A rather interesting encounter in the FA Cup 1/8 final will take place in Sheffield. The local Blades ended a disappointing mini-series in the Championship on Saturday, cementing their position in the direct promotion zone. Purely psychologically, there is nothing to prevent the home side from preparing for the Premier League club's cup visit with good spirits and a fighting attitude. Tottenham cannot complain about their domestic league situation either. Spurs swatted down star-studded Chelsea at their home ground on Sunday, cementing their position in the Champions League zone. Sheffield United made it through to the current cup round by beating Millwall and Wrexham. The Blades got the better of the Blades in the replay, delighting England with a sensational draw in the first leg. Tottenham's journey was more relaxed. Spurs beat Portsmouth 1-0 at home in the 1/32 finals and then took a 3-0 thrashing from Preston in the 1/16 final. Bookmakers have suggested the London club as the favourite to win the upcoming encounter, with a win that can be bet at odds of 1.78.

Sheffield United are firmly in second place in the Championship. The Blades lost two consecutive meetings in mid-February, their nearest pursuer winning at the same time, sharpening the intrigue. Last Saturday, however, Heckingbottom's side levelled the situation with a home win over Watford. Sheffield United have lost only three games at home this season, only one of them by a margin of more than one goal.

Tottenham, on the other hand, lost both away games in February, but won all their home games. "Spurs are in fourth place in the league with a four-point lead over Newcastle, but cannot feel at ease as the Magpies have two games to spare. No doubt, Tottenham will be determined to have a positive result in Sheffield, but Conte's team will need two more important meetings in the next seven days: against Wolverhampton away and at home to Milan. It is unlikely that the Italian coach will be able to avoid rotating the squad on Wednesday.

It is more likely that the home side will take advantage of their home field and their opponents' focus on more important tournaments.