Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
David Byrom

Mixed feeling for Carlo Ancelotti as FA Cup and League Cup announce fixture changes

FA Cup replays have been scrapped for the 2020/21 season.

The FA have announced the move in an attempt to ease fixture congestion in what is set to be a condensed season due to the coronavirus shutdown in March.

Some managers, particularly at Premier League level, have spoken out against replays in the past, arguing that they create too much of a fixture pile-up.

Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti is one of a few Premier League managers not to have been critical of the competition's scheduling in the past, however, so he may have a mixed feeling over the news - given that he likes his teams to play more often than not too.

The FA have now opted to scrap replays for next season, with a number of leagues already set to face an increase in midweek fixtures due to the shorter season length.

It means matches that end in a draw will go to extra-time and penalties instead of an extra game being held.

After previously revealing that there would be a cut in prize money due to the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the FA have also confirmed the schedule for the 2020/21 FA Cup.

It will start with the extra preliminary round on September 1, with the final being held on May 15, 2021.

Like with league matches, some rounds will have to be held in midweek due to the delayed start of the competition.

The EFL meanwhile confirmed that two-legged semi-finals have been scrapped from the League Cup competition, with the side drawn first hosting the game.

Full FA Cup schedule

Extra preliminary round: Tuesday, 1 September

Preliminary round: Saturday, 12 September

First qualifying round: Tuesday, September 22

Second qualifying round: Saturday, October 3

Third qualifying round: Tuesday, October 13

Fourth qualifying round: Saturday, October 24

First round: Saturday, November 7

Second round: Saturday, November 28

Third round: Saturday, January 9

Fourth round: Saturday, January 23

Fifth round: Wednesday, February 10

Quarter-finals: Saturday, March 20

Semi-finals: Saturday, April 17

Final: Saturday, May 15

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.