These two sides have not met since both were playing in the Championship in February 2009 – and both clubs have experienced contrasting fortunes since Southampton’s relegation at the end of that season.

After back-to-back promotions in 2011 and 2012, the Saints now sit fourth in the Barclays Premier League, while the Blades are currently languishing in fifth place in Sky Bet League One.

The excitement will be building for both teams as they get closer to a Wembley final, as you would have to go back to 1976 (when Southampton won the FA Cup) to find the last time either side won a major trophy, and the host’s last piece of silverware came in the same competition back in 1925.

Once again, it is the team from the superior division that have been made favourites for the clash, with Sheffield United priced at 5/1, and Ronald Koeman’s visitors as short as 4/7.

Southampton boast the best defensive record in the Premier League this season – having conceded just 12 goals – so an improved 7/4 option of Southampton to win and ‘no’ on both teams to score seems a reasonable way to boost our odds.

Nevertheless, the home team should not be written off in the cups having reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup last season, and the odds on Southampton – draw on the half time/full time market at 14/1 could be one to seriously keep an eye on.