As another game quickly moves into view for Norwich City following Wednesday's impressive efforts at Chelsea, David Freezer assesses the Sheffield United challenge which awaits at Carrow Road.
Daniel Farke has been determined to improve the stamina levels of the Norwich City squad since his summer arrival – and now that fitness work is set for a thorough test.
While the German coach's team were earning rave reviews for their determined effort to push Premier League giants Chelsea all the way in their FA Cup third round replay, their next opponents had their feet up in front of the TV.
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder probably celebrated as much as Canaries fans when Jamal Lewis popped up to head City level in the fourth minute of injury time at Stamford Bridge.
It was a brilliant moment, the 19-year-old's first ever goal in first-team football, leaving their wealthy hosts shocked and 3,000 travelling supporters delirious. It did mean another 30 minutes of action though.
Would City supporters have swapped the pride they felt as Farke's team gave the reigning top-flight champions an almighty scare? Doubtful.
Will all connected with the Canaries be lamenting the impact it will have on a resurgent Championship campaign? We'll find out on Saturday.
REPORT: Brave Canaries lose penalty shootout after pulsating FA Cup third round replay at Chelsea
Right-back Ivo Pinto was struggling with cramp in extra-time and was replaced by Alex Tettey for the final five minutes. With no obvious right-back cover in the squad at the moment, City's skipper has a few stints in the sub-zero recovery chambers to look forward to.
Timm Klose and Nelson Oliveira were among the other players also clearly struggling – although centre-back Klose overcame his tired legs to pop up a sumptuous cross for Lewis's goal at the end of normal time.
Grant Hanley went into the game with a calf knock, Tettey started on the bench as he was already tired and Mario Vrancic overcame a sickness bug to play.
MORE: Daniel Farke proud of Norwich City after Chelsea FA Cup penalty shootout exit
Sixth-placed Sheffield will arrive looking to avenge their 1-0 defeat at Bramall Lane in September, so it's going to take some impressive reserves of energy if the Canaries are to extend their four-game unbeaten league run.
Their fitness work is paying off though. Just three teams have scored more than their 19 goals in the second half of games in the Championship so far this season and they haven't concede a goal in the second half of their last seven league games.
With the Carrow Road crowd sure to be well behind their team after Wednesday's efforts, it's going to take a real collective effort to keep the Blades at bay.
• Follow Canaries correspondent David Freezer on Facebook @DavidFreezer1 or on Twitter @davefreezer
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here