Fortunately, if the previous meetings between the two sides are anything to go by, there will be plenty of goalmouth action. The Star looked back at the last 10 meetings between the Blades and Villa – and be sure to follow The Star for unrivalled coverage from Villa Park!
1. January 2005 – Blades 3, Villa 1
Gareth Barry put the visitors ahead in the FA Cup tie at Bramall Lane, before Danny Cullip (remember him?) equalised for the Blades. Then two goals in as many minutes from Andy Liddell won the game for the Blades Photo: Laurence Griffiths
2. December 2006 – Blades 2, Villa 2
A poor start by the Blades saw Stiliyan Petrov put Villa ahead in just the second minute. Stephen Quinn equalised, before two goals in a minute from Danny Webber and Milan Baros saw the points shared between the two sides Photo: Clive Brunskill
3. May 2007 – Villa 3, Blades 0
An afternoon to forget for the Blades, and one that contributed to their relegation from the Premier League that season. Gabriel Agbonlahor, Ashley Young and Patrik Berger all got on the scoresheet – and a week later, United were relegated on goal difference. Photo: Ross Kinnaird
4. January 2011 – Blades 1, Villa 3
Kyle Walker, on loan at Villa from Spurs, returned to Bramall Lane to face his boyhood club not long after he was sold and opened the scoring in the ninth minute. Marc Albrighton made it 2-0 to Villa before Jamie Ward pulled one back from the penalty spot. But Petrov netted in the last minute to send Villa through to the next round of the FA Cup Photo: PAUL ELLIS