Sheffield Eagles vs. London Broncos: Date, Start Time and Preview

The Challenge Cup often throws up a slew of interesting matches. Sheffield Eagles—a part-time team who currently lead the Kingstone Press Championship—entertain a London Broncos side that has won just three times in 21 Super League matches this season, as confirmed by BBC Sport.

Although London Broncos are heavy favourites due to their greater experience and full-time status, Sheffield's recent run of form will have Tony Rea's team frightened of an upset. Can the Eagles do it? Let's take a look at the match details and consider exactly that.

Match Details

Tetley's Challenge Cup Quarterfinal—July 12, 3 p.m ET, Don Valley Stadium.

Preview

In a tournament that often pits amateurs against the big guns, it's not often such disproportionate records are thrust together at this stage of the competition. The Eagles are currently amidst a 15-game unbeaten run that stretches back to April 1 and are expected to challenge the lowly Super League side. At the time of writing, Skybet have Sheffield Eagles at 7/2 to win the game, while Broncos remain favourites at 1/6.

This quarterfinal tie must be considered as a one-off game for the Broncos. Their opponents have lost just two games all season and currently lead a competitive Championship division by one point, as confirmed by BBC Sport. As in any sport, morale can quickly increase with a stunning Cup win, but the London-based side will need to be wary of an underdog scenario.

Tony Rea understands the value of this Challenge Cup tie. If his Broncos side leave the Don Valley Stadium as victors, their Super League campaign is sure to receive an added boost. Pressure is firmly on the side from the capital, but this could work wonders in the long run.

As reported by Sky Sports, Rea is looking forward to a change in emphasis:

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We're back into cup football and our cup form has been good. We've had great intent, great purpose and we've respected every challenge and every contest inside of the cup, and we'll be doing that again on Friday.

"

Sheffield Eagles will do everything they can to further tar the opposition's reputation. As captain Mitch Stringer told the Sheffield Star (reported by Sky Sports), he believes the Broncos have plenty to fear:

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If London are not worried, they should be; we have a very good chance of winning. They're in the habit of losing but we're in the habit of winning.

"

While Stringer's quote is backed up by raw facts, the visiting side have more than enough quality to cruise this match. According to the London Evening Standard, emergency captain Tony Clubb is set to return after three weeks out due to injury. The 26-year-old forward is on the lookout for a new team and will use the tie to showcase his ability once more.

It's highly apparent which team is starting this match on the front foot.

Sheffield Eagles have absolutely nothing to lose, an excellent winning streak and home advantage. The London Broncos are currently stuck in a season of terrible failure and are the perfect side for Mark Aston's men to face at this stage in the competition.

Should we be expecting a Challenge Cup upset? Absolutely. The Eagles will sprint quicker, tackle harder and remain competitive due to sheer adrenaline. Much like the 1998 Wembley upset of Wigan, Aston has the efficiency and tact to help his team cause a major upset. Momentum is a huge thing in rugby, and right now, the London Broncos are stuck in a terminal rut.

Who will emerge victorious at the Don Valley Stadium? Let me know in the comments section and be sure to follow me on Twitter right here:

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