THE FA CUP final could be hit by major scheduling chaos over the date of the championship play-off final.

That’s because the FA Cup final is scheduled for May 25 – just one day before the Championship play-off final on May 26.

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And that potentially poses a major problem for Mark Robins’ Coventry side.

The second-tier team is just four points behind the top six with a game in hand.

This means they are fighting for a place in the play-off final at Wembley, which they lost to Luton on penalties last year.

However, they are also just one game away from the FA Cup final.

A dramatic 3-2 win over Wolves on Saturday secured a place in the last four.

They were then drawn against Manchester United in the semi-finals after Erik ten Hag’s side defeated Liverpool 4–3 in a classic encounter.

A win for Coventry over Man Utd would make them the first second-tier club since Cardiff in 2008 to reach the FA Cup final.

And it could also cause a major problem in terms of scheduling, as The Sky Blues would have two games in the same weekend if they also reached the play-off final.

Since the introduction of the play-offs in 1987, such an event has never occurred, with second division teams that have reached the FA Cup final not appearing in the play-off final.

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There is also no plan for this to happen.

SunSport understands that if this did happen, the Championship match would be moved to accommodate the FA Cup, with the EFL making a final decision on a potential new date.

But before that there’s the FA Cup semi-finals, not to mention the rest of the Championship season.

Goal – Mychailo Mudryk (Chelsea)

MANCHESTER UNITED have been handed a nightmarish FA Cup quarter-final draw in SunSport’s simulated draw.

The Red Devils still need to book their place in the last eight by beating Nottingham Forest at the City Ground this evening.

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A win is certainly not a given, as Man Utd lost 2-1 to Nuno Espirito Santo’s side in the Premier League in December.

Erik ten Hag will be desperate to return to winning ways after the miserable 2-1 home defeat to Fulham last Saturday.

Should United manage to beat Forest, SunSport’s simulated draw has set them up for a gruesome trip to Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola’s side serenely booked their place in the quarter-finals with a 6-2 win over Luton last night.

City host United in the Premier League on Sunday and our draw has seen them meet again.

Following the Red Devils’ defeat to Fulham, pundit Jamie Carragher pointed out a baffling tactical trend.

He said: “Twenty seconds into the game against Fulham it has been the problem for Manchester United all season: there is space between the back four and the midfield.

“We look at why they are poor defensively and cannot handle counter-attacks: they have no pace at the back and a lack of legs in midfield.

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“People say: ‘There are no playing patterns at Manchester United, how do they play and what is the philosophy?’.”

Ten Hag then hit back: “First of all, some analysts are very objective in their comments, very good advice, some are very subjective.

“Jamie Carragher has been critical from the start and now he wants to make his point clear.”

He then added: “He probably had a point in the first half hour.

“The way Fulham set up their midfield was a surprise and then we have to find the solutions.

“After half an hour we found the solutions.”

Elsewhere last night, Newcastle squeezed past Blackburn on penalties.

Their reward, according to our simulated draw, would be a home match against Coventry, who defeated sixth-tier Maidstone United 5-0 on Monday evening.

Southampton take on Carabao Cup winners Liverpool at Anfield tonight, with the winner hosting Leicester in our simulation, with the Foxes having won 1-0 at Bournemouth after extra time.

Meanwhile, we have the winners of Brighton vs Wolves to welcome the winners of Chelsea vs Leeds.

A place in the FA Cup quarter-finals is up for grabs tonight as Leeds United make the trip south to take on Chelsea in a tasty fifth round tie.

There’s no love lost between these two, so SunSport’s betting experts have teamed up with Paddy Power to select our Bet Builder pick for the big match, which they’ve boosted to a whopping 75/1!

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We have gone ahead: Both teams score, Gallagher makes 2+ errors, Rodon gets carded and Nkunku 2+ shots on target.

This is why we made these selections:

• Both teams score: Leeds are on the rise, especially after beating championship leaders Leicester from a goal down. They scored twelve goals in the last four games. Chelsea’s last five games (before Sunday) ended with both teams scoring.
• Gallagher 2+ errors: He will want to make amends with his babysitter later in the cup final. Without that, he would still be in the squad given his style of trying to win the ball back. Well up front as most fouls are also committed by a single player in the top flight.
• Rodon to be carded: Physical play is expected and he is in a position where bookings can be expected. He is a big prize as he has secured bookings in the last two games – three in his last five. Former Spurs man also…
• Nkunku 2+ shots on target: Can come in from the start and needs to get up to speed like a top player. Jackson offered little on Sunday, so fair if Nkunku gets a nod.

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CHELSEA and Leeds will renew their long-standing rivalry when the pair meet in a FA Cup fifth round grudge match on Wednesday.

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Chelsea will need to pick themselves up after Sunday’s desperately disappointing performance when they missed out on a golden opportunity for silverware.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side looked unlikely to win the final when the extra 30 minutes arrived, despite facing Liverpool with three children in their upset.

They now renew their rivalry with old foes Leeds as the Championship team is on the rise.

Their huge win over league leaders Leicester not only put them in a strong position for promotion, but also put them back in the title race to return to the top flight.

TIP

Christopher Nkunku did most of his best work defensively when he was sent to Wembley.

He should be in line for the start after Nicolas Jackson was anonymous for much of the match.

We would like to see Chelsea bounce back and progress as they have shown good cup form this season.

But it will be a tough game with a lot to win and it could be one to skip.

• Our tip: Nkunku to score, Chelsea to win and more than 3.5 cards on 29/10 – DEMAND HERE

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RYAN HALL scored just 2.31 seconds into the game between Croydon FC and Cockfosters last weekend.

The former Leeds and Crystal Palace star, 36, took aim straight from kick-off.

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To his surprise, Hall's shot went over the helpless goalkeeper and inside.

Fans in the crowd were stunned, thinking they might have witnessed the fastest goal ever.

After the match, Croydon tweeted: “The goal was timed at 2.31 seconds, which we believe is the fastest goal in the world in senior football.”

They then tagged Guinness World Records and asked if they could confirm if this was indeed the fastest goal ever.

Croydon did receive a response, with Guinness World Reciords writing: “What a hit, son, what a hit.”

However, they could not confirm whether this was the fastest goal in the world.

Saudi Arabian striker Nawaf Al Abed scored in 2.4 seconds during a match between Al-Hilal and Al-Shoalah in a Prince Faisal bin Fahad Cup match.

Amazingly, the goal was subsequently not recognized by FIFA as Al-Hilal reportedly fielded too many players over the age of 21.

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Scot Gavin Stokes scored 2.1 seconds into Maryhill's clash with Clydebank in the West of Scotland Super League First Division in 2017.

While it may not have been quite the fastest goal in the world, Hall's strike did set Croydon on their way to a 3-0 victory.

The Trams are currently eighth in the Southern Counties East Football League.

Hall only joined Croydon from Beckenham Town earlier this month.

The Trams are the sixth non-league team the winger has played for since his last EFL spell with Luton in 2016.

His most notable spell was at Southend between 2010 and 2013, when he earned a move to Leeds by scoring 23 goals and providing 39 assists in 105 appearances.

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BURNLEY and Leeds United legend Ian Lawson has died aged 84.

The Premier League club announced the sad news ahead of today's visit to Liverpool.

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The former forward was originally spotted by the Clarets playing for Pelton schoolboys in County Durham.

He moved to Turf Moor in 1954 and turned professional two years later, on his 17th birthday.

Less than a year later, he burst onto the scene in incredible fashion.

Lawson scored FOUR goals as Burnley beat Hesterfield 7-0 in the FA Cup.

He followed that up a month later with a hat-trick in another FA Cup romp, this time 9–0, over New Brighton.

International honors soon came as he was capped by England at youth level.

Lawson played thirty games for Burnley and scored fifteen goals before leaving for Leeds in 1962 for a fee of £20,000.

He helped them win the Second Division title under Don Revie in 1964, but headed south to join Crystal Palace 12 months later.

Lawson went on to play for both Port Vale and Barnsley before hanging up his boots in 1968.

He is survived by his wife Maureen, daughter Sharon and son Michael.

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NON-LEAGUE GIANTKILLERS Maidstone United will face Coventry in the fifth round of the FA Cup after the Sky Blues defeated Sheffield Wednesday.

Mark Robins' side hammered the Owls 4-1 to book their date with the minnows on February 26.

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The National League South team, the lowest ranked team in the competition, stunned Ipswich Town by beating them 2-1 at Portman Road last month.

Now they will look to dispose of another former cup winner in the Sky Blues.

Kasey Palmer broke the deadlock for Coventry, but Bailey Cadamarteri leveled after ten minutes.

But it was only one-way traffic for the hosts, after which a double from Callum O'Hare and a strike from Haji Wright sealed the victory.

Meanwhile, fellow Championship team Southampton booked a trip to Anfield later this month.

In the replay they achieved a 3-0 home win over Watford.

Sekou Mara helped himself to two goals for the Saints, while Che Adams also got his name on the scoresheet.

Plymouth Argyle and Leeds United needed extra time to separate them in the other replay of the evening.

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Wilfried Gnoto thought he had secured victory for the visitors, but the Pilgrims leveled late on through Brendan Galloway.

That resulted in the extra 30 minutes, but Crysencio Summerville put Leeds back in the lead halfway through the first period.

And Georginio Rutter's poor finish and then a cruel Ryan Hardie own goal sealed the 4-1 win in the second half of extra time.

They now travel to the winners of Wednesday night's replay between Aston Villa and Chelsea in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

FOOTIE fans were united in their sympathy for Alex Scott after seeing her get DRENCHED during her broadcasts.

Scott was part of the BBC's live coverage of Plymouth's FA Cup fourth round replay against Leeds United on Tuesday evening.

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The weather on the south coast it was scorching hot, to say the least.

High winds and heavy rain lashed Home Park Stadium, so much so that Scott was soaked from head to toe.

Scott braved the elements without an umbrella, unlike fellow experts Jermaine Beckford and Glenn Murray, which meant her dark tartan jacket got soaked.

Viewers of the match couldn't help but comment, with one saying: “I bet Alex Scott regretted not having a brolly on the pitch for the #PLYLEE match.

“I live a 10 minute walk from the ground and can confirm it is absolutely ruined.”

Another said: “Hey @AlexScott – tell the lads the pub around the corner has asked for their beer garden parasol back.”

And another said: 'Any chance one of those two guys could go over and cover Alex Scott with his umbrella?

'They're big enough to keep all three dry, but they each have one and stay dry, while Alex gets soaked.

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“Come on guys, be a gentleman @BBCSport.”

One of them commented: 'Someone give Alex Scott an umbrella, please.

“Glenn Murray, sir, you are not a gentleman.”

And another chimed in: “@AlexScott bet you're freezing in the rain tonight – good job you're still smiling.”

Leeds took the lead in the 66th minute through Italian international Wilfried Gnonto.

But The Championship outfit were forced into extra time thanks to a 78th-minute equalizer from Brendan Galloway.

NEAL MAUPAY reaffirmed his status as one of the Premier League's best after quitting Kyle Walker.

The Brentford star is known for getting under his opponent's skin.

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Maupay collided with the Manchester City defender during the 3-1 defeat

The two footballers shared angry words in the closing minutes of the match

It is not the first time this season that Maupay has picked someone up, only last week he found himself on the wrong side of James Maddison for copying his darts party.

But where does Maupay rank in the Premier League's top ten?

10. Jordan Pickford

The Everton goalkeeper is no stranger to playing his opponents on the pitch.

Pickford has dramatically dived on the ball to pass the time in games.

England's No.1 is also known for speaking his mind and celebrating, which he did against Newcastle earlier this season.

9. David Batty

The former England and Leeds midfielder gets his place on the list for his antics against Sampdoria in a friendly match.

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Batty was clever in delaying free kicks and bullying the players of the Italian team.

He later admitted that he enjoyed making everyone “laugh”.

8. Erik Lamela

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The former Tottenham striker may not have reached his full potential in England following his big-money move from Roma.

However, he provided some brilliant moments of skill and s***housery.

The Argentinian scored a rabona goal, but then threw a few kicks and elbows at his opponents.

7. Robert Huth

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Huth was a subtle master of the art of s***housery during his time in the Premier League.

He put his talents to use when he helped Leicester City win the Premier League.

A famous moment was when Louis van Gaal hit out at the defender for pulling Marouane Fellaini's hair during a match.

The Belgian then copied the action against Arsenal, with Huth tweeting: “Looks like I learned him well.”

6. Diego Costa

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The former Chelsea striker gained a huge fan base for his militant performances.

Although loved by Chelsea fans and opposition supporters alike, he often took on the role of the pantomime villain.

He didn't change after leaving the Blues as he chased Liverpool into the Champions League in 2020.

5. Aaron Ramsdale

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The Arsenal goalkeeper has become one of the best players in the league since his move to the Emirates.

Ramsdale isn't afraid to give it back to opposition fans chanting against him.

He has been spotted reacting to Brentford fans and celebrating with Leeds supporters at Elland Road.

4. Luis Suarez

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Suarez was one of the best of the dark football arts when he played for Liverpool.

He once celebrated a goal against Everton by diving for then manager David Moyes after the Scot had called him up for play-acting.

His s***housery got him into trouble a few times when he was handed a 10-match ban for biting Chelsea player Branislav Ivanovic, just one of his three bites in his career.

3. Emmanuel Adebayor

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Adebayor was responsible for one of the most iconic moments of s***housery in football history.

In 2009, he scored just months after leaving Arsenal for Manchester City and then ran the length of the pitch celebrating in front of the Gunners' supporters.

Fans have never forgotten the moment, although he admitted last year that he had put it “behind him”.

2. Neal Maupay

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The Brentford boss has become one of the main suspects in s***housery in the Premier League.

Maupay's recent celebrations and words to irritate his opponents support this.

Sometimes he doesn't even have to come on the pitch because he got a yellow card for kicking a ball during the warm-up against Chelsea.

1. Jamie Vardy

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Vardy is without a doubt the king of s***housery from his time in the Premier League.

The prolific striker seemed to have a specific celebration planned against every club he faced.

Whether he was flapping his arms like an eagle or howling like a wolf, he wasn't afraid of being the bad guy.