SAM Allardyce will ask his players for an action replay of their Premiership victory over Arsenal, when they go head to head with the Gunners for a place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

The Champions booked the Reebok date when they beat Sheffield United in a dramatic penalty shoot-out in Tuesday night's fifth round replay at Bramall Lane after a scoreless 120 minutes.

Allardyce, who watched the epic battle, reminded Arsene Wenger of his last visit to Bolton, on January 15, when Stelios scored the only goal to deal a crushing blow to the Gunners' hopes of retaining their title.

"We've already beaten Arsenal at the Reebok by stifling their attacking force and we'll have to play a similar game again, if we are going to progress,"the Wanderers boss said.

"We are going to face a very difficult tie. Cardiff is like Arsenal's second home. They are so used to going there and there's no doubt that they want to go there again this year.

"It's up to us to try to stifle them and ultimately win the game to make sure they don't.

"It will be very tough but we are quietly confident."

Allardyce sympathised with Neil Warnock and his Sheffield United players, who produced a courageous performance against an Arsenal side which, although weakened by injuries and suspensions to many of their top players, still had an abundance of talent on show.

They defended for long periods but could have snatched victory just before the end of normal time when Arsenal keeper, Manuel Almunia, made a vital save from Jon Harley's header.

"It was a very difficult game for Arsenal,"Allardyce said. "I thought Sheffield United outplayed them throughout the game and it must have been heartbreaking for Neil Warnock and his players to lose on their home ground in the manner in which they did.

"Credit must be given to the Arsenal keeper who made some excellent saves, and not only in the penalty shoot-out. Saving that Harley header was crucial."