StanSP

'additional revenue'. Yes, most likely end up being PL teams/matches so they get the revenue. 'ensuring broadcast slots'. TV money is all it's about. If PL clubs want to reduce congestion maybe they shouldn't go on those worldwide tours and actually have a proper break between seasons...

I'm surprised 'how to work efficiently with a fax machine' isn't listed as one of the essential requirements...

Wonder who we were there for...

I'll be thinking that we've totally lost it as a club revealing our team sheet a day early. And then hoping he also doesn't start on Saturday

Mikey Johnston has been one of their best since joining on loan. Get some money on him scoring a worldie from outside the box on Saturday...

Yes. Promotion the ultimate goal.

No. Bigger pitchforks needed!

It just occurred to me that PL have somehow fought for this ruling to occur in the first two rounds. Rounds they're not even involved in

Good statement by Tranmere. I expect other clubs to follow suit... Tranmere Rovers condemn the disgraceful decision taken by The FA and the Premier League to change the format of the FA Cup, including the scrapping of replays. There was no consultation with Football League clubs, National League clubs or grassroots clubs to whom the competition represents not only their best opportunity to create life-long memories for supporters but also a hugely important source of income. We also understand that FA Council members were not consulted about the changes. The decision, and the way it was taken, demonstrate a total lack of respect for the football pyramid and its fans. Football belongs to all of us and decisions should not be taken in back room deals in which only the very wealthiest clubs are allowed to participate. It is yet another eloquent example of the 19th-century governance that means that football simply cannot regulate itself and needs the Independent Football Regulator to have real teeth. We condemn the changes wholeheartedly and urge The FA to suspend them immediately until all stakeholders in the game are properly consulted.

Bazunu's injury serious for Southampton?

Yep, 12.30pm and 5.30pm are regular this season already, more so the 12.30 slot to sometimes rival TNT's PL showing. I wonder if they'll end up splitting some midweek fixtures - perhaps 6pm and 8pm? Or 7.15pm and 8. 15pm like they do with some PL games. There's gonna be too much football on at any given time. Overkill is approaching!

A potential giant-killing at home and then a replay away at the bigger side (potentially) is better, no? I'm not sure how scrapping replays is a positive thing for lower league clubs. All this does is just cater to the bigger sides (top 6)?

I think if they're going to lose replays, they should incorporate automatically having the lower league club play at home home (if 2 or more divisions below the opponent). So if a non-league side makes it to the 2nd or 3rd round, they're not facing a bigger club away, and can play them at home. Or League Two would by default play the tie at home if initially drawn as the away club against Championship/PL side.

Shit for lower league clubs. Find it quite telling that 'changes come as part of a new 6-year agreement between FA and Premier League'. No doubt managers like Klopp, Pep, Arteta had a big say in persuading PL to voice for these changes...

They're just your run of the mill ex-pro's who feel like they have a elevated status of knowledge just because of that. But if they do, they don't show it. I know Merson has/had his problems away from football but I genuinely feel like Sky have kept him on out of pity. He's actually a really bad pundit - doesn't care for players names, thinks it's funny when he gets them wrong, terrible on Soccer Saturday when it comes to actually explaining what's happened. Sherwood is worse. Comes across as an arrogant piece of shit that thinks he knows better than everyone else. Similar traits to Merson in just writing off any club or player that isn't English, and again thinks he's funny for it.

My turn!

Was really hoping Rudiger would miss.

Extra time and pens. No away goals.

Deserved for Man City.

Proper bullet header!

Foden's being marked out the game so far. He's everywhere. Such a class player.

Great save from Ederson but can't keep out the rebound.

Literally no one needed or cared for that 'reminder'

Superb. Well done. Perhaps it's more fitting it's the final day? Bet it's a big relief to have it approved nonetheless!