The FA Cup Sixth Round replay dates confirmed

The Football Association has confirmed the FA Cup Sixth Round replay schedule, with a place in the Semi-Finals at Wembley Stadium awaiting the winners.

Having battled to a 0-0 draw last Saturday, Reading will host Bradford City on Monday 16 March, with BBC One broadcasting the tie live from the Madejski Stadium at 7.45pm.

A UEFA directive means that The FA has to avoid scheduling FA Cup ties across Champions League and Europa League dates, so Monday 16 March has been agreed with cooperation from the Football League. 

The Bantams can already boast a hat-trick of giant-killings in this season’s competition having beaten Millwall in a replay before making global headlines with their stunning 4-2 upset at Chelsea and sending Sunderland packing at Valley Parade. 

Reading have won on the road at Huddersfield Town, Cardiff City and Derby County in this season’s competition, so this Sixth Round replay will be their first FA Cup tie in front of home support this term. 

The winners will meet holders Arsenal at Wembley on the weekend of April 18/19.

The second replay sees Liverpool travel to Blackburn Rovers in front of the BT Sport cameras on Wednesday 8 April at 7.45pm.

It’s a date that avoids UEFA fixtures while accommodating Liverpool’s already confirmed television commitments and the FIFA international break at the end of March.

Rovers are also no strangers to a giant-killing at Ewood Park this season have beaten both Swansea City and Stoke City from the Premier League, scoring seven goals in the process. 

They held Brendan Rodgers’ side to a 0-0 draw at Anfield on Sunday although the Reds have already beaten Championship opposition in a replay this season, edging Bolton Wanderers 2-1 at the Macron Stadium.   

Aston Villa await the winners at Wembley on the weekend April 18/19.

All four clubs in the Sixth Round will receive £123,750 in live broadcast fees while the winners get £360,000 from the prize fund.