Team of the week - FA Cup

10 January 2012 16:30
With the FA Cup now up and running, the third round weekend produced some brilliant team performances and results.

The Football.co.uk team of the week picks out some of the best.

The pick of the third round was of course the Manchester Derby, while Arsenal faced Leeds United and Swindon Town took on Wigan Athletic.

Position : Goalkeeper
Nicky Weaver (Sheffield Wednesday)
Nicky Weaver pulled off a string of fine saves at Hillsborough during the 1-0 win over West Ham on Sunday. His finest of all was a save from a Sam Baldock penalty in the second half. He ensured his side are into the next round and can look forward to a trip to Blackpool.

Position: Defender
David Wheater (Bolton Wanderers)
With Gary Cahill on the verge of joining Chelsea it is time for Wheater to step up and fill the gap left by the England International. Wheater was on hand to rescue a replay for Bolton late on against Macclesfield.

Position: Defender
Dean Howell (Crawley Town)
Crawley's trip to Manchester United last season was one of the highlights of the competition. This year they were back again, now as a football league side, to take on Bristol City. A resolute defensive performance ensured a 1-0 victory over Championship opposition, Dean Howell was the stand out star in their side.

Position: Defender
Joe Ashton (Stevenage)
As Stevenage returned to Reading, the team who had knocked them out last season, confidence was high that they could do one better this year. They did just that and defender Joe Ashton impressed spectators by marshalling the Stevenage defence and helping them on their way to a 1-0 win.

Position: Midfielder

Ramires (Chelsea)
With Chelsea struggling to break down a resilient Portsmouth side, Brazilian International Ramires stamped his authority on the game and almost single handedly secured Chelsea's route through to the next round. Two goals for the midfielder helped his side on their way to a 4-0 win.

Position: Midfielder
Matt Richie (Swindon Town)
Shock of the day went to Swindon Town. Highly rated midfielder Matt Richie was the stand out performer on the day. His delivery was Premier League standard and caused trouble for the Wigan defence all afternoon. His shot was eventually diverted into the net for a late winner.

Position: Midfielder
Matt Phillips (Blackpool)
The local derby between Blackpool and Fleetwood was settled by 3 moments of class from young winger Matt Phillips. His superb hat-trick was the difference between the sides as Blackpool showed their quality at important moments in the game to come away with the victory.

Phillips image

Position: Midfielder

Clint Dempsey (Fulham)
Another FA Cup hat-trick hero after scoring 3 goals in Fulham's London derby win over Charlton Athletic. The American has been impressive for Fulham in the League this season and will be hoping the club can enjoy an FA Cup run this year.

Position: Forward
Simon Cox (West Brom)
West Brom striker Cox confessed last week that he may need to leave the club in order to play more regular football. He was given the chance to impress against Cardiff City and responded with a hat-trick. His manager was unimpressed with his choice to publicly state his desire to leave but he was on top form against Cardiff regardless.

Position: Forward
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
Two goals for Rooney in the Manchester derby put rumours of unrest to bed and helped secure a vital win for United. His brace went some way to gaining revenge over City after their 6-1 win earlier in the season. A 3-2 victory for United who will now face Liverpool in the next round.



Position: Forward

Thierry Henry (Arsenal)
It couldn't have fallen into place any better for Arsenal and Thierry Henry. His return to Arsenal was marked with a dramatic winner against Leeds United. His status at Arsenal has already gone beyond Legendary, but the latest instalment in his Arsenal career will certainly be remembered by fans for years to come.

Manager

Paolo Di Canio (Swindon Town)
It was Di Canio's Swindon team that provided the Cup upset that all fans want to see. The Italian has transformed fortunes at the County Ground and has now provided fans with a memory they will never forget. The win over Wigan will keep him in the hearts of Swindon fans forever.

Source: DSG