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The one new FA Cup rule that Man Utd, Chelsea and Man City fans all need to be aware of
THE FA Cup returns this weekend with 16 teams battling it out for a place in the quarter-finals.
The fifth round begins on Friday night as Watford visit QPR with three games on Saturday and three again on Sunday.
The FA Cup weekend ends with Manchester United’s visit to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea.
Following their loss to PSG in their Champions League last-16 first leg in midweek, the FA Cup represents United’s best chance of silverware.
But if they are to make it into the last eight, they will need to progress on Monday night.
From this season, there are no replays at this stage of the FA Cup, meaning all ties will play to a conclusion this weekend.
Extra time and penalties will be played if matches are level after 90 minutes across the weekend.
The FA announced the decision in December, in an attempt to ease fixture overload.
In a statement explaining the decision, the FA said: ”The move was agreed by the Professional Game Board and has been introduced to alleviate fixture congestion.
“Six Premier League clubs have qualified for the knockout stages of European competitions and there are Uefa Champions League, Uefa Europa League ties and a midweek round of Premier League fixtures scheduled in latter February and March.”
From next season, the FA Cup fifth round won’t even be played on a weekend.
This stage of the competition will instead be moved to midweek to allow space for a two-week winter break.
FA Cup fifth round fixtures
QPR vs Watford (Fri, 7.45pm)
Brighton vs Derby (Sat, 12.30pm)
FA Cup: Man United and Chelsea to clash in the fifth round
AFC Wimbledon vs Millwall (Sat, 3pm)
Newport County vs Manchester City (Sat, 5.30pm)
Bristol City vs Wolves (Sun, 1pm)
Doncaster vs Crystal Palace (Sun, 4pm)
Swansea vs Brentford (Sun, 4pm)
Chelsea vs Man Utd (Mon, 7.30pm)