The FA will "resist pressure" to switch an FA Cup semifinal involving Tottenham away from Wembley "despite growing opposition" from some clubs left in the competition to the club "effectively being granted a home fixture," according to Matt Hughes of the LONDON TIMES. Tottenham remains on course to reach the last four despite being held to a 2-2 draw in the fifth round away to Rochdale on Sunday, with Sheffield Wednesday or Swansea City "lying in wait" in the quarterfinals. Tottenham’s Premier League match at Crystal Palace was brought forward 24 hours to Sunday to facilitate a replay against Rochdale at Wembley on Feb. 28, but it is the prospect of Tottenham playing a semifinal at its home for the season that is "understood to be causing angst" among the club's possible opponents, which include the Manchester clubs and London rival Chelsea. The FA has been "made aware of some rumblings of discontent," but has yet to receive a complaint. However, the governing body's position is that "the matter is resolved" (LONDON TIMES, 2/19). In London, Jack Bezants reported in order to "stifle" any home advantage Tottenham may have, teams will toss a coin to see which team will have the home dressing room and club branding "will also be removed." Speaking before Tottenham's match against Rochdale, Manager Mauricio Pochettino "played down the impact that FA Cup glory would have at the club." He said, "To win some domestic titles is very good for us and would be fantastic for our fans. But really nothing changes" (DAILY MAIL, 2/19).
