But what makes it a truly formidable proposition for visitors is the team it contains and, last night, Sheffield United discovered Arsenal's embarrassment of riches extends far beyond their household names.
Despite fielding the youngest side in their history, the Premier League leaders carved United apart with such consummate ease that it was impossible to disagree with manager Arsene Wenger's prediction that the same starting 11 are capable of adding the Carling Cup to an already well-stocked trophy cabinet.
"We knew they had a good set of lads," Kevin Blackwell said. "But we didn't know how good. In fact they were awesome.
"I think they would beat most people in that sort of form and, when Arsene says it's the best collection of young players he has ever worked with, well, that puts things into perspective.
"It's certainly the best group of youngsters I've ever seen during my time in the game and, pound for pound, they're probably the best in Europe.
"Arsene could put that team out in the Premiership and it would cause plenty of problems."
United can take some consolation from the fact that they are unlikely to encounter such quality and class in the Championship but their manager's biggest fear must be the possibility that the scoreline shatters his charges' confidence.
Saturday's meeting with Watford is now a psychological as well as physical test.
"Sometimes in life you've just got to say that you've come up against something far better than you are," Blackwell continued.
"My players said the ball was moving so quickly they could do nothing about it. It destroyed their shape – it was like trying to swat flies."
When Blackwell boarded the coach to London, he had no way of knowing that this third round tie would be overshadowed by events elsewhere but, with the independent tribunal charged with investigating his club's compensation claim following the Carlos Tevez Affair announcing it had ruled in their favour, United arrived in the capital subjects of a media storm.
But Blackwell's decision to name arguably his strongest possible line-up proved that, in Bramall Lane's bootroom at least, football still takes precedence over finance.
Having gone four games without a win, United travelled south hoping to enjoy a freedom of expression they seldom enjoy in the league.
Danny Webber, the only change to the side narrowly beaten at Norwich last weekend, attempted to capture the mood with a threatening run to the edge of the Arsenal penalty area during the opening skirmishes.
But rather than encouraging his team mates, Webber's foray, which ended in disappointing fashion with a scuffed off-target shot, inspired Wenger's players instead.
And, to such an extent, that the match was effectively over as a contest by the time referee Phil Dowd blew for the interval.
With United apparently powerless to prevent Arsenal's next generation showcasing the talents which make them the envy of the sporting world, one had to wonder whether the official was actually performing a humanitarian act when he ushered them towards the sanctuary of the dressing room.
Bemused, belittled and thoroughly bewildered, United seemed totally in awe of their opponents' touch, poise and pace.
Johan Djourou and Jack Wilshere both wasted good opportunities before Nicklas Bendtner scored the first of his two goals; sweeping the ball beyond Paddy Kenny after Carlos Vela escaped Chris Morgan's clutches on the edge of the area.
A delightful back heel from Aaron Ramsey created the Danish striker's second and when Carlos Vela made it three.
The Mexican forward claimed his hat-trick with the first and last efforts of a thoroughly one-sided second-half with a Jack Wilshere finish sandwiched in between.
"This is the best collection of youngsters I have ever worked with," Wenger enthused afterwards. "But I'm not surprised by what happened because I see these players play every day.
"We can go all the way and win it."
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