By Zarif Rasul
It's not often that Harry Maguire gets the chance to face a strike pairing with 89 Premier League goals between them, but the Sheffield United defender admits he cannot wait for his chance to thwart Aston Villa duo Gabriel Agbonlahor and Christian Benteke in The FA Cup on Saturday.
This weekend's Third Round clash at Villa Park will pair two sides with fantastic FA Cup pedigree - the Blades and the Villans have lifted the Cup 11 times between them - and for Maguire, it will provide the opportunity to pit his wits against some of the country's most feared forwards.
Aston Villa v Sheffield United
The FA Cup with Budweiser
Third Round Proper
3pm, Saturday 4 January 2014
Villa Park, Aston Villa FC
Winners receive £67,500
The former England Under-21 international, who is in his third season as a first-team regular at Bramall Lane, admits he was delighted when his side were paired with Paul Lambert's Premier League outfit.
He said: "It's very pleasing that we've got a big club. We either wanted a big club away or a game which we felt like we could win at home.
"We're all looking forward to it - everyone will be fighting for their places to play against Premier League players.
"It will be a chance to test yourself and see whereabouts you are in your career and whether you'll be able to handle the level and the step up.
"I'm looking forward to a really good battle to be honest. I know it's going to be tough when you're playing against Agbonlahor and Benteke, you're going to have your hands full.
Highlights of Sheffield United's win at Cambridge United in the Second Round.
"But hopefully we'll go into the game with confidence and we'll do our best to keep them out and hopefully get a result there."
Saturdays's encounter will also allow Maguire to lock horns with a familiar face and he is desperate to ensure he has the bragging rights after 90 minutes at Villa Park.
Full-back Matthew Lowton, who played alongside Maguire as Sheffield United reached the League One play-off final in 2012, traded South Yorkshire for the Midlands last year and could face his former employers for the first time.
Maguire added: "I speak to him quite regularly and we've been having a bit of banter between ourselves. We'll both enjoy the game and look forward and we'll have a chat before and afterwards. Hopefully we'll be the ones with the bragging rights!"
