Destination: Bramall Lane
Objective: Beat Sheffield United and progress to the semi-finals.
Rewards: Wembley FA Cup Semi-Final and half of Wembley covered in red (although it was last year for when Millwall fans clashed with themselves!)
Even ‘Paul the Octopus’ couldn’t have foreseen a Sheffield United versus Charlton FA Cup quarter-final clash at the start of the season, but here we are.
Both teams know that a win would get them to Wembley and would face one of Arsenal/Everton, Manchester City/Wigan or Sunderland/Hull in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
If Sheff Utd do win, it’ll no doubt be their biggest achievement since the days of Sean Bean in ‘When Saturday Comes’ (I think the real-life 2003 FA Cup semi-final and promotion to the Premier League in 2005/06 beats that though).
5,000 plus Charlton fans will be travelling to Bramall Lane to support the Addicks and if we do win, a trip to Wembley for the first time since the 1998 play-off victory over Sunderland would be a worthy reward.
The Opposition After almost two years of insisting that Sheffield United would ‘come good’, the Blades have started to show the kind of form that would have got them promoted in that famous 2011-12 League One campaign.
Since Nigel Clough took over in October, things have dramatically improved for the Blades after a woeful start to their season with David Weir in charge.
In fact, Sheffield United are unbeaten in six league games and during those six games, they didn’t concede a single goal.
There are a few injury doubts ahead of this weekend’s game for Nigel Clough’s side including loanee John Brayford, winger Jamie Murphy and centre-back Harry Maguire.
If the trio were to miss the game against the Addicks, then it’ll be a huge blow for the Blades.
Sheffield United’s route to the quarter-finals definitely highlights that they shouldn’t be underestimated and they’re actually the favourites with some bookmakers, so it will certainly be a tough test for Chris Powell’s side.
ROUTE TO THE QUARTER-FINALS: Sheffield United: 3rd Round: Aston Villa 1-2 Sheffield United
4th Round: Fulham 0-1 Sheffield United (Replay) (Original fixture finished 1-1)
5th Round: Sheffield United 3-1 Nottingham Forest
Charlton Athletic: 3rd Round: Oxford United 0-3 Charlton (Replay) (Original fixture finished 2-2)
4th Round: Huddersfield 0-1 Charlton
5th Round: Sheffield Wednesday 1-2 Charlton
The Line –UpAfter a disappointing performance in the 3-0 defeat to Leicester last weekend, we can expect to see some changes from Chris Powell for Sunday’s match. However, our lack of depth in the wide positions, means it'll be hard to call what our line up will actually be!
Despite conceding three goals, Ben Hamer was once again in fine form against Leicester so he should keep his place.
At the back, Michael Morrison is a doubt although has said that he should be fit. He could partner one of Richard Wood or Dorian Dervite. Wiggins and Wilson should occupy the full-back roles.
In midfield, Callum Harriott could be dropped, which could see Marcus Tudgay get his first start in a Charlton shirt on the wing.
Youth graduates Diego Poyet and Jordan Cousins should remain as will probably Johnnie Jackson and Astrit Ajdarevic.
If we go with one up-front again, then it’ll likely be Simon Church who gets the nod, although he is a doubt with a knee injury. Reza Ghoochannejhad and Marvin Sordell will also be competing to start.
The PredictionThe outcome is too tight to call. If we see another Addicks performance like we did against the likes of QPR and Sheffield Wednesday, then we’ll win.
0-1 away victory and a Wembley semi-final for Chris Powell’s men.
Comments
Sheffield United 1 v CAFC 1 .. a Valley replay and victory in the mud
After all, we haven't made an FA Cup semi final since we won the thing - beyond living memory for most on here...
Lol
We have a class midfield and I've always believed that's where games are won and lost. All to play for and one goal in it but this time luck is with the Addicks.
i have absolutely no idea why i think that, so it must be a prophecy.
Reza for us.
and I have to pretend to my son that it is the right thing to do, to keep schlepping up and down the country following our junk football team
and when he questions why we had so many fans and didn't have a choice of seats as in previous away games , i'll explain to him about glory boy day trippers
3-1 to the greasy chip butty boys
Stay positive guys - the players will want this, Chris will want this and we want this and like hell we're going to f*cking get it!
2-0 to Addicks.
Late winner pleases everyone as the moaners can moan about the boring defensive display and the rest of us can just be happy we won and are going to Wembley.
Leicester are all but in the Premier League and have had millions of quid spent on their squad - Sheffield United are mid-table League One and are nearly as skint as us.