It has not been easy for Kasper Schmeichel to follow in the footsteps of his father Peter, the former Manchester United goalkeeper. But it will be his turn in the spotlight today as Notts County look to stave off the threat of administration. Schmeichel junior, 23, will be a pivotal figure as the League Two side try to upset Fulham in the FA Cup fifth round, just as they did to another Premier League team, Wigan, in the previous round. "I have huge faith and belief in this team," Schmeichel said. The Dane, though, is synonymous with the past regime that have left the world's oldest club in financial ruin. He cost £500,000 (Dh2.88m) from Manchester City and signed a five-year contract as Munto Finance promised a path to the Premier League. Eight months on and Ray Trew has just become the new owner and will try to solve their financial problems. Sven-Goran Eriksson has left his director of football role to ease their cash plight, and, while disappointed by the events which have left his own future in doubt, Schmeichel added: "Our minds should not be on other things. It would be fantastic to reach the quarter-finals. It's going to be great occasion, but it's going to be a difficult game against Fulham." Fulham v Notts County, 7pm
Danny Butterfield is the only survivor from Crystal Palace's last meeting with Aston Villa five years ago. A 2-0 Premier League win was the outcome that day and a similar result would be something of a lifeline for Palace's long-serving player when they face each other at Selhurst Park in the FA Cup fifth round today. Butterfield is aware that every good result could attract a buyer for the cash-crippled club - and the players. Docked 10 points for going into administration, Palace are fighting for their future. "It has brought us closer together," said Butterfield, who scored a hat-trick as an emergency striker when Palace beat Wolverhampton Wanderers in the previous round. "We are working hard for each other. The fans appreciate that and the last four or five games the fans have been brilliant home and away. It gives you that extra buzz on the pitch. I'm effectively unemployed in three or four months and so each game I play I'm playing for my future, whether that be at Crystal Palace or elsewhere." Palace have the wily Neil Warnock to fire them up and his Villa managerial counterpart Martin O'Neill said: "He thrives on the sort of situation that he finds himself in." Crystal Palace v Aston Villa, 7.45pm, Aljazeera Sport + 3
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