FA Cup fifth round fixtures confirmed
The Emirates FA Cup fifth-round schedule has been finalised, reports BritPanorama.
Eight fixtures are set to take place across four days from Friday, March 6, to Monday, March 9. The fixture list was arranged through consultation between participating clubs, local authorities, police forces and broadcasting partners.
Each of the 16 remaining teams will pocket £120,000 in broadcast fees for their involvement in this stage of the competition. Victorious clubs from each fifth-round tie will collect £238,500 from the competition’s prize fund as they advance towards the quarter-finals.
It kicks off on Friday evening with Wolverhampton Wanderers hosting Liverpool at 8pm. Saturday brings three compelling encounters, beginning with the early afternoon fixture at 12.15pm as League One side Mansfield Town welcome Arsenal to Field Mill. The Stags represent the lowest-ranked club remaining in the competition, having produced a remarkable upset against Burnley in the previous round.
Later that afternoon at 5.45pm, Wrexham entertain Chelsea at the Racecourse Ground. Phil Parkinson’s side previously eliminated Nottingham Forest on penalties before defeating Ipswich Town. The Saturday evening showpiece sees Newcastle United face Manchester City, promising a blockbuster encounter between two Premier League heavyweights.
Sunday’s action commences at midday, with Fulham taking on Southampton. The afternoon continues at 1.30pm with either Port Vale or Bristol City hosting Sunderland, depending on the outcome of their outstanding fourth-round replay. Leeds United round off Sunday with a 4.30pm clash against Norwich City at Elland Road in an all-Championship affair. West Ham United and Brentford bring the fifth round to a close on Monday evening at the London Stadium.
The Bees secured their place in this stage by ending Macclesfield’s fairytale run with a 1-0 victory in the fourth round. The momentum builds as clubs eye a place in the quarter-finals, reminding everyone just how unpredictable and thrilling the FA Cup can be.
