Mark Noble is fully focused on getting beyond Manchester City on Wednesday week in the FA Cup third-round replay.
"Their home record is why they are in the top four," Noble said, mindful that City have not lost in eleven league games - with nine of those coming as wins. "They have got to lose there sooner or later and hopefully it is to us." Both teams are fully committed to winning through to another televised fourth-round tie at Sheffield United.
"They didn't rest too many players and they probably played their strongest team," Noble added, reflecting on Saturday's 0-0 draw at the Boleyn Ground in the first meeting of the clubs. [Striker Nery] Castillo has come in who's a fantastic player and we knew a lot about him."
While many may fancy City to go through at home, especially given their home form, Noble pointed to the "big upsets" that happened over the weekend. "That's what it is all about. Blackburn lost by a big margin to Coventry and it just shows you that anything can happen in the cup. It is special. That's the joy of it."
The incentive of knowing who lies is wait will also help the side "work that little bit harder". As well as being a tricky midweek fixture, the team will also have to return to the north-west four days later to take on the same opposition in a league meeting. "It is going to be tough for the boys. We have just got to show the same amount of effort and quality we put in today - and hopefully we will come away with the win."
First up is Fulham at home this Saturday and Noble has been making sure to rest after a tricky run of three games against sides among the top four in the country. With a win (against Manchester United), a defeat (against Arsenal) and a draw (City), the 20-year-old has every reason to be upbeat. "Three games for me against teams from the top four has been tough. But I am really pleased how we have come out of it and we have got to keep on playing as we are."