Pep Guardiola looks ahead to the FA Cup fifth round
Maidstone will look to continue their remarkable run in the FA Cup as they travel to Coventry in the fifth round tonight.
George Elokobi’s side are a game away from the quarter-finals after stunning Ipswich, and again face Championship opposition. Maidstone are eighth in the National League south, the sixth tier of English football, and are aiming to become just the second non-league side to reach the quarter-finals in the last 100 years, after Lincoln City in 2017.
Coventry, who were knocked out by non-league opposition in Wrexham last season, beat Sheffield Wednesday in a fourth-round replay and will fancy their chances of continuing their own promising cup run at home. The Sky Blues currently sit ninth in the second tier and will be out to spoil the party as Maidstone look to reach the quarter-finals for the first time.
Follow live updates on tonight’s FA Cup action below and get the latest FA Cup odds and tips here.
Coventry 0-0 Maidstone United
8 mins: Tavares has plenty of pace down the right wing and wins a corner for the hosts.
Covolan claims well but Maidstone give it away as they look to break, and Coventry come straight back at them.
Jamie Braidwood26 February 2024 19:55
Coventry 0-0 Maidstone United
4 mins: CHANCE! Maidstone survive and Covolan, the hero against Ipswich in the previous round, has to make a big stop early on here!
There’s a mix-up in the Maidstone defence and the ball breaks to Wright in the box.
He takes a swing and catches the volley, but Covolan gets across to make the save!
Jamie Braidwood26 February 2024 19:52
Coventry 0-0 Maidstone United
2 mins: Coventry put Maidstone under some early pressure
Simms is the target of a cross into the middle but he’s not paying attention and the ball hits the back of his head.
Jamie Braidwood26 February 2024 19:50
Coventry 0-0 Maidstone United
KICK-OFF! We’re underway in Coventry. Any chance of another miracle?
Jamie Braidwood26 February 2024 19:48
Coventry v Maidstone United LIVE: FA Cup latest updates
Can Maidstone pull off another FA Cup upset and reach the quarter-finals?
It would be an unbelievable result for the Stones…
(REUTERS)
Jamie Braidwood26 February 2024 19:47
Coventry v Maidstone United LIVE: FA Cup latest updates
When is the FA Cup quarter-final draw?
There are three games on Tuesday evening, as reigning champions Manchester City travel to Luton Town, Championship leaders Leicester City visit Bournemouth and Blackburn Rovers host Newcastle United.
The final four ties take place on Wednesday night: Chelsea host old rivals Leeds United only three days after that devastating extra-time defeat by Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final; Nottingham Forest host Erik ten Hag’s inconsistent Manchester United; Wolves meet Brighton; and League Cup champions Liverpool dust themselves down to face Southampton at Anfield.
The eight winners will be in the hat for the next round and one step closer to Wembley. Here’s everything you need to know.
Jamie Braidwood26 February 2024 19:41
Coventry v Maidstone United LIVE: FA Cup latest updates
George Elokobi ahead of facing Coventry:
“It’s a day with for no pressure for us.
“We are Maidstone United Football Club. There shouldn’t be any pressure on us.
“We will go and enjoy the occasion. It’s a historic day for our football club.”
(AFP via Getty Images)
Jamie Braidwood26 February 2024 19:36
Coventry v Maidstone United LIVE: FA Cup latest updates
Plenty of tin foil out on display in the Maidstone end tonight! An FA Cup staple.
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
Jamie Braidwood26 February 2024 19:36
Coventry v Maidstone United LIVE: FA Cup latest updates
Eight games will play out across the evenings of Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday featuring reigning champions Manchester City down to sixth-tier Maidstone United.
But only games played at Premier League grounds will use VAR, due to licensing rules.
Jamie Braidwood26 February 2024 19:33
Coventry v Maidstone United LIVE: FA Cup latest updates
Great scenes before kick-off as George Elokobi greets the Maidstone fans who have made the journey to Coventry.
Jamie Braidwood26 February 2024 19:26
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
