Definitely, it seems very unfair that midweek fixtures would occur for teams with a cup game looming, and its probably for the best that none of those teams who benefitted were fighting relegation.

As it is, it basically gifted United 3 points in their chase for a champions league position.

Its especially harsh when you consider the importance of the Liverpool v Everton Derby to the fans. Likely as not, the fixtures were arranged as such to fit with TV needs (possible champions league fixtures) as anything else.

Also I think its become more of an issue, now that Semi-Finals are held at Wembley, as it adds a lot of prestige, compared to a neutral ground you've already likely played at twice over the season.

For many fans, of smaller teams, the appeal of seeing your team at Wembley is massive, and infrequent (its a bit odd that both us and Watford last were at Wembley for the same match).

Edited by jamiemartin721 (21 Apr 2016 11.58am)

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I blame UEFA for monopolising too many midweeks where they don't allow league games to be played, unless it's exceptional circumstances.

You could have had a very large bet on those 3 results last night, I said as much to a mate before kick off. I don't know why I didn't back the double for other two games myself?

Optimistic as ever

Fixture chaos. Presumably everything is late because of the breaks for the Euro friendlies?

Let's hope we don't need the points at the end of the season and end up regretting the mid-week match we didn't turn up at.

Scheduling one of the Cup semi-finals on the day of the London Marathon was another master stroke by those who organise these things!

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That is exactly the reason why.

I wonder though, is it TV companies putting pressure on UEFA on not allowing league games to be played so there are football watching people not going to football matches instead of watching matches on TV.

Also, too many European Club games in both Champions League in Europa League.

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Find out what team is in which division, eg which division is Coppull United in?

I would think the TV companies would like to have domestic fixtures/cup ties on opposite Euros, depending on who owns the rights in the various countries world wide. For example, why should NBCSN (US) not be able to show a Premier League fixture while Fox Sports 1 or 2 and ESPN are showing Champions League? Today, for example, while Fox Sports ( I forget whether it was FS1 or FS2) was showing the FA Cup NBC had a full slate of Premier League between NBCSN, USA Networks and the Extra Time/Live Extra service. Also, can't one match be DVRed while watching another? One thing I doubt is if major sponsors like Heineken care, since they sponsor just about all things soccer over here, whether it is on Fox, NBC, ESPN or BeIn (Championship).

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They would and on the rare occasion it has happened, since the rules were changed by UEFA, for a game between Hull and Arsenal in the FA cup it ruined the viewing figures for the UEFA games.

That's why they monopolise the weeks now rather than compete.

The reason why this weekend was league v cup, is because the FA don't care as it's all their own competitions.

Optimistic as ever