The FA had hoped the match, which takes place on 26 March, might be able to have a kick-off later on in the day so as to avoid a clash with the many other fixtures going on at the same time but police advice has made the afternoon kick-off an imperative.

"We have been in consultation with the Greater Manchester Police for a significant period of time," Adrian Bevington, The FA's Head of Media, confirmed to TheFA.com.

"We would have preferred to play the game later on in the day, preferably in the early evening. This would have prevented a clash with the Football League fixtures on that day as well as with all the other matches taking place up and down the country on that day.

"However, in the end, the Greater Manchester Police advised that the game must have a 3pm kick-off on the grounds of public order. We must abide by their decision."

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