The immovable objects meet the irresistible force in the unwanted replay tonight as Arsenal and Manchester United renew semi-final hostilities at Villa Park (Sky Sports 2, 7.45). In chasing a final against Newcastle, United know they must breach a defence that has not conceded a goal in seven games.
In trying for a repeat of last season's double, Arsenal know they must put United under greater pressure than they managed on Sunday and hope to steer clear of the sort of knock picked-up in the first tie by Dutch winger Marc Overmars and which makes him doubtful for tonight's re-match. He will face a late fitness test.
Overmars's injury is a blow for Arsenal although Arsene Wenger says there is no fear of long-term damage to his ankle which is just badly bruised and swollen.
Sweden's Fredrik Ljungberg, who replaced the Dutchman just before the end of 90 minutes on Sunday, looks the most likely deputy again.
But, perhaps significantly, Wenger ordered his squad to take special penalty practice yesterday and nobody would be surprised if the replay had to be decided by a shoot-out.
However, Wenger is able to recall influential midfielder Emmanuel Petit, after suspension, in place of Nelson Vivas who received Arsenal's 10th red card of the season at the weekend.
Alex Ferguson is also likely to bring in fresh faces. Having given his best 11 the chance to book a Wembley day out last Sunday, the United manager is unlikely to risk his full first team a second time in pursuit of a trophy which is third on Old Trafford's wish-list.
After all, United play a vital Premiership game at home to Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, followed by next Wednesday's even more crucial European Cup semi-final second-leg tie away to Juventus.
"The replay is certainly not the best preparation for the game in Turin," admitted Ferguson, "but we'll get on with it. We have a strong pool of players." In fact tonight's tie is United's fifth of eight games in just 23 days prior to five Premiership matches in the first 16 days of May.
So in the interests of common sense, Ferguson is likely to ask the left-winger Jesper Blomqvist to give Ryan Giggs a breather after his recent return from injury and Ole Gunnar Solksjaer is poised to replace either Andy Cole or Dwight Yorke, who have not scored for a month. Phil Neville will also replace the injured Denis Irwin at left-back.
United will be looking for a change of luck after Roy Keane's disallowed goal on Sunday, but at least history is on their side; they have won their last five FA Cup semi-final replays.
Arsene Wenger, a former coach of Grampus 8, could help lead Japan into the World Cup finals on home soil in 2002, according to the current national manager and fellow Frenchman Philippe Troussier. "Arsene and I have discussed the possibility of jointly managing Japan. I can see him bringing his experience and charisma to the job in the months before the finals."
