We sure put Preston to bed, didn't we.
.... Didn't we?
Either way we are now in the 5th round. Its been 9 years since we got to the 5th round then unceremoniously thumped by spurs. More interestingly, 17 years since we reached the Quarters. Then 24 years when we reached the Semis, in which we reached the final. The stats suggest we don't do cup runs, but apparently we do.
We also we good goals, with Mackies goal against Preston being voted goal of the round unanimously with 57% of the votes.
So. Sheffield united. League 1 Nige. Other than the cup things aren't looking too good for them. 22nd in the league 1 relegation zone and 3 points away from safety, Niges inclusion to United's payroll hasn't payed off yet even after beating relegation contenders Shrewsbury. He's seemed to drag them out of danger, only to be pulled in.
Cups games are a different kettle of fish. If Preston were championship killers, Sheffield are premiership killers. Beating fulham and Aston villa away. Fulham were nothing short of dire and free-fall doesn't quite describe it, but they were clinical against a villa who fielded a very strong team.
And clinical cuts the mustard when is comes to describing Sheffield u. They rarely have chances, and seem to cope well with seeing little of the ball, usually having under 40% possession, but those 3-4 chances they have in a game they convert. And it seems to be goals from all over the shop, maguire (CB), porter (STK), murphy (WING) to name their biggest threats. They have a strong back line that limit teams to only a few chances per game.
Regarding forests DCM crisis as the moussi burnt out it could either help or hinder. It may mean on those 2-3 chances Sheffield get, we don't deal with it and concede. Likewise, it may force forest to play a more attacking style and create more with the high possession we are likely to get. Regardless, with the brentford game postponed both teams will be fresh and ready to play, if the pitch is playable that is.
Interestingly Sheffield have only won away. Fulham, villa, Cambridge, colchester, all away. Maybe playing away this round wasn't such a bad thing after all.
COYRs
FA Cup: Sheffield United - 5th round
posted on 14/2/14
Monkey, top thread pal. You know these games, FA Cup and all that romance. Just because and only because we are in the middle of a departmental injury crisis, that being the middle of our midfield (the engine room), Sheff U have a chance. A little chance....but if we had our full strength side out i wouldnt give them a prayer. As it stands, we will win by bringing them back to the CG imho.
posted on 14/2/14
posted on 14/2/14
They will be right up for it so I'm with you Woody, I think it could end a draw and add another match to the schedule.
posted on 14/2/14
4
Worthy of more. You should be a Ram.
posted on 15/2/14
Come on Sheff U put these Red To The Sword 3 -1 win for the blades.
posted on 15/2/14
Red Dogs
posted on 15/2/14
If we can hold on to possession and get the ball forward by hook or by crook, then we should be too strong for them. I hope, or we get a draw and beat em down here.
posted on 15/2/14
comment by Red Forest Bear (U6288)
posted 49 minutes ago
If we can hold on to possession and get the ball forward by hook or by crook, then we should be too strong for them. I hope, or we get a draw and beat em down here.
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I'd be concerned about another Preston type match if we had a replay at the city ground. 10 men behind the ball and forest with no idea how to get through but with the added energy sapping issue of extra time and probably penalties. I'd rather win or lose today and I feel if sheff utd play a bit open and positive then there's every chance we will pick them off.
posted on 15/2/14
Don't think the Sheff Utd home crowd will accept anything less than a blood and thunder charge from their team in this game. Previous games were away where they had less pressure on them. This could play into Forest's hand if they play it right.