Given my two clubs Town and Sheffield Wednesday, it might not go down too well that I’m wishing good luck to Bradford City and Sheffield United as they prepare for big cup-ties this week.
Bradford go to Chelsea in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday, a trip we have made twice in relatively recent times.
It’s their reward for an excellent performance in last week’s third-round replay against Millwall over at Valley Parade.
Jon Stead put his name on the scoresheet – that’s one in very round of the cup so far this season – and as I said in last week’s column, it’s great to see him doing so well.
He’s a top bloke and an experienced player, and that was on show with the goal he got against Millwall to add to those against FC Halifax Town and Dartford.
His know how will be important down at Stamford Bridge, both before the game and during it.
Bradford obviously have their work cut out to spring what would be a massive shock.
Chelsea are a world-class side, and Jose Mourinho isn’t one to underestimate any opponent.
His preparation will be meticulous, and he and his staff will put Steady and all the Bradford side firmly in the spotlight this week as they work on a gameplan.
While the odds on an away success will be pretty long, the fans will recall those Capital One Cup wins against Arsenal and Aston Villa on that memorable run to the final the season before last.
They will have another great trip to enjoy and the club will benefit financially, with the figure of £500,000 mentioned.
It’s this season’s Capital One semis this week, and Sheffield United are away to Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday.
The Blades have had a brilliant time in cup competitions recently, with wins against the likes of Villa, QPR, Southampton and West Ham United.
Like Bradford, they will be the firm underdogs against Spurs, especially with the tie being over two legs.
But the fact they have home advantage second could help.
Hopefully they will get a reasonable result down at White Hart Lane, so ensuring Bramall Lane will be bouncing for the second leg.
Chelsea’s involvement in the other Capital One semi – they are at home to Liverpool tomorrow – will give that extra bit of hope to Bradford ahead of their West London visit.
