FA Cup Fifth Round Replay BBC1, 7.30pm, bet here

Now that Game 39 has had the stuffing kicked out of it by everyone with a foot, and Richard Scudamore’s need to market his brand globally is suddenly less pressing, perhaps he could lend a hand to those teams who are struggling with “brand development” in smaller, less global markets. Teesside, perhaps. Middlesbrough have an excellent chairman, a half decent squad of players, and modern stadium full of empty seats, even on match day. And Mr Scudamore has a briefcase full of hi-falutin’ business vocabulary and “inititiatives” sitting idle. His Premier League “product” would be improved immeasurably if teams like Boro could a) fill their seats; b) were able to compete with the mega-clubs and c) stood a chance of winning something, instead of just occasionally being allowed to imagine it. So come on Mr Scudamore, you’ve got plenty of time on your hands now, help your flock. Or do your ideas only work in theory?

The statistics

* Middlesbrough have not lost a home tie in the FA Cup for over a decade. The last time they were knocked out at home was in January 1998, losing 2-1 to Arsenal. They have since gone thirteen home ties in the FA Cup unbeaten.

* The last two replays that Sheffield United have been involved in the FA Cup have both gone to penalties: they were victorious against West Ham in 2004/05 after a 1-1 draw, but were then knocked out by Arsenal in the next round after a goalless draw.

* James Beattie has scored the first goal for Sheffield Utd seven times this season.

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