Here PA Sport compares the clubs.

MANAGERS

Barnsley boss Simon Davey is in his first managerial posting but he is exceedingly well qualified, having obtained the UEFA Pro Licence required to manage in the Premier League. He began his coaching career with the youth team at Preston under David Moyes and Craig Brown and was appointed academy manager at Oakwell in the summer of 2006, taking over the senior team on a permanent basis six months later.

Dave Jones has been in management for 13 years, starting off at Stockport whom he led to the Championship in the 1996-97 season. His success at Edgeley Park earned him a chance at top-flight Southampton but he left there in 2000 and subsequently managed Wolves from January 2001 to November 2004 before joining the Bluebirds in May 2005.

SQUAD

Barnsley's progress to the final four has been a team effort, but inspirational midfielder Brian Howard, who has contributed 14 goals in 44 games in all competitions, is as close as they come to a star. Goalkeeper Luke Steele has been excellent as an emergency deputy for Heinz Muller and the Tykes have fought tooth and nail to ensure he is eligible to play under the terms of his move from fellow semi-finalists West Brom.

Cardiff's squad is a blend of youth and experience. On the one hand the team possesses promising Wales internationals Joe Ledley and Aaron Ramsey, while Jones has drafted in the experience and nous of Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink up front. Fellow Dutchman Glenn Loovens is a tower of strength at the back.

FORM

Barnsley have won just one of their last nine Championship matches and are in very real danger of being relegated. They are currently one place above the drop zone, on goal difference.

Cardiff still have faint hopes of reaching the play-offs and are unbeaten in their last seven games in all competitions.

CUP PEDIGREE

Barnsley last won the cup in 1912, five days after the sinking of the Titanic. Their opponents were West Brom, with both sides still hopeful of reprising that meeting 96 years on.

Cardiff remain the only non-English winners of the FA Cup in 1927. This run to the final four is the furthest they have been in the competition since.