Tottenham travel to Sheffield United on Wednesday evening looking to progress to the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2018. With the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea already out of this year’s competition, Antonio Conte’s side will likely view this as a great opportunity to end their barren trophyless spell, spanning back to their League Cup triumph in 2008.
However, a trip to Bramall Lane represents a real test for Spurs, despite the 18 places separating the sides across two divisions. And pundit Chris Sutton believes this could be set up for a classic FA Cup upset.
In his latest column for the BBC, the former Norwich, Blackburn and Celtic striker predicted a 2-1 win for the Blades after extra-time. “Tottenham are in decent form but this looks like a really awkward game for them,” Sutton said.
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“Sheffield United are an aggressive side who will give it everything they have got and Bramall Lane will be rocking. The Blades only just about avoided being upset by non-league Wrexham in the last round, but I think they will be the ones supplying the shock result this time.”
For this week’s FA Cup ties, Sutton went head-to-head with Paul Olima and Adele Nicoll from reality TV show Go Hard or Go Home. Paul, who played professional football and rugby before becoming a personal trainer and taking up modelling, actually agreed with Sutton in predicting a 2-1 win for the Blades.
He said: “I don't think the Tottenham lads will fancy this one. They might not want to be there.”
Meanwhile, Adele, who competed at shot put for Wales at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, has more faith in Conte’s side, who will once again be led by Cristian Stellini once more as Antonio Conte continues his recuperation after gallbladder surgery.
She opted for a 2-1 win for the visitors, adding: “It was a shame that Sheffield United knocked out Wrexham, which is close to where I grew up in Welshpool.
“I am going to have to back Tottenham here - they are a bit hit and miss - but they can usually rely on Harry Kane to get them through.
Under the management of Paul Heckingbottom, Sheffield United have had an excellent season in the Championship, and look set to return to the Premier League at the second attempt. The Blades are currently sat in second place in the table having amassed 64 points from 33 games, seven clear of third placed Middlesbrough and with a game in hand.
A recent wobble, which saw back-to-back defeats against Boro and Millwall, was put right last Saturday with a 1-0 win against play-off chasing Watford. Now their focus turns to upsetting the odds with a memorable win against an in-form Tottenham side.
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