Gus Poyet has taken several months to get through various combinations before finally landing on an effective formula.
A pattern has now emerged with Poyet’s selection and there will be few – if any – surprises in the side that lines up at Wembley in 10 days time.
With the cup-tied Liam Bridcutt not available the side at Wembley is most likely to be: Mannone, Bardsley, Brown, O’Shea, Alonso, Cattermole, Ki, Colback, Borini, Johnson and... A.Nother.
Missing a second successive pre-season has caught up with Steven Fletcher, who has struggled to recapture his form.
Although the media insist he can make the final, is he the man Poyet wants ... particularly a half-fit (as obviously he is)?
Fletcher has clearly been hampered by his Achilles injury over recent weeks and there remain significant doubts over whether he will get his chance on the biggest stage.
That has given Jozy Altidore the opportunity to prove his worth, even though – by his own admission – he has struggled.
The fact remains, Altidore has rarely looked a goal threat.
With neither Fletcher or Altidore firing, is Poyet forced to take a gamble by moving Borini centrally?
Nacho Scocco could be thrown in at the deep end, even though the Argentina international is still well-short on match fitness.
The £4million signing may be an option from the bench but for now, Poyet cannot risk a player who is puffing and blowing.
The long-shot at Poyet’s disposal is Connor Wickham – the only one of the quartet who can boast any hint of form after netting eight in 11 at Sheffield Wednesday.