Only one step away from Wembley, a journey never experienced before by First Division newcomers Wimbledon. This afternoon at White Hart Lane, they face Luton Town who will be trying to achieve a record fourth appearance there in one season. Meanwhile at Hillsborough, Liverpool, no strangers to Wembley themselves, will also be aiming for a record - to be the first club to achieve the League and FA Cup 'double' for the second time in history. Only Nottingham Forest can stop them, although knowing that Brian Clough has never been to the final in this competition either as a player or manager could provide his young side with the necessary motivation to do so.
The last live match from this season's Barclays League is the 102nd time these great north London rivals have disputed points in a series that began in 1909. Rival managers George Graham and Terry Venables are friends of long standing, but there will be no old pals' act on the field. There never has been, as the summary of results shows: 41 wins for Arsenal, 39 for Spurs, with 21 games drawn.
Luton were barred from last season's Littlewoods Cup because of their ban on away fans. They had second thoughts for 1987-88 and now, after drawing the first leg of this semi-final 1-1 at Oxford, will fancy their chance of reaching only the second final in their history. Oxford surprised many when they won the Milk Cup two years ago, so they have the flavour of Wembley. They are also fighting for their First Division lives.
After establishing a club record of 14 straight wins in the first half of the season, Arsenal have momentarily gone off the boil. A draw against West Ham and victories over Charlton and Queens Park Rangers make up Manchester United's record in London this season. Past form at Highbury favours United and a close encounter. They have won there three times in the last four seasons, all by the odd goal, as was Arsenal's victory in the corresponding match last season.
George Graham 's forecast, when he took over at Highbury last year, was that Arsenal could be genuine contenders for the league title within two seasons. The timing looks right. Last month's 14th successive win set a new Arsenal record. Coventry City did not need a trophy cabinet until they won the FA Cup last May, but all that Sky Blue excitement at Wembley has been hard to follow this season.