Irish players hoping to cause FA Cup upsets against the big guns this weekend
The FA Cup third round has arrived and a number of Irish players will be hoping to cause a stir.
Darragh Culhane
Wes Hoolahan
The FA Cup third round has arrived as the most famous Cup in English football will again promise to offer up some upsets.
The third round sees the arrival of Championship and Premier League clubs to the competition and traditionally we see an upset or two.
And in the early rounds there is always plenty of Irish interest and we will have a look at some of the Irish in action this weekend.
Jake O'Brien v Manchester City
Cork native Jake O'Brien could make his debut for Swindon Town on Friday evening against none other than Manchester City.
Swindon will host Pep Guardiola and co. and O'Brien's first act as a Swindon player could be to face last season's Premier League champions and Champions League finalists.
O'Brien moved to the club during the week on loan at Crystal Palace as he aims for more first team football.
The game is on Friday at 8 o'clock.
Wes Hoolahan and Conor Masterson v Newcastle United
Who doesn't love a feel good story as Wes Hoolahan is still going strong aged 39 with Cambridge United.
The former Republic of Ireland international and is a fan favourite at the club
Wes and Conor Masterson, who is on loan from QPR, will travel to the world's richest club on Saturday with the hopes of inflicting more misery on struggling Newcastle.
Kick off for that game is at 3pm.
Gavin Gunning v Chelsea
Gavin Gunning in action
There's no better way of measuring your stock than facing reigning Champions League winners Chelsea and that is exactly what Gavin Gunning will be looking to do.
The former Republic of Ireland Under-21 and his teammates will have their work cut out for them as they could come against Romelu Lukaku after the Belgian apologised for his recent controversial interview.
And Gunning, who moved to Chesterfield in 2021, will be hoping to get a starting nod against last year's FA Cup finalists.
Kick off is at 5.30 pm on Saturday.
Anthony O'Connor, Ryan Delaney, Shane McLoughlin and Courtney Duffus v Tottenham
There will be plenty of Irish interest as Tottenham host Morecambe on Sunday,
Some four Irish players could feature against Antonio Conte's Tottenham in the FA Cup third round and that includes captain Anthony O'Connor.
Ryan Delaney started his career off with Wexford before heading over to England while Courtney Duffus has represented Ireland at Under 21 level.
That game takes place on Sunday at 2 pm.
Josh Daniels v Liverpool
Former Derry City star Josh Daniels may well get his chance against Liverpool this weekend.
Shrewsbury travel to Anfield on Sunday and Josh Daniels will be hoping to feature against Jurgen Klopp's side.
Daniels moved from Derry to Glenavon before his eventual move to English football in 2020.
That game kicks off at two o'clock on Sunday.
Stephen McLaughlin, Stephen Quinn, Harry Charsley, Ryan Burke and James Clarke vs Middlesbrough
Perhaps not so much a possible upset with a League Two side facing a Championship side.
But what is interesting about this game is it could see the debut of Republic of Ireland international Aaron Connolly make his debut.
And there could be a host of Irish players in Stephen McLaughin, Stephen Quinn, Harry Charsley, Ryan Burke and James Clarke hoping to spoil his debut.
Mansfield take on Saturday afternoon at 12.15 pm.