For all four clubs involved, this weekend’s FA Cup semi finals present a wonderful opportunity. All but one of the big names have already gone, and the one that remains is arguably more in need of a trophy than anyone else just now.
Arsenal are the obvious favourites among this unlikely semi final line up, and having been reminded so often in the last few years that he hasn’t won anything since lifting this trophy in 2005, Arsene Wenger could hardly ask for a better chance to end that run.
After going from serious title contenders to battling for a place in the top four in the space of a few weeks however, the Gunners could be vulnerable to an upset when they play the holders Wigan.
It was enough of an upset when they won the cup last year, and it would be an even bigger one if they were to be the first side from the top division to win it, since West Ham 34 years ago.
Wigan have been in outstanding form in the Championship, and now look likely to be in the play offs. Their manager Uwe Rosler showed real commitment to defending the trophy, when he rested most of his first team players from the midweek match against Millwall.
Like Wigan, a change of manager in the middle of the season has also paid off for Sheffield United, and Nigel Clough’s side could now be the first from outside the top two divisions to reach the final.
Clough’s legendary father Brian famously never won the cup; indeed the only time he reached the final was 23 years ago, when Nigel was on the Nottingham Forest team which went down 2-1 to Tottenham.
The Blades haven’t reached the final for 78 years; their opponents Hull have never reached it. Indeed their only previous semi final was way back in 1930.
Hull’s manager Steve Bruce was the winning FA Cup captain 20 years ago, so it’s the chance for a very special double, and with Premier League safety now just about secure, he can put everything into this one.
With all matches this weekend delayed by seven minutes as part of the Hillsborough 25th anniversary commemorations, Wigan versus Arsenal kicks off at 5.07 on Saturday, with Hull and Sheffield United underway at 4.07 on Sunday, both at Wembley.
