Owls v Gunners: It’s going to be a thriller, says Semedo

Wednesday head into the Capital One Cup tie on the back of an eight-match unbeaten run, while the Gunners are running hot, having beaten Bayern Munich in the Champions League seven days ago while sharing top spot in the Premier League with Manchester City.

Around 35,000 are expected at Hillsborough, which will represent the biggest crowd since the club secured promotion back to the Championship against Wycombe in May 2012.

On this evening’s mouthwatering fourth-round tie, Semedo, the only survivor from that starting line-up expected to take the field tonight, said: “It has been a long time. We have been looking forward since the game at Newcastle and when we got on the bus and saw the draw and that it was Arsenal, there was a big excitement.

“The most special thing was because the draw was at home. Our fans deserve to see a big, big team on our ground and it will be a good game for sure.

“It is a clash between two teams in good form and it could make a spectacular night.

“They are one of the best teams in the world and are in fantastic form and for us, it’s a special game and with the help of the crowd, it will be a special night.

“The fans are like an extra man. I remember playing Wycombe at home and (Sheffield) United and with a big crowd, it’s a massive, massive help for us and we will need that. I am sure they are looking forward to it too.”

Head coach Carlos Carvalhal has spoken about the Owls having just a ten per cent chance of victory tonight, but Semedo is keeping the faith.

He added: “Of course, we believe we can win. Always. We don’t go there thinking we will lose the game.

“That is not the nature of the club and our fans don’t allow us to think like that.

Admitting the game is one of the biggest of his career, Semedo added: “It is one of the best. I have been up against Manchester City, but right now I think Arsenal are the best team in form in Europe.

“It will be a special occasion and maybe for the players it is the best game against the best team right now.”

It is the second season in a row that a side from the Steel City are making waves in the Capital One Cup, with Semedo hoping that the Owls can go one better than the Blades - who reached the last four in 2014-15 - and reach the final.

He said: “Always, we want to do better than them - if possible, go to the final and win!.”