They could be Heroes: Potential star strikers in Emirates FA Cup

Eighteen teams get their second chance at reaching the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round with a hatful of exciting replays on the horizon.

As ever, that’s a chance for talented underdogs and emerging youngsters to boost their reputation and provide an unforgettable cup memory. So here are four of the fine forwards we think could do just that…

Graham Carey (Plymouth Argyle)

As if playing against five-time European Cup winners Liverpool in the Emirates FA Cup wasn’t enough of a coup for Argyle, star man Carey is a lifelong fan of the Reds. So, will he do the damage against his boyhood heroes?

The stats suggest he certainly could, having already scored 10 goals from midfield this season, while Argyle are certainly looking strong coming forward, netting 11 times in their last four home games, including a 4-2 win over Stevenage on Saturday.

Jurgen Klopp’s men are also winless in their last four games, so now looks as good a time as any for Argyle to take advantage and secure a memorable cup upset.

David Ball (Fleetwood Town)

Times are good for followers of the Cod Army, with the Lancashire outfit now unbeaten in their last 13 games – having come out on top in eight of them.

And much of that has been down to gifted forward Ball, whose talents saw him nominated for the FIFA Puskas Award for the goal of the year in 2015, following an unbelievable effort against Preston North End.

But he’s made an even bigger impact this season, contributing to 16 goals already. And the 27-year-old can secure legendary status on the Fylde Coast if he makes the crucial impact against Bristol City, to give Fleetwood a first ever appearance in the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round.

Theo Robinson (Lincoln City)

At just 27, the well-travelled Robinson has already turned out for 13 different clubs, but he seems to be pretty happy at Lincoln City right now – and especially so as far as the Imps’ Emirates FA Cup run is concerned.

The former Derby County forward netted twice in each of Lincoln’s previous two FA Cup ties – with a well-taken double in the 3-2 victory over Oldham Athletic, before grabbing a brace at Portman Road earlier this month.

And he’ll be hoping to make it a hat-trick of doubles as Ipswich Town visit the National League side for what’s sure to be a cracking replay.

Olufela Olomola (Southampton)

Every young football fan dreams of making their mark in this competition, and for Southampton’s emerging star Olufela Olomola, that moment could come very soon, as the Saints face Norwich City.

The pacy, skilful and imposing 19-year-old has impressed greatly at youth level for the south coast club, and made his debut against Sunderland in the EFL Cup back in October.

With boss Claude Puel likely to chop and change his squad during a busy period, don’t be surprised to see the youngster get his chance against the Canaries – and to take it with both hands.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing