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      Aston Villa set to be kicked out of FA Cup after ‘significant’ coronavirus outbreak ahead of Liverpool clash

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      ASTON VILLA are on the verge of being kicked out of the FA Cup ahead of Friday night’s clash with Liverpool.
      The Premier League side have confirmed a ‘significant’ outbreak of coronavirus cases within the club.

      Villa Park is set to host Friday night’s FA Cup third round game with LiverpoolCredit: Reuters

      Talks are said to be ongoing between Villa, the FA and Premier League after the team’s training ground was shut.
      Given the congested fixture schedule and limited timeframe before the FA Cup fourth round, clubs unable to fulfill this weekend’s games are set to be kicked out of the competition.
      A club statement read: “Aston Villa can confirm that the Club has closed its Bodymoor Heath training ground after a significant Coronavirus outbreak.
      “A large number of first team players and staff returned positive tests after being routinely tested on Monday and immediately went into isolation.

      “A second round of testing was carried out immediately and produced more positive results today.
      “First team training ahead of tomorrow’s FA Cup match with Liverpool was cancelled.
      “Discussions are ongoing between medical representatives of the Club, the Football Association and the Premier League.”
      Villa hope to clarify the situation in the coming hours and are still hopeful the tie could proceed.

      But the outbreak also puts their Premier League games against Tottenham, on Wednesday, and Everton, the following Saturday, in doubt due to self-isolation periods.
      Should their opponents be forced to forfeit the game, Liverpool would be handed a bye to the next round.
      Extensive testing of all teams left in the competition has uncovered a series of clubs hamstrung by the virus.
      Shrewsbury are set to miss out on a televised home game against Southampton on Saturday night after an outbreak in their squad.
      Derby and Middlesbrough have vowed to field teams of kids to ensure their games, against Chorley and Brentford respectively, go ahead despite a series of positive test results.
      Having already abandoned replays to ensure the FA Cup can go ahead during the pandemic, the competition is running the risk of descending into farce on what is traditionally its most beloved weekend.

      The fourth round is scheduled for January 23, just over a fortnight away, with the fifth round in the second midweek of February.
      Therefore, FA bosses have planned to hold a ‘double draw’ on Monday to set out a clearer path ahead for clubs amid the fixture mayhem.
      The third round is set to take place against the backdrop of England’s third extensive pandemic lockdown, with cases rocketing across the country.

      Aston Villa can confirm that the Club has closed its Bodymoor Heath training ground after a significant Coronavirus outbreak.
      — Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 7, 2021

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      Middlesbrough set to field team of kids in FA Cup at Brentford after several positive tests and training ground shut

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      MIDDLESBROUGH face sending out a team of kids in the FA Cup third round against Brentford after a number of positive Covid tests. 
      The Teessiders training ground has been closed since Monday, leaving Neil Warnock’s side unable to prepare for Saturday’s clash with the Bees. 

      Neil Warnock could be forced to field the kids for Boro against BrentfordCredit: Rex Features

      Further mandatory tests took place this morning with Boro nervously awaiting the results tomorrow. 
      As things stand, Boro expect the game to go ahead but at best look like naming a decimated team made up of the U23s. 
      But they could be forced to seek a postponement if the number of positives increases substantially. 
      In addition to a number of players being struck down by Covid, Boro boss Warnock is already without Jonny Howson, Ashley Fletcher and Grant Hall through injury. 

      In better news, the club confirmed this morning that Duncan Watmore has signed a new two-and-a-half year deal at the Riverside. 
      The winger, 26, penned a short-term contract in November having left rivals Sunderland.  
      West Brom, Burnley and a clutch of Championship clubs were keen to tie him down after five goals in six games put Watmore in the running for the Championship’s Player of the Month award.
      But Warnock said: “I don’t think it was ever in doubt that he would sign with us because he has loved every minute of it here so far. 

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      “He’s a real good lad. We’re looking forward to having him here on a longer-term basis now and hopefully seeing him score plenty more goals for the club.”
      Elsewhere, Shrewsbury are set to be booted out of the FA Cup after confirming they cannot raise a team to play Southampton on Saturday.
      The League One Shrews revealed the scale of their Covid-19 crisis on Wednesday.
      And now the FA has confirmed the planned third round tie is OFF – with the expectation that Saints will be awarded a walkover to round four.
      In a statement, the FA said: “Shrewsbury Town FC’s fixture against Southampton FC in the Emirates FA Cup Third Round Proper will not be taking place on Saturday 9 January 2021 at 20:00 as scheduled.
      “Shrewsbury Town FC informed The FA that there have been a significant number of positive COVID-19 cases at the club such that they did not have a sufficient amount of fit, non-isolating players who would be able to play in the fixture. 
      “Shrewsbury Town FC provided The FA with details of the medical advice it had received and its communications with local Public Health England and liaised with The FA’s COVID Medical Officer for the Emirates FA Cup. 
      “The FA also requested and considered further information regarding Shrewsbury Town FC’s ability to fulfil the fixture.”
      Wembley’s Professional Game Board – which includes acting FA chairman Peter McCormick, plus representatives from Spurs, Brighton and Crystal Palace – will make a final decision on Shrewsbury’s fate “early next week”.

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      Shrewsbury set to be KICKED OUT of FA Cup with Southampton clash first game confirmed off after coronavirus outbreak

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      SHREWSBURY are set to be booted OUT of the FA Cup after confirming they cannot raise a team to play Southampton on Saturday.
      The League One Shrews revealed the scale of their Covid-19 crisis on Wednesday.

      Shrewsbury are set to be kicked out of the FA CupCredit: Getty

      And now the FA has confirmed the planned third round tie is OFF.
      And the expectation is that Saints will be awarded a walkover to round four.
      In a statement, the FA said: “Shrewsbury Town FC’s fixture against Southampton FC in the Emirates FA Cup Third Round Proper will not be taking place on Saturday 9 January 2021 at 20:00 as scheduled.
      “Shrewsbury Town FC informed The FA that there have been a significant number of positive Covid-19 cases at the club such that they did not have a sufficient amount of fit, non-isolating players who would be able to play in the fixture. 

      “Shrewsbury Town FC provided The FA with details of the medical advice it had received and its communications with local Public Health England and liaised with The FA’s COVID Medical Officer for the Emirates FA Cup. 
      “The FA also requested and considered further information regarding Shrewsbury Town FC’s ability to fulfil the fixture.”
      Wembley’s Professional Game Board – which includes acting FA chairman Peter McCormick, plus representatives from Spurs, Brighton and Crystal Palace – will make a final decision on Shrewsbury’s fate ‘early next week’.
      But with the fourth round due in just over a fortnight and the fifth round scheduled to be played two and a half weeks later – the draws for both rounds will take place back to back on Monday – there is no ‘wriggle room’ in the calendar.

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      And, like Notts County in the fourth qualifying round, Shrewsbury will be forced to concede the tie with Saints marching through without kicking a ball.
      Meanwhile, Middlesbrough face sending out a team of kids in the FA Cup third round against Brentford after a number of positive Covid tests. 
      The Teessiders’ training ground has been closed since Monday, leaving Neil Warnock’s side unable to prepare for Saturday’s clash with the Bees. 
      Further mandatory tests took place this morning with Boro nervously awaiting the results tomorrow. 
      As things stand, Boro expect the game to go ahead but at best look like naming a decimated team made up of the U23s. 
      But they could be forced to seek a postponement if the number of positives increases substantially. 

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      FA Cup third round TV fixtures: How to watch and live stream FREE with matches on BT Sport, FA Player and BBC

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      THE world’s greatest cup competition is back as clubs up and down the pyramid prepare for third round weekend.
      With the UK back in lockdown the magic of the FA Cup will hopefully be a tonic for supporters facing months under new coronavirus regulations.

      Arsenal are the defending FA Cup winners and face Newcastle on SaturdayCredit: PA:Press Association

      And in a boost for fans, you’ll be able to watch every single clash on TV – with a number of matches on free-to-air.
      FA Cup third round TV matches
      There are 32 matches this weekend, spread across four days of action.
      Liverpool and Aston Villa get us started on Friday, with Jurgen Klopp’s side looking to avenge their 7-2 humiliation from earlier in the season.
      Matches are being shown on BT Sport, BBC and for the first time, on the FA Player.

      Games on BBC ONE, BBC iPlayer and the FA Player are FREE to watch for everyone – there is no iFollow service running for the FA Cup.
      BT Sport games will be available to anyone who has a subscription to the service, with the BT Sport Extra channel available by pressing the red button.

      BT Sport will be showing the majority of matchesCredit: Paul Marriott – The Sun
      If you have an EE phone contract, you can grab a three-month BT Sport trial by texting SPORT to 150.
      To get the FA Player, head to their official website or download the app from the App or Play Store on your mobile.

      Friday, January 8
      Aston Villa vs Liverpool – 7.45pm (BT Sport 1)
      Wolves vs Crystal Palace – 7.45pm (BT Sport Extra 2)
      Saturday, January 9
      Boreham Woods vs Millwall – 12pm (BT Sport Extra 3)
      Everton vs Rotherham – 12pm (BT Sport Extra 2)
      Luton Town vs Reading – 12pm (BT Sport Extra 6)
      Norwich vs Coventry – 12pm (BT Sport Extra 5)
      Nottingham Forest vs Cardiff – 12pm (BT Sport Extra 4)
      Chorley vs Derby County – 12.15pm (BT Sport 1)
      Blackburn vs Doncaster – 3pm (FA Player)
      Blackpool vs West Brom – 3pm (BT Sport Extra 3)
      Bristol Rovers vs Sheffield United – 3pm (BT Sport Extra 4)
      Burnley vs MK Dons – 3pm (FA Player)
      Exeter City vs Sheffield Wednesday – 3pm (BT Sport Extra 5)
      Oldham vs Bournemouth – 3pm (BT Sport Extra 6)
      QPR vs Fulham – 3pm (BBC iPlayer)
      Stevenage vs Swansea City – 3pm (BBC iPlayer)
      Stoke vs Leicester – 3pm (BBC Red Button/iPlayer)
      Wycombe Wanderers vs Preston – 3pm (FA Player)
      Arsenal vs Newcastle – 5.30pm (BBC ONE)
      Brentford vs Middlesbrough – 6pm (FA Player)
      Huddersfield vs Plymouth – 6pm (FA Player)
      Man Utd vs Watford – 8pm (BT Sport 1)
      Southampton vs Shrewsbury – POSTPONED (COVID)

      Sunday, January 10
      Barnsley vs Tranmere – 1.30pm (FA Player)
      Bristol City vs Portsmouth – 1.30pm (FA Player)
      Chelsea vs Morecambe – 1.30pm (BBC Red Button/iPlayer)
      Cheltenham vs Mansfield Town – 1.30pm (FA Player)
      Crawley Town vs Leeds – 1.30pm (BBC ONE/iPlayer)
      Man City vs Birmingham – 1.30pm (BBC iPlayer)
      Marine vs Tottenham – 5pm (BBC ONE/iPlayer)
      Newport County vs Brighton – 7.45pm (BT Sport 1)
      Monday, January 11
      Stockport County vs West Ham – 8pm (BT Sport 1) More

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      Could FA Cup matches be postponed this weekend due to Covid-19 outbreaks, and will unaffected teams receive a bye?

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      THE FA Cup third round is about to begin but there are concerns over the futures of teams in the competition if they’re stuck down by Covid.
      Derby announced earlier this week that they’ve had to close their training ground because of an outbreak, thus putting their clash with Chorley at risk.

      The FA Cup gets underway on Friday, January 8Credit: PA:Press Association
      Could matches be postponed because of Covid?

      At present, it’s unclear on what the FA will decide to do if a team cannot compete because of a Covid outbreak.
      The FA are likely to deal with any cases individually, and decide the best course of action.
      Team personnel will and have been tested 72 hours before their ties.

      At present, Derby’s clash with Chorley is at risk.

      “Staff members and players were tested on Monday and have subsequently returned a number of positive results,” a Derby statement read.
      “The names of those individuals will not be made public for medical confidentiality reasons, but they and their close contacts must now serve a period of isolation at home in line with UK Government guidelines.

      Arsenal won last season’s FA Cup with a win over ChelseaCredit: EPA
      “In accordance with Derby County and EFL COVID-19 protocol, the club’s Moor Farm training ground has been closed with immediate effect.
      “In addition, the club is in dialogue with the EFL and Football Association in relation to upcoming fixtures.”

      If any teams feels they’re unable to field a team, they can apply for an FA review.

      Derby County have been struck down with a Covid outbreak in the squadCredit: PA:Press Association
      It’s customary, though, that a side who has 14 fit and available players, go ahead with the game.
      The FA will make their decision based off of a number of factors, including whether that particular team followed guidelines correctly, and just how badly affected the squad is.
      The FA have yet to make any announcements on the appropriate course of action.
      Will unaffected teams receive a bye?
      Earlier this season, the EFL decided that Tottenham would receive a bye into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup after positive test results in their opponents Leyton Orient’s squad.

      Marine take on Tottenham in their third round clash on Sunday Credit: PA
      But it’s still unclear on what the FA will do.
      Any decision made will depend on the particular circumstances surrounding any potential outbreaks within a squad.
      FA Cup games CALLED OFF
      Southampton vs Shrewsbury (outbreak in Shrewsbury squad) More

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      FA Cup to hold first ever ‘double draw’ on Monday amid coronavirus causing chaos and Shrewsbury set to be KICKED OUT

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      WEMBLEY chiefs fear a Covid crisis could undermine the credibility of the FA Cup.
      Competition bosses are on standby to impose a series of walkovers eliminating teams who cannot fulfil their fixtures, with League One Shrewsbury set to be the first to suffer.

      The FA will hold the first-ever ‘double draw’ on MondayCredit: Getty – Contributor

      And as a signal of the limits they are facing, the FA will hold the first-ever “double draw” for the fourth and fifth rounds on Monday.
      Shrewsbury appear certain to be withdrawn from the third round stage after announcing “several members of the squad and first team staff have tested positive for Covid-19”.
      Wayne Rooney’s Derby, meanwhile, will field a mix of under-23 and youth team players for their tie with non-League Chorley, with no first team squad members involved.
      But with the FA nervously awaiting the results of Covid tests over the coming 24 hours, the danger of a slew of games being abandoned and clubs booted out is a real one.

      Shrewsbury’s misfortune means Southampton are now set for the first walkover into round four.
      The FA is paying for this week’s round of tests at the 44 clubs in action from outside the Prem, with all teams told they have a 72-hour sample deadline ahead of their ties.
      A final decision on walkovers will be made by the FA’s Professional Game Board, with all calls determined on a “case by case basis”.
      But with the FA conceding there is no wriggle room in the congested fixture calendar, and the fourth round scheduled for a fortnight’s time, teams that cannot play will be eliminated, although they will keep their prize money.

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      Shrewsbury’s clash with Southampton looks certain to be postponedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      FA Cup clashes in doubt

      Southampton v Shrewsbury – Sat 9 Jan IN DOUBT
      Exeter v Sheffield Wednesday – Sat 9 Jan IN DOUBT
      Chorley v Derby – Sat 9 Jan – Rams set to play youth side
      Bristol City v Portsmouth – Sun 10 Jan IN DOUBT

      That timeline explains the ripping up of tradition and the staging of two draw rounds back to back, during BT Sport coverage of West Ham’s game with Stockport on Monday night.
      With only two and half weeks between the fourth and fith rounds – which will be played midweek – the FA believe it will make preparations easier.
      The news came as the EFL announced the PFA would fund a new twice-weekly testing regime across its three divisions.
      EFL chiefs explained: “Given the emergence of a new strain of the Covid virus, it is acknowledged that additional testing where it is not currently happening may help with the early identification and isolation of asymptomatic individuals.”
      New EFL chairman Trevor Birch added: “We have repeatedly maintained that adhering to the stringent protocols was going to be our best chance of beating the virus and to keep playing matches.
      “It is now clear that additional testing, operated in conjunction with strict protocols, may prove beneficial in the immediate short-term.”
      PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor said: “We believe that this comprehensive and expansive approach to testing will help support clubs and be an important factor in maintaining fixtures and ensuring that football can continue during this challenging period.”

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      FA Cup chaos as Wayne Rooney’s Derby and Shrewsbury face being KICKED OUT due to severe coronavirus outbreaks

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      THE FA Cup has been plunged into further chaos with Derby AND Shrewsbury at risk of being kicked out of the competition due to severe coronavirus outbreaks.
      The Rams are due to play their third-round tie with National League North Chorley on Saturday, with Shrewsbury visiting Southampton in the evening kick-off.

      Wayne Rooney’s Derby County could be kicked out of the FA CupCredit: Rex Features

      Derby have been forced to close their Moor Farm training ground after several first-team players and staff tested positive.
      And Wayne Rooney’s side could hand a bye to Chorley in the FA Cup, with Saints also given a free pass to the fourth-round.
      Dates for the fourth round cannot be changed and both Derby and Shrewsbury could struggle to play their respective games before January 23. 
      However, The Telegraph claim the match could go ahead with the Rams fielding a team of youngsters, with all of the first-team missing the tie.

      A Derby statement read: “Staff and players were tested on Monday and returned a number of positive results.
      “The club is in dialogue with the EFL and FA over upcoming fixtures.”
      Meanwhile, Shrewsbury were also hit by a spate of positive coronavirus tests.
      A club statement read: “Shrewsbury Town Football Club can confirm several members of the Town squad and first team staff have tested positive for Covid-19.

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      FA CUP TIES UNDER THREAT

      The below matches could all possibly be called off after Covid outbreaks:

      QPR vs Fulham
      Chorley vs Derby
      Exeter City vs Sheffield Wednesday

      “In accordance with EFL and Government guidelines, all concerned individuals will now enter into a period of self-isolation.
      “The health and safety of all staff members at Shrewsbury Town Football Club remains paramount and the Club continually takes all necessary steps to protect all where possible. 
      “The Club have informed Shropshire Public Health, EFL, and the FA of the current situation and we will continue discussions with the relevant football authorities.
      “The Club will be making no further comment at this time and ask that each individual involved has their privacy respected. Necessary updates will be provided in due course.”
      Both clubs refused to reveal the names of those who had tested positive, due to medical confidentiality.
      They also added that those individuals are now isolating in line with government guidelines.
      This outbreak comes after fellow Championship strugglers Sheffield Wednesday closed their Middlewood Road training ground.
      The Rams were beaten 1-0 by Wednesday in their most recent match on New Year’s Day at Hillsborough.
      Derby are currently third from bottom in the Championship.
      They are due to host Rotherham in the league on Saturday 16 January.
      Shrewsbury also play on January 16, set to face Lincoln in their League One clash.

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      Football aces slam coin flip proposal for Women’s FA Cup after lockdown causes competition’s suspension

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      PLAYERS in the women’s game have hit out at suggestions of FA Cup rounds being decided by a coin toss or officials drawing lots. 
      The Telegraph revealed the bizarre ideas are being mulled over by football authorities as possible options for the second and third rounds of the contest. 

      A coin toss is reportedly being considered as an option for deciding second and third round outcomes of the Women’s FA Cup

      It has been reported clubs involved in these two stages could find themselves dropped from this season’s competition altogether, with both rounds falling into the Government’s ‘non-elite’ sports category.
      Clubs from the WSL and the Women’s Championship – the game’s top two tiers – are due to enter the contest in the third and fourth rounds. 
      And the idea of a coin flip being used to conclude the contest’s previous two stages has been derided by players on social media. 
      Portsmouth’s Hannah Haughton described the suggestion as ‘shocking’ whilst Pompey midfielder Jade Bradley urged the competition’s bigwigs to ‘sort it out’. 

      On her Twitter account, Bradley wrote: “This isn’t a choice of ends – it’s a decision on players development, careers, physical well-being, mental well-being and more importantly the direction in which women’s football is heading. right now it’s embarrassing. Sort it out.” 

      And Bradley’s team-mate Danielle Rowe, 24, was equally unimpressed and wondered what would happen if a coin toss was used to decide an FA Cup clash involving Harry Kane.
      Discussions were held between FA officials on Tuesday to work out ways to move forward with the Cup. 

      FA officials are keen to avoid delays to Women’s FA Cup matches this seasonCredit: PA:Press Association
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      However a decision is not expected to be made until later this week. 
      It is thought officials are eager to avoid pauses to the competition rather than wait for Covid-19 restrictions to be eased because of Team GB’s pre-Olympic training camp in June. 
      The final of the Women’s FA Cup is due to be played at Wembley on May 22.

      Women’s FA Cup Dates

      Second round: Sunday 3 January 2021 (17 fixtures postponed)
      Third round: Sunday 17 January 2021
      Fourth round: Sunday 31 January 2021
      Fifth round: Sunday 28 February 2021
      Quarter-final: Sunday 21 March 2021
      Semi-final: Sunday 18 April 2021
      Final: Saturday 22 May 2021

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