Capital One Cup: Eight numbers to unsettle Tottenham

Nigel Clough has achieved incredible things at Sheffield United

Sheffield United are a cup phenomenon, with these the numbers behind their extraordinary record...

Whatever happens to Sheffield United in their Capital One Cup semi-final against Tottenham - they are 6.411/2 to qualify to the Lilywhites' 1.162/13 - their cup record since Nigel Clough arrived 15 months ago deserves to be revered as one of the most sustained spells of odd-defying splendour ever.

To commemorate what they have achieved in that period, and alert Spurs to the fact that this home leg might not be as straightforward as their 1.364/11 win price implies, we have compiled the stunning statistics behind Sheffield United's 13 months of cup majesty...

1
Sheffield United have lost just one of the 17 FA Cup or Capital One Cup games that they have played under Clough. Nine of those were against sides from higher divisions.

2
The number of cup semi-final appearances the Blades have made in the past year, preceding this Capital One Cup feat by reaching the final four of the 2013/14 FA Cup. They are still in this season's edition too.

4
Four of the League One team's five Premier League conquests were completed away from Bramall Lane, albeit with the assistance of extra time at Fulham last February and penalties at West Ham.

5
The Blades have shut out each of their past five FA Cup or Capital One Cup opponents, including top-flight pair Southampton and QPR most recently. They are 9.28/1 not to concede at White Hart Lane.

7
Sheffield United have ousted seven sides from higher divisions from cups since last January: Premier League quintet Aston Villa, Fulham (since relegated), West Ham, Southampton and QPR and Championship duo Nottingham Forest and Charlton.

8
This is how many goals the Yorkshire club have netted in their past four meetings with Premier League heavyweights. You can oppose the Spurs first-leg clean sheet @ 1.9110/11.

11
The number of FA Cup and Capital One Cup goals that Sheffield United have scored without reply since conceding the opener in their 2-1 victory at MK Dons in October.

12
Clough's knockout competition enthusiasts have won a massive 12 of their 17 FA Cup or Capital One Cup fixtures under him, drawing four of the others. They are 10.5n/a to triumph at White Hart Lane.