Blackburn, Watford can spring cup shocks, says Savage
The prospect of the Barclays Premiership’s top two sides meeting in the first major British final at the new Wembley moved a step closer when they were kept apart in the draw for the last four.
United, who face a tricky quarter-final replay against Middlesbrough, would play Watford if they beat Gareth Southgate’s side and Chelsea would face Rovers if they beat Tottenham at White Hart Lane.
But Savage, out with a broken leg, has refused to dismiss the chances of his own side or the relegation-threatened Hornets.
He told Sky Sports: “It’s not the best draw for the neutral and we’ll be the underdogs.
“But we’ll give it a good go and whoever it is, with the way we’ve been playing, we’ll think we can beat them. Why not? Some of the boys said we thought we wouldn’t get Watford and Watford would have probably liked Blackburn as well, to be honest. But it’s not to be.”
The Welshman also gave Spurs a good chance of knocking Jose Mourinho’s side before the semi-final stage.
“It could be Chelsea or it could be Tottenham (in the next round) – Tottenham played superbly well and should have won the game.
“It’s not all about Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham – Blackburn and Watford are there and one of those teams could get to the final.
“The final would be a massive thing for whoever gets there.”
Asked if he would be fit to play a part if Rovers were to make the showpiece, Savage said: “Maybe, maybe not but hopefully. That wouldn’t be my biggest problem though – that will be getting back in the team.”
Watford chief executive Mark Ashton was also pleased to be involved but admitted that on-loan goalkeeper Ben Foster, one of the club‘s key players, would not be facing United if the two meet.
“Any draw in the semi-final is a good draw and we’re delighted to be there. It’s fair to say we are the team everyone wanted to play. We are delighted to be there and will be giving it our all.
“But we have an agreement with Manchester United that Ben wouldn’t play in any competition (against them) this season, so as far as we are aware that will stand.”
Ashton was adamant the club would still prefer to earn Premiership safety rather than win the cup but insisted they would be tough opponents for whoever they face.
“The league always has to come first. We have a winning mentality. Every performance has been very competitive this season.
“We are extremely hard to beat every time we play. The cup has been no different.”
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