Blues Or Gunners To Face Blades

Last updated : 10 March 2003 By Rich Godden
The other semi will be contested between Watford and Southampton.

Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock has revealed that he actually wants his Blades to face Chelsea in the next round. Here's why: "I love (Gianfranco) Zola and I'd like to get his shirt so from a personal point of view I would like to play Chelsea.

"I think Chelsea have got some great players and I don't think the replay is cut and dried with Arsenal winning as some people seem to think.

"If it is Arsenal we play I think Arsene Wenger will probably play his reserves so we'll have a great chance!

"It's going to be a great occasion for us whoever we play and I don't think it is beyond the realms of possibility that we could beat either of them. Looking at the teams left, ours is the most difficult game but every game at this stage is a bonus.

"The FA Cup run has been magnificent, the lads have been great and there has been something for everyone in every game. I'm a little bit disappointed but it's another big game for us. Either of them will be tough opposition and we'll just enjoy the day.

"I think we would have preferred playing Watford and one of us getting through to the final that way but fairytales can happen. It's going to be very difficult but I think I would rather face Chelsea so I wouldn't have to mark Thierry Henry!''

Nice to see the FA Cup hasn't lost all of it's magic...