Leeds United v Southampton set for postponement

Their match at home to Shrewsbury Town was the only FA Cup third-round game postponed, after a Covid-19 outbreak at the League One club.

Sides can be thrown out of this season’s competition if they fail to play before the next round. The fourth round is due just two weeks after the third.

Aston Villa and Derby County lost in round three after playing without first-teamers or managers. Sheffield Wednesday beat Exeter City without a number of senior players, their caretaker coaches, and just four of nine possible substitutes.

Worries over congestion is behind the hardline stance on postponements but there are no such concerns for Leeds. No team in the English leagues has fewer than their 21 remaining fixtures after an FA Cup exit at Crawley.

With no game on fourth round weekend, postponing their league match would give 10 days to recharge batteries or double down on training ahead of a trip to Newcastle United.

All 32 third-round ties would be decided on the pitch, albeit not always in ideal circumstances.