Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill believes that it is "difficult" to fully prepare for the possibility of a penalty shoot-out.
The Black Cats face Everton once again in the FA Cup as the two Premier League sides come together for a replay of the quarter-final clash, which ended 1-1 at Goodison Park a fortnight ago.
"You have to try to be prepared as much as you can for every eventuality," said O'Neill. "Penalties are something that are part of the results business now.
"It has to finish tonight one way or the other, but I am never so sure you are totally prepared for a penalty. If you were just practising them on the training pitch - it doesn't mean you shouldn't do, of course, but I am not so sure.
"Nothing, nothing, prepares you for a penalty shoot-out in a big, big game in front of a lot of fans either cheering you on or baying for your blood. It's very difficult, and we will try to get ourselves prepared for that moment if it arrives."
Sunderland or Everton will travel to Wembley to face Liverpool in the semi-finals of the domestic competition.
Danielle Joynson
