Man City would provide a stern test of our Premiership credentials and may illustrate just what would be required over the summer should the dream scenario happen and Saints go up this season.
With the Cup a potential distraction with Saints tucked into the play-off positions, an exit to Man City would at least avoid the kind of morale sapping loss to lowly opposition that can colour a season.
If the Owls make it through, then Saints face the prospect of playing them twice in succession after the Championship home game on January 31st.
The tie will be played on January 27 or 28 and is unlikely to be troubling the TV schedulers, although in any case the FA Cup TV money pales in comparison to any Premiership payout.
If Saints do make it through, then we look likely to be denied a runout against poor old Pompey, who face high-flying Man Utd away from home in what looks a real home banker!