The Blades restored a seven-point cushion in the Championship top-two with a 1-0 win over Watford at the weekend, yet ending a run of five straight fifth round eliminations when facing Premier League (PL) opposition appears a much tougher task.
Paul Heckingbottom’s Blades aren’t without a prayer though, as they’ve made Bramall Lane an intimidating place for visiting sides recently (W7, L1).
Whilst the hosts have scored eight times in their three FA Cup games this season (W2, D1), this one may not be so simple with their last two games against PL opponents in the tournament ending in defeat by handicap-busting score lines and without reply.
Still without boss Antonio Conte as he recovers from his surgery in Italy, Spurs are in good hands under the leadership of Christian Stellini.
The stand-in coach maintained a 100% win record across his four games in charge of Spurs, prompting #StelliniIn to trend on Twitter in the aftermath of their convincing 2-0 win over London rivals Chelsea last time out which strengthened their grip on fourth place.
His next and perhaps final task ahead of Conte’s return is to avenge Spurs’ embarrassing FA Cup exit away to second-tier Middlesbrough last year (1-0 AET).
The fifth round seems to be a particularly sticky spot for Spurs though, having crashed out of the competition at this stage in each of the last three seasons.
Even so, a run of three wins ‘to nil’ across their last five domestic road trips raises hopes that they can buck that trend.
Players to watch: Sheffield United’s Oli McBurnie scored in the opening or final five minutes in three of his last six appearances, including in their last FA Cup clash against Wrexham.
Looking to outdo him will be Spurs’ Son Heung-min, who has thrived in the FA Cup over the years with 25 goal contributions in 27 appearances since his first back in 2016 (G14, A11).
Hot streak: None of Sheffield United’s last 14 FA Cup home games ended level after 90 minutes (W11, L3).
