FA Cup fourth and fifth round draws set to be done at same time

Due to the uncertain nature of the current climate around football, it has been revealed that both the fourth and fifth round draws in the FA Cup will both take place at the same time.

There have been a number of concerns about the upcoming third round ties with several clubs experiencing a rise in Covid-19 cases, prompting the need to speed up the draw for the fifth round, to allow for the authorities to be able to more easily plan ahead for the fixtures.

Southampton’s home game against Shrewsbury scheduled for Saturday evening is the first tie to be called off as a result of a large number of positive cases at the League One club, while Derby County are sending their academy players for their clash against National League North side Chorley on Saturday.

The fourth round is currently scheduled to take place on January 23, before the next stage of the competition is completed on February 10.

There also remain doubts over other clubs with Aston Villa being forced to close their entire training ground ahead of their home clash with Liverpool tomorrow evening.

Both draws will happen on Monday evening ahead of BT Sport’s coverage of the third round tie between Stockport County and West Ham United. It will be hosted by Reshmin Chowdhury and drawn by former Liverpool striker and pundit Peter Crouch.

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