The third-round draw of the English FA Cup yesterday paired two heavyweights: Liverpool, the holders, will meet Arsenal, the 2005 winners, at Anfield next month in one of four all-Premiership ties.

The boxers Ricky Hatton and Amir Khan, who made the draw, also ensured Manchester United's path into the fourth round will be far from straightforward with Aston Villa travelling to Old Trafford.

But it was Macclesfield's visit to Chelsea that was the pick of the 32 ties. Managed by the former England, Manchester United and Liverpool player Paul Ince, Macclesfield are bottom of League Two, seven points adrift of Boston United and without a league win in 19 matches.

That record could not contrast more sharply with that of Chelsea, the Premiership champions: 90 league places separate the clubs and the gulf in financial resources is every bit as wide as that chasm suggests.

"It's wonderful, probably the best draw the club have ever had," said Rob Bickerton, the Macclesfield chairman. "It's a real dream tie for us and obviously a massive bonus financially and we'll treat it as such. It's money that will come in and will be spent on staying in the division."

Ince revealed one of the first people he spoke to after the Silkmen landed Chelsea was Frank Lampard.

While it is a personal high for the Town manager, he admits he is disappointed Jonny Brain, Andrew Teague and Jimmy McNulty will miss the game having all suffered broken legs last week.

"You've got to be realistic and no-one will give us much of a chance down there. I've been on the phone to Frank Lampard and the banter has started already."

There was disappointment, however, for some non-league survivors. The winners of the replay between Aldershot and Basingstoke will travel to Blackpool from League One. Tamworth from the Conference were rewarded with a home tie against Norwich.

The only chance of a non-league club taking on Premiership opposition rests with Salisbury City, drawn at home to Charlton if they overcome Nottingham Forest in a replay tomorrow week.

In the two other all-Premiership meetings, Portsmouth entertain Wigan Athletic and Blackburn Rovers travel to Everton. However, it is the repeat of the 2001 FA Cup final between Liverpool and Arsenal that will attract most interest.