Why isn't Chelsea vs Aston Villa FA Cup game on TV in UK today?

Chelsea are looking to continue what has been a week of cup success when the take on Aston Villa in the FA Cup today.

Having booked their spot in the Carabao Cup final by thrashing Middlesbrough on Tuesday night, the Blues host Villa in the fourth round of the FA Cup at Stamford Bridge.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side take huge confidence into the game, albeit this is surely their toughest task in knockout competition this season.

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Unai Emery’s Villa are absolutely flying in the Premier League and have been able to rest since their draw with Everton almost two weeks ago. Boasting something of a cup expert in their dugout, the Villains have little to fear in west London.

Fans in the UK, however, will be unable to watch the game live on TV. Instead, games such as Tottenham’s meeting with Manchester City tonight have been selected for TV coverage by BBC and ITV.

Chelsea's match therefore would have been played in the Saturday 3pm blackout but it was moved to tonight due to Fulham playing at home to Newcastle just up the road tomorrow evening, which is live on ITV4. The west London neighbours do not play at home on the same day due to policing restrictions.

Any chance of it being moved to later in the weekend or Monday night was ended by the fact that Villa are back in Premier League action on Tuesday, also against Newcastle, with that match unable to be moved to accommodate this cup tie.

Supporters will be able to follow all the action LIVE with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog! Nizaar Kinsella will be providing expert analysis from the ground.