Slat8 - 21/2/2017 13:28
It is a tough one to call but with city, united and possibly spurs all with Europe we have to be favourite for the Monday slot ....?
Not necessarily. Unless they delay a decision, the FA have to assume both Man U and Spurs will be in the Europa League both Thursdays before and after the 6th Round, so they will play their matches Sunday or Monday. The Met will insist Spurs play Millwall early on Sunday, say 12.30ish. Chelsea v Utd will then be later on Sunday, or possibly Monday.
As the one non-London match, it makes sense for Middlesborough to play on Saturday around the time England play their 6 nations match (ITV), so that will be the late Saturday match, 5.15 or so. Citeh have a Champions League match the following Wednesday, so they will want Saturday, or Sunday under sufferance, and the time will have to be set on the assumption they win their replay.
That leaves our match as the early Saturday kick off, 12.30 or so. Depends on TV choices of course, which could see our match pushed to the Monday, but I'd say that Saturday slot is favourite.
This is all sensible and rational, but I am biased as Saturday is OK for me, Monday a disaster!