We are currently up to the Fifth Round Proper stage and the first of those ties will be played between Crewe Alexandra and Colchester United at Gresty Road tonight (7.00). Crewe, famed for their youth policy, were FA Youth Cup Semi Finalists last season and now take on a side that has reached the last sixteen for the first time.

The competition’s fancied teams, including holders Middlesbrough and last season’s runners-up Aston Villa, play their Fifth Round ties in the week beginning 14th February.

Boro are at Watford, who won The Cup twice in the 1980s, on the 15th and Villa travel to Ipswich on the following night.

James Morrison, who netted twice in The FA Youth Cup Final last April, has been hitting the target for Boro’s first team in the current campaign. Matthew Bates and David Wheater from the first-team squad are likely to play at Vicarage Road.

The Fifth Round also gives Arsenal an opportunity for revenge against Southampton, the Saints having knocked them out comprehensively in Round 4 at Underhill last season. West Ham United, with England Under-17 star Hogan Ephraim playing just behind their lone striker, have an East London derby tie with Leyton Orient at Upton Park.

With the draw for the Sixth Round already made, Middlesbrough know that victory at Watford will earn them home advantage against Tottenham Hotspur or Everton. The Hammers and the O’s could be playing for a home tie with Arsenal.

The Sixth Round, involving the last eight sides, has to be completed by 19th March.

FA Youth Cup - Fifth Round Draw

1 Ipswich Town v Aston Villa 16/02, 7.00
2 Crewe Alexandra v Colchester Utd 01/02, 7.00
3 Southampton v Arsenal 15/02, 7.00
4 West Ham United v Leyton Orient 16/02, 7.00
5 Wolverhampton W v Manchester City
6 Tottenham H v Everton 15/02, 7.00
7 Fulham v Derby County 15/02, 7.00
8 Watford v Middlesbrough 15/02, 7.00