Hodgson believes that another side from outside the traditional big four could follow last year's winners Portsmouth in winning the famous cup competition.

With the top flight's glamour clubs often resting key players in the domestic cups, the likes of Fulham can target a prestigious Wembley final if they focus on the competition.

Hodgson is eager to do that but is mindful that a Championship side could also follow 2008 finalists Cardiff's lead.

Asked if he was thinking about a sustained cup run, Hodgson said: "I've no idea why we shouldn't see it that way. But the question I'm answering might just as easily be asked of Swansea. That's how good we think they are and how much respect we have for them.

"They are a very good team and they deservedly knocked out the cup holders playing away last time.

"FA Cup matches are not quite as simple as saying 'there's a ranking system of one to 92 in the Football League, we're number 10 and they are number 28, so ipso-facto we will win the game'.

"If you win this one you're getting closer. The top four have Champions League games ahead of them and I guess that will be a priority for them."

Hodgson even admitted that the on-form Swans, who have been boosted by the hot streak of striker Jason Scotland, could go into the match as favourites despite being a division below the Cottagers.

The Fulham boss is hoping his side's Premier League class will win the day but conceded that over 90 minutes it is not always that easy.

"I can understand that they might be favourites but I'll do my best to make certain we show that our position in the Premier League is a good one and there is a difference between Premier League and Championship," he said.

"What they (Swansea) are really is a team in between the Championship and the Premier League. Over a long period maybe there is a difference. Over 38 or 40 games maybe the depth and variation of the squads does differentiate but across 90 minutes I'm not so sure that makes such a big difference."

With Dickson Etuhu out of action due to injury, the club are likely to give a first start to on-loan Inter Milan midfielder Olivier Dacourt.

Although he has played just 45 minutes for the club since his arrival on transfer deadline day, Hodgson is already hoping to retain the Frenchman's services.

"His contract runs out with Inter at the end of the season when he can do what he wants to do. Then we'll see how he feels about the situation.

"I think we'll face competition for him, especially if he does well while he's here and I certainly hope he does that.

"If he does well, helps us and shows us what a good player he is then it would be nice to think we could keep him for a further period."