FA Cup team of the week
Published:
Those who caught the eye in the fifth round
The race for Premier League points was put to one side for the weekend as the remaining teams in this season’s FA Cup looked to extend their stay in English football’s favourite knockout competition.
We had a few upsets over the course of Saturday and Sunday, and now turn the spotlight on the standout performers. We could, of course, pick the entire Lincoln City team without shame, but have mixed it up a little.
Check out our FA Cup Fifth Round team of the weekend, using a 4-3-3 formation.
Goalkeeper: Jordan Archer (Millwall)
An important part of that sensational Millwall side who refused to be beaten by Leicester at The Den, despite going down to 10-men. 23-year-old was in solid form, twice denying Shinji Okazaki. Exactly what you want from your keeper, confidence.
Defender: Kieran Trippier (Tottenham)
Spurs did the business at Craven Cottage, coming through a tricky tie. The 26-year-old right back pulled his weight at both ends of the pitch, with a long throw catching out the Fulham defence, setting up Kane for the opener. He also had a hand in the second.
Defender: Mark Hudson (Huddersfield)
A key part of a solid defensive unit that kept the might of Man City at bay for 90-minutes to force a replay. The experienced defender put his body on the line for his side on numerous occasions, leading by example. A battling performance.
Defender: Sean Raggett (Lincoln)
The young defender not only kept Premier League Burnley out on a historical afternoon, he also went up the other end and scored the winning goal, right at the death. The player himself couldn’t have imagined a better day.
Defender: Shaun Cummings (Millwall)
Another standout in that fabulous Millwall side, and one who earned his win bonus. A defender who did the lot, keeping a clean-sheet and scoring the winning goal, smashing into the net at the death to delight fans.
Midfielder: Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea)
We said last week that Conte should give Fabregas a starring role in his Chelsea side, and the player proved us right on Saturday. The Spaniard had a hand in the opener and was a real bundle of energy and creativity in the middle of the park.
Midfielder: Philp Billing (Huddersfield)
A gladiator in the midfield, the big man rolled up his sleeves and got stuck in from the start. He broke up a number of important Man City attacks before they came to anything. The kind of man you want in the trenches.
Midfielder: Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Man Utd)
Many of United’s fringe players got the chance to show their worth, but Mkhitaryan was the big winner of the day. Used the ball extremely well, with intelligent passages of play. Also set up United’s first.
Forward: Matt Rhead (Lincoln)
A real rock for the minnows. Grafted for every second he was on the pitch, and showed the big names of Burnley no respect. His ability to hold the ball up bought his men a breather when they needed it most.
Forward: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Man Utd)
Zlatan scored again on Sunday, the winner in fact, but he has been incredible all season for United and is sure to star again in Sunday’s cup final. No team of the week would be complete without him at the minute.
Forward: Harry Kane (Tottenham)
Wow, the first name on the team sheet for us this week, and the striker probably is penned down for Spurs too. Grabbed a stunning hat-trick on Sunday to see off Fulham. A forward with the world at his feet and Tottenham are lucky to have him.
Team of the week is always a major talking point in the Coral office on Monday morning. So, let us know who you agree with, and who we have overlooked. You can put your point across in the comments sections below, but remember – it’s a job now even Zola would take.
