The prospect of a January break has moved a step closer after it emerged that the FA and Premier League are to hold talks on the issue.
Debate about the benefits of a winter hiatus is nothing new but, with fixture congestion back on the agenda in a week when Champions League and Europa League fixtures are quickly followed by FA Cup fifth round ties, there is a renewed appetite to fit a two-week break into clubs' schedules each January and the possibility will be discussed soon.
According to a report in the Daily Mail, one solution would see a fortnight gap inserted into the January schedule, with the FA Cup third round moved to a later weekend in the month. There are considerations, though, around FA Cup replays - which could be under threat in any reorganisation - and the League Cup, whose semi-finals currently take place in January. A lengthening of the domestic season could be one answer that keeps all parties content.
Manchester City are among those top-flight sides expected to field a weakened team in the FA Cup this weekend. Their match against Chelsea on Sunday precedes Wednesday's Champions League game with Dynamo Kyiv and, four days later, the League Cup final against Liverpool at Wembley.
Guardian services
