EPL: New story in Clough dynasty?

Ahh, the beauty of the Cup. The current top four will play niggly rematches of recent Premier League skirmishes while the likes of Sheffield United aim to sneak into the quarter-finals.

For those of a certain age, it would be particularly romantic — in the football sense — if United could overcome Forest this weekend and even go all the way.

It’s a long shot, of course, for a League One club to do that, although Nahki Wells almost managed it with Bradford City in the Capital One Cup.

But many will be following the Blades with interest because their manager is Nigel Clough, son of Brian. 

Now Brian, as many will know, was pretty unique, a legendary man manager who led, coincidentally, Forest to the European Cup (twice) among many other achievements. 

Straight-talking, arrogant — fondly nicknamed Ol’ Big ’Ed — funny, inspiring and, sadly, bedevilled by drink, Brian was the greatest manager never to take charge of England. He also never won the FA Cup.

So how fitting it would be if his son Nigel, a respected  boss in his own right, could add the trophy to the family dynasty.

That would certainly add a little misty-eyed intrigue to a competition that has lost much of its allure in recent times.

Of course, it’s odds-on it won’t happen, although they’ve beaten two top-flight teams already en route to the fifth round.

Still, Wigan won it last year so this is still the competition for the underdog. Let’s have a little more romance, please. It’s Valentine’s Day, after all.

FA Cup Fifth Round

TOMORROW

All 11am unless stated

Sunderland v Saints

8:45am

For the Black Cats, this season is all about league survival so this is either a welcome or an unnecessary distraction. Saints have an impressive core of English players who will relish the thought of progressing to the quarter-finals.

Prediction: 1-2

Cardiff v Wigan

It’s been an indifferent season for the Cup holders Wigan. Owen Coyle did not last long at the helm as his management career continues to freefall, although new boss Uwe Rosler has steered them to within four points of the playoffs.

Cardiff are having a troubled and well chronicled first season in the Premier League. Could an upset be on the cards?  

Prediction: 1-2

Sheff Wed v Charlton 

Charlton haven’t won in six in the Championship so a trip to Wednesday — resurgent under the new management of Stuart Gray — does not look ideal. 

Prediction: 2-0

Man City v Chelsea

1:15am

A real test of City’s resolve, especially if they are to win all four competitions like they have set out to and especially considering how spectacularly outplayed they were by Chelsea last week.

Jose Mourinho knows he has City’s number, although I expect the home side will have a point to prove this time.

Prediction: 2-1

SUNDAY

Everton v Swansea

8:30am

A reunion with the Swans for Everton manager Roberto Martinez, whose team should be refreshed after their midweek game was called off.

The Welsh team have rookie manager Gary Monk in charge after the sacking of Michael Laudrup. To a degree, it’s galvanized the team but the Toffees should be too good.

Prediction:  2-0

Sheff Utd v Nottm Forest

Forest are engineering a fine season in the Championship and the playoffs are the minimum of expectations under boss Billy Davies.

The Blades are in the League One drop zone and manager Clough is trying hard to arrest the slide after he was pushed out the door at Derby.

On paper it should be an away win but after seeing off Fulham and Aston Villa in previous rounds, United will not be intimidated in the slightest.

Prediction: 2-1

Arsenal v Liverpool

12pm

The Gunners took a 5-1 whuppin’ the last time they met and after the insipid draw at home to Man Utd, questions continue to hover over Arsene Wenger’s side.

Arsenal should feel liberated by the Cup but Liverpool are flying at the moment. Expect a more cagey game and even a replay at Anfield.

Prediction: 1-1

MONDAY

Brighton v Hull

3:45pm

Brighton are a solid outfit under Oscar Garcia but Hull’s new front two of Shane Long and Nikica Jelavic hold the key.

Prediction:

0-3

English Premier League standings