FA Cup: Sheffield United v Charlton Athletic match preview
A look ahead to this weekend's quarter-final at Bramall Lane
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Your support makes all the difference.Charlton head north to Sheffield in the FA Cup for the second time in succession after they knocked out United’s rivals Wednesday last time out, with realistic hopes of securing their first semi-final appearance since 1947. History, though, is not on their side with the Addicks losing all three of their FA Cup ties with the Blades, most recently in 2009 when Lee Hendrie notched the winner.
They’ve had the better of their League One opposition in recent times, however, beating them twice in the 2011/12 season without conceding a goal. Addicks boss Chris Powell will be keen to make the most of this opportunity and take the attention away from their precarious position in the Championship, which sees them languishing in the bottom three with just a third of the season to go.
United themselves had been flirting with relegation from League One for some time until a run of six-straight wins without conceding propelled them into the top half of England’s third division. The Blades have been inspired in this year’s domestic cup competition, beating Premier League sides Aston Villa and Fulham as well as Championship-playoff hopefuls Nottingham Forest on their way to the last eight.
The home side’s phenomenal record against higher-division opponents in the cup paired with Charlton’s success on their travels this year should make for an entertaining, old-fashioned FA Cup clash with a rare Wembley appearance at stake for both sides.
KICK-OFF: Sunday 12.00
PAST THREE MEETINGS…
Jan 2012: Charlton (Jackson) 1-0 Sheffield United, League One
Oct 2011: Sheffielld United 0-2 Charlton (Kermogant, Wright-Phillips), League One
Jan 2009: Sheffield United (Webber, Hendrie) 2-1 Charlton (Dickson), FA Cup
STATS…
These two have met three times before in the FA Cup, with the Blades winning all of them including one through a replay
Sheffield United have knocked out three teams in higher divisions than them on their way to the last eight
Before this season, the home side had won all eight of their FA Cup matches against higher opposition
However, Charlton themselves haven’t lost any of their last seven FA Cup ties against teams in lower divisions
The last time these sides met was in League One during the 2011-12 season. The London club won both games without conceding
All three of the Addicks’ victories in the cup this year have come away from home
Referee Lee Mason has overseen two FA Cup ties awarding seven yellow cards in the process
ODDS…
Sheffield United to win: 2.2
Charlton to win: 3.6
Draw: 3.25
TV: BT Sport, 12.00
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