Alan Looking Foward To Blades Clash

ALAN Pardew is anticipating an excellent cup-tie occasion at Upton Park when West Ham United entertain Sheffield United in the FA Cup Fourth Round.

Yesterday's draw pitted the Hammers against their Championship rivals, exactly a week after Neil Warnock's side had won 2-0 at the Boleyn Ground.

But Pards will be hoping for a much improved display against the Blades this time round.

"It's a great Cup draw," enthused Alan. "Sheffield United are a very good Cup team, which they proved by winning 3-1 against Aston Villa in the last round.

"The Blades will be a very tough side to beat. They have a great away record and some really talented players.

"But we're at home, we had a disappointing display against them in the League recently and they know we'll give a much better account of ourselves this time.

"We are determined to progress as far as we can in the Cup. It's a great competition, and although the Championship remains our main objective, a good cup run would bring a lot of benefits to West Ham United.

 "It all makes for a terrific encounter, and hopefully we'll fill Upton Park and have a tremendous atmosphere for what should be a really great game."