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FA Cup rules explained - can Everton vs Peterborough go to extra time and penalties?

The FA Cup trophy
-Credit:PA


Everton are hoping to progress through to the FA Cup fourth round for the fourth time in five years when they host League One opposition Peterborough United at Goodison Park tonight.

The Toffees are on a miserable run of form at the moment, having failed to win any of their last five matches. Although draws against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City looked impressive on paper, subsequent losses against Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth have led to the dramatic dismissal of manager Sean Dyche just hours before the match kicks off.

Dyche leaves Everton with the club currently down in 16th in the Premier League table, just one point above the relegation zone. However, with the Toffees not in top-flight action until next Wednesday, attention instead turns to the world's oldest cup competition and a tie against a team from the third tier.

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Peterborough, managed by Darren Ferguson - the son of Manchester United legend Sir Alex, have endured a difficult campaign so far and sit 19th in League One. Posh, like Everton, have failed to win any of their last five matches, including a 2-2 draw with rock bottom Burton on New Year's Day.

Ahead of the game, Liverpool Echo have explained the FA Cup rules in full.

Are there extra-time, penalties and replays this season?

The FA Cup rules have changed this season. The Football Association have decided to scrap replays from the first round onwards, with a winner determined on the day of the ties.

If the scores are level after 90 minutes, a period of 30 minutes of extra time will be played with a penalty shootout to follow if a winner can not be found in that time.

When is each FA Cup round?

Every FA Cup round will now be played over a weekend. For the last five years, the fifth round fixtures have all taken place midweek but that has changed for this season and beyond.

However, the fourth round will have an extended window from Friday to Wednesday to allow fans to watch consecutive days of FA Cup football. Additionally, no Premier League fixtures will take place on the fourth round, fifth round or quarter-final for the first time, in additional to the final.

Third Round - Saturday, January 11.

Fourth Round - Saturday, February 8.

Fifth Round - Saturday, March 1.

Quarter-final - Saturday, March 29.

Semi-final - Saturday, April 26.

Final - Saturday, May 17.