While Manchester City don't have a wonderful pedigree in the FA Cup, their fans should be looking at this season's competition with an air of optimism. Others can boast a much better record than City's two final appearances, one win and one loss, in 35 years -- even if many more could only dream of that sort of run.
An away tie with Middlesbrough awaits the winner of Wednesday's replay, following the 0-0 bore draw with Huddersfield at the John Smith's Stadium, and City's supporters know it could have been a much tougher route to the semifinal. Even better, one of Chelsea or Manchester United will go out, as they meet at Stamford Bridge.