Chelsea won 3-1 in their FA Cup replay against Aston Villa and drew with Leeds United in the fifth round, while Manchester United faced Nottingham Forest.The Blues and their manager Mauricio Pochettino needed a performance after a terrible week of back-to-back defeats. Villa held the Blues to a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge and produced their best home performance.
First-half goals from Conor Gallagher and Nicholas Jackson and a stunning third from Enzo Fernandes sent Chelsea into the fifth round, where Leeds await. The Whites beat Plymouth Argyle 4-1 24 hours earlier.Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United all remain cup contenders. City are the reigning champions and are on course for a treble after winning the FA Cup last season. They travel to fellow top flight Luton Town in a midweek encounter.
They play Maidstone United on February 26, while Coventry City remain bottom of the competition after beating Ipswich Town in the last round. Liverpool, who beat Watford at St Mary’s on Tuesday night, host Southampton, who have already secured a place in the fifth round. United had to wait for a winner from either Nottingham Forest or Bristol City before planning a meeting in the fifth round.
In the end, Forest emerged victorious after an entertaining penalty shoot-out. In the fifth round, Championship leaders Leicester City travel to Bournemouth to take on Newcastle United along with fellow second-tier side Blackburn Rovers. Wolves face Brighton in one of their few Premier League games.
The midweek scheduling is done to ease the burden on all clubs as managers and players continue to bemoan the increased workloads. There are also no replays on offer with all ties going to extra-time and then penalties if required.
February 26: Coventry vs Maidstone (7:45pm)
February 27: Bournemouth vs Leicester (7:30pm)
February 27: Blackburn vs Newcastle (7:45pm)
February 27: Luton vs Manchester City (8pm)
February 27: Chelsea vs Leeds (7:45pm)
February 27: Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United (7:45pm)
February 28: Wolves vs Brighton (7:45pm)
February 28: Liverpool vs Southampton (8pm)
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