Coral’s fantastic FA Cup team of the fifth round
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Following an another eventful weekend in the FA Cup, which witnessed more shocks, Coral compile a team of the fifth round, where attackers featured heavily.
Goalkeeper: Ben Williams
Unsurprisingly there are a number of Bradford City players in this team, after another heroic performance and giant-killing, with a 2-0 victory over Premier League outfit Sunderland. Although Williams wasn’t exactly bombarded, he kept a clean sheet with ease when called upon. The Bantams are 66/1 outsiders with Coral to win the competition.
Right back: Stephen Darby
Part of a Bradford back four that shut out the Black Cats, though his industry on the right was crucial to the home side’s efforts.
Centre back: Andrew Davies
Aerially impressive and calm under pressure, the 30-year-old’s experienced head was crucial towards the end of the match, with Sunderland pressing.
Centre back: Rory McArdle
Kept Connor Wickham quiet all game, and communicated well with Davies. This partnership can provide the foundation for a cup run into the latter stages of the competition.
Left back: James Meredith
His intervention to prevent Adam Johnson from equalising proved pivotal, and it was one of the those match-defining moments, as Bradford went on to double their lead.
Right wing: Leandro Bacuna
A fine strike from Dutchman sparked the match into life as the 23-year-old took the initiative to cut inside and unleash a curling shot into the far corner to give Aston Villa the lead.
Defensive midfield: Jordan Henderson
Captained Liverpool to victory in a tricky match away at Crystal Palace, and his assist for Daniel Sturridge was outstanding.
Central midfield: Adam Lallana
Netted the winner to clip the Eagles’ wings, being shrewd enough to follow in Mario Balotelli’s free-kick and was generally lively throughout.
Left wing: Joshua King
The Blackburn Rovers attacker was sublime, hitting a hat-trick as the Lancashire outfit slayed Stoke City 4-1, to progress into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
Striker: Jon Stead
This seasoned campaigner just keeps rolling back the years and, after netting in the win against Chelsea, plus contributing two assists, he produced the goods in the win against Sunderland. He has now scored in every round.
Striker: Olivier Giroud
Two fine goals for the Gunners was enough to help them progress through to the next round and keep their hopes of retaining the FA Cup alive, as Arsene Wenger’s men beat Middlesbrough. At 15/8, they are now the favourites to win the competition.
