Premier League and FA Cup semis: 10 things to look out for this weekend

(1) Luton hope Brentford are eyeing the beach

There was a distinct end-of-season vibe at the Gtech Community Stadium after Brentford’s win over Sheffield United, with Thomas Frank and his players performing what amounted to a lap of honour as they took plaudits from fans relieved that the spectre of relegation had finally been banished.

Of course only time will tell if the Bees become the first Premier League team to decamp to the metaphorical beach and Saturday’s match at Luton will provide a fair indication. Ravaged by injury with up to 11 players likely to be unavailable, Luton were on a hiding to nothing in their game against Manchester City but still emerged from the rout with their heads held high having restricted the champions to a one-goal lead until their capitulation after the hour mark.

It is increasingly difficult to compliment Rob Edwards’ side without sounding condescending, but if it transpires that the Brentford side that turns up in Bedfordshire has mentally tapped out, the Premier League’s most dashing manager, his players and their fans are unlikely to have any complaints whatsoever. Barry Glendenning

(2) Arblaster represents optimism for Blades’ future

As they prepare for what may very well be a dress rehearsal for next season’s Championship promotion challenge, Sheffield United and Burnley can take encouragement from the presence of Leicester, Leeds and Southampton in the thick of the second-tier promotion race.

All three went down last season and all three have a chance of making an immediate return from a division that could represent a fine finishing school for some of Vincent Kompany’s talented, if still sometimes naive, young Burnley players, not to mention Sheffield United’s gifted