What’s Hot and What’s Not from the FA Cup fifth round draw

NOT – Oxford United

A bit like Lincoln, League One outfit Oxford United may have been hoping for something better than Middlesbrough away in round five.

Michael Appleton’s men dispatched Championship high-flyers Newcastle United 3-0 in the fourth round, and arguably would have been hoping for a home tie for a better chance of progression, or a top six club away from home.

However, they will visit Aitor Karanka’s Boro, who narrowly got past Accrington Stanley in the last round, and that result could give the U’s encouragement ahead of their last 16 clash, especially as Boro have struggled in the Premier League recently, and will likely make many changes in a bid to fend off relegation.

Nonetheless, with the way the draw went, Oxford fans may be slightly underwhelmed by the prospect of a 240-mile trip to the Riverside Stadium.