FA Cup third round weekend sees the Premier League clubs enter the competition.
It provides clubs with a chance to turn their attention away from league matters for a weekend and potentially offers chances to players who have been overlooked recently or simply haven't had the opportunity. There is a mix of ties with some top flight sides taking on lower league opponents whilst there is the odd heavyweight clash.
Manchester United take on Everton whilst Manchester City host Chelsea. Holders Liverpool take on a struggling Wolves side whilst Arsenal face Oxford. Their north London neighbours also take on lower league opposition in Portsmouth.
With the demands placed on managers and players some will see this weekend as a chance to rest more established stars and give youth a chance. We take a look at who could shine and further their case for first-team involvement.
Rico Lewis
A relatively unknown quantity until a few weeks ago, but the Manchester City star has enjoyed a rapid rise. He's managed to start in all three of City's game since their return from the mid-season break. Lewis has shown himself to be versatile, naturally a right-back, he's been seen in a more advanced role, playing alongside midfield anchor Rodri with his competency on the ball as real plus.
Stefan Bajcetic
He became the third youngster player to score for Liverpool during their Boxing Day win over Aston Villa and has made eight appearance this term for the Reds as Jurgen Klopp continues to back the teenager. Capable of playing as a centre-back or as a midfield anchor, Bajcetic could provide a youthful energy to a side that has been criticised for its lack of pressing this term.
Carney Chukwuemeka
A £20m signing from Aston Villa in the summer, Chukwuemeka's opportunities have been at a premium such is the competition for places at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea play City twice in a matter of days and Graham Potter may relish the chance to mix things up by introducing the midfielder, who is tipped for big things.
Levi Colwill
Another Blue, but this one finds himself on loan on the south coast. Brighton added the centre-back in the summer and have started him in seven games across the league and cup. Colwill has enjoyed more game time since the change of manager at the Amex having shone at Huddersfield last term as they narrowly missed out on promotion.
Alejandro Garnacho
Manchester United's breakout star of the season has enjoyed match-winning moments this term and, despite the competition for places in United's attack, may be given another opportunity against the Toffees. Garnacho's fearless nature has certainly endeared himself to the club's fans and he seems to be growing in stature under Erik ten Hag.
Zidane Iqbal
Another of United's young stars, albeit he's not had the minutes afforded to Garnacho. Iqbal is yet to make an appearance this term and was overlooked for the recent cup win over Burnley. Failing to play has led to rumours of a move away but Ten Hag could yet spring a surprise and hand the midfielder some minutes against Everton.
Joe Gelhardt
The Leeds youngster has only made one league start, but is often called upon from the bench by Jesse Marsch. The Yorkshire side take on second tier opposition and Gelhardt may be given the opportunity to stake his claim after a breakout campaign last term that highlighted his potential.
Sammy Braybrooke
A captain of England's U18s, the playmaking midfielder has been training with Leicester's first-team and Brendan Rodgers has an appetite for working with young players. Braybrooke has only made one substitute outing all year but a game with Gillingham may be the ideal place for him to further his development.
Ethan Nwaneri
He made headlines this year when he became the Premier League's youngest ever player, coming on as a substitute for Arsenal before his 16th birthday. The Gunners don't have the biggest squad and against Oxford may opt to ring the changes so they can give some of their established stars some rest. That would give Nwaneri just the second appearance of his professional career.
Malcolm Ebiowei
The Crystal Palace star only joined the club in the summer after excelling with Derby. Ebiowei was expected to head out on loan, but a stellar pre-season has seen him remain in south London. All four of his appearances so far have come from the bench but an FA Cup outing against struggling Southampton could be an ideal environment for the teenager. Recent rumours have suggested he could be on his way to Hull on loan, so it remains to be seen if he'll be given a chance by either team.
