Key changes to FA Cup fifth round all Pompey fans should be aware of

Pompey booked their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 4-2 victory over Championship Barnsley today.
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It’s the first time the Blues have reached the last 16 of the competition since 2010 – the year they lost in the final to Chelsea following Didier Drogba’s 59th-minute winner.

But as the Fratton faithful look forward to Monday night’s draw, there’s two key changes that Pompey fans will need to be aware of.

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For the first time ever, all fifth-round games will be played in midweek, with matches scheduled for the week commencing Monday, March 2.

The Blues have had to rearrange games against Doncaster Rovers and MK Dons this season due to their Cup involvement.

But there’ll be no need to look out for potential free dates in an already congested fixture calendar to accommodate a fifth-round tie because of the FA’s new arrangements.

There will also be no replays in the next round of the Cup.

They’ve been scrapped to alleviate fixture congestion as well.

Pompey fans celebrate the 4-1 victory over Barnsley in the fourth round of the FA CupPompey fans celebrate the 4-1 victory over Barnsley in the fourth round of the FA Cup
Pompey fans celebrate the 4-1 victory over Barnsley in the fourth round of the FA Cup
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So all games level after 90 minutes that fifth-round week will be be decided on the night via extra-time or, if needed, penalties.

Back in 2010 when Pompey last contested the fifth round, they beat Southampton 4-1 at St Mary's.

Saints remain in this season’s competition after their 1-1 draw with Spurs and could still face the Blues for a second time this term.

The two teams met back in September when that lot from down the road won 4-0 in the Carabao Cup.

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Pompey will be ball number 15 when the draw is made on Monday night.

Glen Johnson – who was part of the Blues’ 2008 FA Cup-winning team – and another former Fratton Park ace, Teddy Sheringham, will conduct the draw.

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