Covid, Cups and the Championship - a look ahead at the weekend's football

The FA Cup trophy.
The road to Wembley continues this weekend Credit: PA Images

Ipswich Town manager Paul Lambert is calling for mandatory Coronavirus testing in League One and Two after losing another of his players having to self isolate.

Luke Woolfenden is out of the team after reporting being in close contact with someone who's tested positive for COVID-19.

Kayden Jackson recently returned after contracting the virus. Testing isn't mandatory in the EFL but Lambert says if the third tier of German football do it, why can't they?

If the Germans can do it, why can't we?

The blow comes as Ipswich host Portsmouth tomorrow in the First Round of the FA Cup.

The Suffolk Club isn't alone - National League side King's Lynn Town make their first foray in Round One since being reformed ten years ago.

Port Vale are the opponents for King's Lynn

A trip to League Two Port Vale is a huge draw for them, but Linnet supporters, will have to watch events from Vale Park remotely. And good timing for Lynn, having won last time out in the National League against Woking.

Brackley host Bishop's Stortford on Saturday Credit: ITV Anglia

It's seven years since Bishop's Stortford from the Isthmian League Premier Division last made it to the First Round. They take on Brackley Town from the National League North. They beat St Albans from the same tier to go through.

Brackley Town manager Kevin Wilkin previews the FA Cup tie with Bishop's Stortford, starting with the challenges they've faced with last year's fire and COVID-19

Bishop's Stortford Owner/Manager Steve Smith looks ahead to the club's first FA Cup 1st Round tie in 7 years

Could Maldon & Tiptree repeat their feat of last season, knocking out League Two opponents? It's Morecambe on Sunday Credit: ITV Anglia

A year ago Maldon and Tiptree created many headlines under Wayne Brown, knocking out League Two opponents Leyton Orient. He has a much changed squad as they bid to do the same on Sunday against Morecambe. Last year's experience has certainly helped his preparations.

Wayne Brown hoping for more FA Cup success Credit: PA images

Maldon & Tiptree 1st Team Manager Wayne Brown, speaking via Zoom, hopes his preparations for Sunday's FA Cup tie with Morecambe will be rewarded with another shock result

Elsewhere Norwich City will hope to stretched their unbeaten Championship run to seven matches when they take on Swansea at Carrow Road tomorrow.

Swansea have started the season strongly, they sit second and are a point and a league place in front of the Canaries.

Luton Town could move into the play-offs with a win at Huddersfield tomorrow. The Hatters are looking for back-to-back wins after beating Rotherham on Wednesday night.

WEEKEND FIXTURES

CHAMPIONSHIP - Saturday 3.00pm

Huddersfield Town v LUTON TOWN

NORWICH CITY v Swansea City

FA CUP 1st Round - Saturday 3.00pm unless stated

Boreham Wood v SOUTHEND UNITED

BRACKLEY TOWN v BISHOP'S STORTFORD

CAMBRIDGE UNITED v Shrewsbury Town

COLCHESTER UNITED v Marine

IPSWICH TOWN v Portsmouth

Oxford United v PETERBOROUGH UNITED

Port Vale v KING'S LYNN TOWN

STEVENAGE v Concord Rangers

Sunday 12.45pm

Eastleigh v MK DONS

MALDON & TIPTREE v Morecambe

Monday 7.45pm

Oxford City v NORTHAMPTON