title in one of three all-Premier League meetings today.

The Blues travel to St Marys to face Southampton at 3pm, fresh from a 1 - 0 home loss to bottom-of-the-table QPR. And manager Rafa Benitez says that new signing Demba Ba could come straight into the starting XI...

Chelsea's conquerers QPR host West Brom also at 3pm. And an ex-Chelsea star will return to former pastures in the late game this evening as West Ham await the second coming of Joe Cole with the Hammers hosting Manchester United in a 5.15 kick-off at Upton Park.

The early game of the day represents one of the main opportunities for an upset as Brighton play host to Newcastle at half-twelve.

The Championship side will be looking to repeat last season's shock fourth round win over the Magpies.

Aston Villa are another side that will be wary of their match-up against Mick McCarthy's resurgent Ipswich side, while Stoke travel to face a Crystal Palace team that are third in the Championship.

Sunderland also face a tricky trip to Bolton while Manchester City will be hoping to avoid a repeat of last season's early exit as they host Watford.

Reading are away to League One side, Crawley Town and Norwich pay a visit to Peterborough United.

Fulham take on Blackpool at Craven Cottage, while Wigan host Bournemouth and Tottenham take on Coventry in a repeat of the 1987 Cup final.

Elsewhere today, one of the 3pm games will see Hastings Utd - the lowest ranked club still in the competition - taking on Middlesbrough. The Ryman Premier League club are over 130 places below Boro in the league standings.