FA Cup replays look set for an early bath next season
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It’s becoming an ever-more heated topic of debate; do we still need FA Cup replays? And it seems increasingly likely that the answer is no.
Premier League clubs and the FA are set to sit down this week to discuss major changes to the footballing calendar in a bit to streamline the fixture list.
High up on the list of items to be debated is the future of FA Cup replays, and we’re just 7/4 that the oldest cup competition in the world ditches its historic rematches from the start of next season.
Furthermore, it’s 5/2 that the famous tournament becomes a midweek event, but while ditching replays are expected to find more favour, having the FA Cup as a Monday-Friday only contest could be much less popular.
The League Cup isn’t exempt from shedding some weight either, with even money saying the two-legged semi-finals will be ditched next season.
A Ladbrokes News spokesperson said: “The days of the underdog hoping for a replay to visit Anfield or Old Trafford look all but over as the FA and Premier League desperately seek a slimline fixture list.”
Much was made of Exeter’s draw with Liverpool, which enabled the League Two club some much-needed extra finance with a replay at Anfield, and it remains to be seen what impact dispensing with replays would have.
This year’s FA Cup has reached the Fifth Round stage, with reigning champions Arsenal kicking-off the weekend’s action at home to Hull.
The Gunners are 7/2 favourites for a third-straight success, while Manchester United are 9/2, Chelsea 11/2 and Manchester City 6/1.
With Chelsea hosting the Citizens on Sunday evening however, one of the tournament favourites won’t be continuing beyond the weekend, unless of course, it goes to a replay…
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
