For many, the FA Cup remains a magical competition and there’s no better illustration than when the first round comes around.
It’s at this stage where teams from the lower divisions begin their campaign and can start dreaming about eventually taking on the country’s most illustrious clubs.
This season, given the fates of so many in the last two decades, sees no fewer than eight former Premier League clubs taking part (nine if you include MK Dons who are legally recognised as Wimbledon’s successor).
There are also many ex-Premier League players, with a couple of them representing Sunderland, who could potentially be turning out. Here are some of the players and clubs to keep an eye on this weekend.
Nathan Delfouneso
A product of Aston Villa’s esteemed youth set-up, so much was expected of Nathan Delfouneso, who never quite fulfilled his true potential.
Nevertheless, the former England U21 star has gone on to enjoy a modest playing career. After leaving Villa he’d join Blackpool (initially on loan) before representing Blackburn and Swindon Town.
He’s since returned to playing at Bloomfield Road and, having been an ever-present this season, expect the versatile forward to lineup for the 1953 champions away to Exeter City.
Coventry City
The last decade has been a difficult one for Coventry City and their supporters. The once Premier League mainstays now find themselves in League One and under manager Mark Robins, who famously played a pivotal role in Sir Alex Ferguson winning his first FA Cup, there’s a hope for a better tomorrow.
Marc-Antoine Fortuné
The much-travelled French Guiana-born marksman made Chesterfield his home earlier this year and the ex-West Brom man has settled in well, having registered four goals across 13 National League matches. The Spireites will be hoping he’s on target again when they host Billericay Town.
Sunderland
Sunderland, who suffered the ignominy of relegation to League One last season, have started their comeback on the front foot by winning 10 of their opening 16 matches this term. Heading into the weekend’s showdown at Port Vale, the Black Cats are on a nine-match unbeaten run and last failed to make the second round of the FA Cup in 1923/24.
Marvin Sordell
Sordell began at Watford but his Premier League appearances came at Bolton Wanderers (3) and Burnley (14). Since leaving Burnley, the former England U21 international would turn out for Colchester United and Coventry City before signing for Burton Albion, where he’s enjoying a third consecutive season.
So far this season the centre-forward has made no fewer than 11 League One outings, registering two goals in the process.
Swindon Town
Swindon Town enjoyed one Premier League season (1993/94) in the early 90s and have never threatened to return, but that being said, the current incarnation does contain a former top-flight player in Matthew Taylor, who previously dazzled for Portsmouth, Bolton and West Ham.
Phil Brown’s men host York City this weekend.
Tony Warner
Tony Warner, who serves as Accrington Stanley’s goalkeeping coach, is showing no signs of hanging up his gloves. The chances of him keeping goal against Colchester are slim, but the mere fact that he’s available at the age of 44 is worth applauding.
Oldham Athletic
Oldham Athletic were part of the inaugural Premier League season but last played top-flight football 25 years ago.
The League One club, who boast ex-Premier League “stars” in the guise of Ishmael Miller and Jonathan Benteke, visit Hampton & Richmond Borough and will know that famous supporter Paul Scholes will be keeping tabs on their progress.
The post Ex-Premier League players and clubs to watch in the FA Cup first round this weekend appeared first on Squawka News.
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