|
|
Sunderland |
v |
Sheffield United |
|
Manager |
Mick McCarthy |
|
Neil Warnock |
|
Key Man |
Mart Poom |
|
Phil Jagielka |
|
FA Cup Top Scorer |
Arca, Smith (2) |
|
Wayne Allison |
Match Preview
Sunderland's fans have flocked to see Cup action this year. The Stadium of Light was packed for the visit of Second Division Hartlepool United, a match which Mick McCarthy's team won 1-0 thanks to Julio Arca's close-range strike.
In the Fourth Round a better all-round performance saw the Black Cats beat Ipswich 2-1 at Portman Road, with Arca once again on hand to steer his side through.
McCarthy's side saved their best performances for the two matches against Birmingham in the Fifth Round. After a 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light, Tommy Smith scored twice in extra-time to secure the Black Cats a 2-0 win and a place in the last eight.
Sheffield United were last season's Cup specialists, reaching the last four in both The FA Cup and Worthington Cup.
They have again made an impact on The Cup, winning their first two ties without conceding a goal.
Wayne Allison's header knocked out Cardiff City and Jack Lester, Chris Morgan and Allison again contributed the goals that took the Blades through against off-form Nottingham Forest.
In the Fifth Round a single goal from Paul Peschisolido was enough to see off the challenge of Colchester United.
Team News
There is good news for Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy as defenders Gary Breen and Stephen Wright are back after injury as is Kevin Kyle.
McCarthy will miss the services of Swede Joachim Bjorklund, who is suspended.
Sheffield United should be able to welcome back Chris Morgan, Alan Wright and Jon Forte after recovery from injury but Peter Ndlovu has a foot strain and may miss out.
Neil Warnock cannot play Colin Cryan, Paul Shaw, Andy Gray or Ashley Sestanovich who are all Cup-tied.
Magic Moments
Two extra-time strikes either side of the turn-around from substitute Tommy Smith were Sunderland's highlights of the season as the Black Cats purred into the Sixth Round.
Smith broke the deadlock six minutes before the end of the first period of extra time - and it was no more than Mick McCarthy's side deserved. Then, with five minutes remaining, he made sure of victory for the Wearsiders guiding them into the Sixth Round for the first time in 12 years.
For United, Paul Peschisolido's goal saw them see off a spirited Colchester United.
Cup Run 2003/04
FA Cup Pedigree
Sunderland last won the Cup under inspirational manager Bob Stokoe, who passed away recently. The Second Division side beat overwhelming favourites Leeds United 1-0 in the 1973 Final, the 30th-minute goal coming from Ian Porterfield.
The Black Cats reached the Fifth Round last season before being cut down in their stride by Watford and will be hoping for a first appearance in the last four since they reached the Cup Final as a Second Division club in 1992.
Sheffield United were semi-finalists last season, losing controversially to Arsenal at Old Trafford. They reached the last four in 1993 and 1998 too. They've actually won the Cup four times - but the last occasion was almost 80 years ago.
Sunderland v Sheffield Utd: Past FA Cup Meetings
|
Year |
Round |
Result |
|
1932 |
Second Round |
Sheffield Utd 1-3 Sunderland |
|
1932 |
First Round |
Sunderland 1-2 Sheffield Utd |
|
1932 |
First Round |
Sheffield Utd 2-3 Sunderland |
|
1932 |
Fourth Round |
Sheffield Utd 1-2 Sunderland |
|
1932 |
Fifth Round |
Sunderland 2-1 Sheffield Utd |
|
1971 |
Fifth Round |
Sheffield Utd 0-0 Sunderland |
|
1971 |
Fifth Round Replay |
Sunderland 1-0 Sheffield Utd |
FA Cup 6th Round TV over the world