Football: Blades cut a dash for the romantics

FA CUP SEMI-FINALS

IN THE 18 years since a team from the second tier of English football last won the FA Cup, the gulf in resources and quality between the Premiership and the First Division has reputedly widened to the extent that a final between Arsenal and Newcastle United ought to be a formality on 16 May.

Fortunately for all who look to the Cup as the last refuge of romance in an era of rampant commercialism, two Nationwide League clubs have proved that status and reputations still count for little or nothing in knock- out competition.

Sheffield United, who last lifted the trophy in 1925, qualified for tomorrow's semi-final with Newcastle at Old Trafford by virtue of coming through two matches against Coventry unscathed. Wolverhampton Wanderers, who have not taken the prize since 1960, earned a noon date with Arsenal at Villa Park despite being drawn away to Wimbledon and Leeds in previous rounds.

Although the needle would go off the footballing Richter scale if the games produced the first-ever final without a team from the top section, there must be a strong possibility of at least one of the underdogs reaching Wembley.

The feeling that Sheffield United have a better chance than Wolves is based as much on the merits of their respective opponents as on their own capabalities. Put bluntly, the Blades may never come across a more vulnerable Newcastle outfit. By contrast, Arsenal tackle Wolves in peak form if not at full strength.

Curiously, three of the teams will be playing for the credibility and possibly the jobs of their managers. Steve Thompson's priority at Sheffield United, where he is officially in charge until the end of the season, is promotion via the play-offs. Yet a trip to Wembley in the Cup would make him virtually unsackable.

The position of Mark McGhee, who is apparently no closer to ending Wolves' exile from the top flight, could become untenable unless he has a final appearance to fall back on. And even Kenny Dalglish, whose career is littered with honours, will come under pressure should Newcastle pass up the chance to redeem a wretched season.

On paper, a Newcastle team sixth from bottom in the Premiership should have too much power and class for the side sixth from top in the First. If, for example, Alan Shearer were at his best, it would hard to see Sheffield living with them.

The signs are, however, that Shearer has not regained the sharpness he had before his most recent injury. His colleagues have also been playing with a lack of spirit that may owe something to the furore created by the shenanigans of two directors.

Falling behind could find their morale wanting, and in the likes of Dean Saunders and Graham Stuart, the ebullient Thompson possesses players capable of taking advantage and of thriving on the atmosphere. In the underrated Alan Kelly, he may also have the better goalkeeper.

Wolves, meanwhile, are heartened by the likelihood that both Marc Overmars and Ian Wright will be absent from Arsenal's line-up, along with the suspended Dennis Bergkamp. "We've got to concede that they've got better players than us," McGhee said, a statement that perhaps owed as much to candour as to kidology. "The more that are missing, the better for us."

McGhee, who performed the considerable feat of outwitting George Graham tactically in the quarter-final, said he had devised a strategy for doing the same to Arsene Wenger. This may involve using three central defenders, with Steve Sedgley and Dean Richards forming a formidable barrier around Keith Curle.

"It won't just be about stopping them, but if we go out there without finding ways of combating them, they'll beat us." Asked to elaborate, he promised: "We're not going to string 11 people across our goal line." Nine or 10 might be another matter.

It is unthinkable that Steve Bull will not at least take part as a substitute. If Wolves lost without the fans' idol being involved, McGhee could probably clear his desk on Monday. They may actually have the edge in attack, where Wenger is placing a heavy burden on the inexperienced shoulders of Nicolas Anelka and Christopher Wreh, but in midfield and defence the balance is tilted firmly the other way.

Arsenal v Wolves

Last five League matches

D W W W W W D L W D

Top scorers

Dennis Bergkamp 19 Dougie Freedman 12

Wolves are hopeful that Keith Curle and Don Goodman will be fit after being rested in midweek. Simon Osborn is suspended, Neil Emblen is cup- tied and David Connolly still has not received international clearance from Feyenoord. Veteran striker Steve Bull is likely to start on the bench.

Arsenal's Ian Wright is virtually certain to be missing with a groin injury, while Dennis Bergkamp is suspended and Marc Overmars, who has a bruised ankle, has been given no better than a 50-50 chance. But Gilles Grimandi should be fit to replace full-back Lee Dixon, who is out for another two weeks with hamstring trouble.

Referee: S J Lodge (Barnsley)

Newcastle v Sheffield Utd

Last five League matches

D D L L D L W D W L

Top scorers

Gary Speed 8 Dean Saunders 12

Blades' keeper Alan Kelly is fit to play after shaking off the effects of bruised ribs, while defenders Chris Short and Roger Nilsen, who haven't played since the replay, will undergo late fitness tests on hamstring and calf injuries respectively.

Newcastle are without Steve Howey and skipper Rob Lee, who both have hamstring injuries, and cup-tied utility player Andy Griffin. Alessandro Pistone is hopeful of being fit after missing the midweek draw against Wimbledon with a back muscle injury, while Darren Peacock is having intensive treatment on his calf after being carried off in that match.

Referee: G Poll (Tring)