PROFILES A-Z PREMIER TEAMS

ARSENAL

Nickname: The Gunners Ofcial website: www.arsenal.com Date club was formed: 1886 Current manager: Arsne Wenger FA Cup 2009/10: Fourth round Current Player of the Year: Cesc Fbregas Key players: Cesc Fbregas, Robin van Persie, Jack Wilshere Arsenal FC prole The pressure is building on Arsne Wenger and his Arsenal side as they have not won a trophy since their FA Cup triumph in 2005 but there is a sense of optimism around the Emirates Stadium this season. The Gunners main problem over the past few trophy-lacking seasons has been the ability to keep key players t. However, the emergence of

Jack Wilshere in mideld and Lukasz Fabianski in goal, has added some depth to the previously lightweight squad. FA Cup facts Four out of Arsenals last ve FA Cup nal goals have been scored by midelders. Marc Overmars netted against Newcastle in 1998, Freddie Ljungberg scored against Liverpool in 2001 and the same player was also on target against Chelsea along with Ray Parlour. In 1993, the Gunners became the rst team to win the FA Cup and League Cup in the same season. Trophy cabinet (past and present) League honours: Premier League/ Division One titles: 2003/04, 2001/02,

1997/98, 1990/91, 1988/89, 1970/71, 1952/53, 1947/48, 1937/38, 1934/35, 1933/34, 1932/33, 1930/31 FA Cup: 2005, 2003, 2002, 1998, 1993, 1979, 1971, 1950, 1936, 1930 Cup Winners Cup: 1994 League Cup: 1993, 1987 Community/ Charity Shield: 2004, 2002, 1999, 1998, 1953, 1948, 1938, 1934, 1933, 1931, 1930

Did you know?

Arsenal played in the rst ever FA Cup Final broadcast live on radio, when they met Cardiff on April 23, 1927. The North Londoners lost the game 1-0. The 1930 FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Hudderseld saw the two captains come out side-by-side for the rst time before a major game.

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ASTON VILLA

Nickname: Villa, The Villans Ofcial website: www.avfc.co.uk Date club was formed: 1874 Current manager: Grard Houllier FA Cup 2009/10: Semi-nal Current Player of the Year: Ashley Young Key players: Ashley Young, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Stylian Petrov Aston Villa FC prole In recent years, Aston Villa have enjoyed limited success in the FA Cup, although they did reach the semi-nal last season. With Grard Houllier replacing Martin ONeill early this season, Villa fans will be hopeful they can go one better and

make the nal this time. Speedy wingers Ashley Young and Stuart Downing will be crucial to their success with targetmen John Carew and Emile Heskey unsettling opponents defences. FA Cup facts Aston Villa are the fourth most successful club in the competitions history along with Liverpool. They have won the Cup seven times and have more goals in the history of the FA Cup than any other league club. Trophy cabinet (past and present) Trophy cabinet (past and present):

League honours: Premier League/ Division One titles: 1980/81, 1909/10, 1899/1900, 1898/99, 1896/97, 1895/96, 1893/94 FA Cup: 1957, 1920, 1913, 1905, 1897, 1895, 1887 European Cup: 1982 European Super Cup: 1982/83 League Cup: 1996, 1994, 1977, 1975, 1961

Did you know?

In 1895, after Aston Villa had won the competition, the cup was stolen from the window of a rm of football outtters in Birmingham where it had been placed on display. It was never recovered.

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BIRMINGHAM CITY

Nickname: The Blues Ofcial website: www.bcfc.com Date club was formed: 1875 Current manager: Alex McLeish FA Cup 2009/10: Quarter-nal Current Player of the Year: Joe Hart Key players: Alexander Hleb, Ben Foster, Roger Johnson Birmingham City FC prole Birmingham City has created a reputation of being very difcult to beat at St Andrews under the stewardship of manager Alex McLeish. The Scottish coach has built the team around a solid

defence but it is their lack of goals on the road that denied them silverware. The added air of ex-Arsenal midelder Alexander Hleb may give the Blues the creative edge they were missing last year, however. Last season saw the club reach the quarter-nals. That will probably be the aim again this year with anything else an added bonus. FA Cup facts The Midland club has never won the competition but have reached the nal on two occasions. The clubs record defeat in the

competition was a 7-0 loss to Liverpool in the 2006 quarter-nals. Trophy cabinet (past and present) League honours: Championship playoff winners: 2001/02 Division One/Two titles: 1982/83, 1954/55, 1947/48, 1920/21 League Cup: 1963

Did you know?

During the 1956 FA Cup campaign the club did not play any games at home en route to the nal at Wembley, leading to the fans adopting the anthem Keep right on to the end of the road.

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BLACKBURN ROVERS

Nickname: Rovers Ofcial website: www.rovers.co.uk Date club was formed: 1875 Current manager: Sam Allardyce FA Cup 2009/10: Third round Current Player of the Year: Steven NZonzi Key players: Christopher Samba, Paul Robinson Blackburn Rovers FC prole Blackburn have faced criticism for their long-ball game and tough tackling but, with limited resources, Sam Allardyce gets the most out of his players. The

club lacks repower and their dearth of goals in the Premier League this season suggests that unless they add to their squad in the January transfer window, there is not much hope of an extended run in the Cup this season. FA Cup facts Blackburn Rovers are the only club still in existence to have won the competition three times in a row 1884, 1885 and 1886. The clubs record attendance is 62,255 for a sixth-round FA Cup tie against neighbours Bolton in 1929.

Trophy cabinet (past and present) League honours: Premier League title: 1994/95, Division Two title: 1938/39, Division Three title: 1974/75 FA Cup: 1928, 1891, 1890, 1886, 1885, 1884 League Cup: 2002 Community/Charity Shield: 1912

Did you know?

Andy Bell spent nearly a decade with Rovers youth teams, without making a single rst-team appearance.

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BLACKPOOL

Nickname: Seasiders, Tangerines Ofcial website: www.blackpoolfc.co.uk Date club was formed: 1887 Current manager: Ian Holloway FA Cup 2009/10: Third round Current Player of the Year: Charlie Adam Key players: Charlie Adam, Luke Varney, Matt Gilks Blackpool FC prole Blackpools main focus will be securing a place in the Premier League for another season but it would be typical of the Tangerines fearless attitude to go on an impressive Cup run this campaign. Ian

Holloways side deploy an attacking style of play with the majority of their play centred around midelder Charlie Adam. If they take control of the game early in proceedings, they tend to make it very difcult for their opponents to regain a strangleholda team certainly to be wary of. FA Cup facts Blackpool won the competition in 1953 after going two goals down. Only Everton (against Shefeld Wednesday in 1966) have done the same.

Trophy cabinet (past and present) League honours: Championship play-off winners: 2009/10, League One play-off winners: 2006/07, Third Division Playoff winners: 2000/01, Fourth Division PlayOff Winners: 1991/92, First Division RunnersUp: 1955/56, Second Division Champions: 1929/30 FA Cup: 1953 LDV Trophy: 2004, 2002

Did you know?

The Seasiders rst began wearing tangerine for the 192324 season, after a recommendation from referee Albert Hargreaves, who ofciated a HollandBelgium international match and was impressed by the Dutchmens colours.

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BOLTON WANDERERS

Nickname: The Trotters, The Wanderers Ofcial website: www.bwfc.co.uk Date club was formed: 1874 Current manager: Owen Coyle FA Cup 2009/10: Fifth round Current Player of the Year: Lee Chung Yong Key players: Gary Cahill, Kevin Davies, Martin Petrov Bolton Wanderers FC prole Gary Coyle has done an impressive job since joining from Burnley and he will see the Cup competitions as his best chance of winning silverware this

season. A good start to the 2010/11 campaign has given Trotters fans reason to be optimistic. If they manage to evade the top teams early in the competition and avoid too many injuries, then they have every chance of reaching the latter stages of the competition. FA Cup facts The clubs record FA Cup win is a 13-0 win against Shefeld United in round two of the competition back in 1890. The 1923 FA Cup Final between Bolton Wanderers and West Ham United was the rst football match at the

old Wembley stadium and it drew an estimated crowd of 200,000, vastly exceeding the ofcial capacity. Trophy cabinet (past and present League honours: Division One play-off winners: 2001/02, 1995 First/Second/Third Division titles: 1996/97, 1977/98, 1972/73, 1908/09 FA Cup: 1958, 1929, 1926, 1923 Charity Shield: 1958

Did you know?

The name Trotters came from when a former ground used to be near a pig farm and balls regularly found their way into the pig pens. Goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi, currently on loan at Wigan, is the rst Omani international to play in English football.

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CHELSEA

Nickname: The Blues, The Pensioners Ofcial website: www.chelseafc.com Date club was formed: 1905 Current manager: Carlo Ancelotti FA Cup 2009/10: Winners Current Premier League table position: No.1 Current Player of the Year: Didier Drogba Key players: Ashley Cole, Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard

Chelsea FC prole Current holders Chelsea have fallen in love with the competition in recent years, having won the trophy three times in the last four years. Aided by the arrival of Roman Abramovichs millions in 2003, the South Londoners have built a squad capable of matching anyone on their day. With inspirational captain John Terry leading from the back, Frank Lampard scoring vital goals at crucial times from mideld, and forward Didier Drogba hitting the back of the net for fun, do not be surprised to see the Blues lifting the trophy again this year. FA Cup facts Chelsea legend Ron Harris has the most FA Cup appearances in a Blues

shirt with 64, whilst current players Frank Lampard and John Terry are not far behind with 45 and 43 games respectively. Bobby Tambling currently has the most goals for the club in the Cup with 25, but Frank Lampard is closing in on the record having netted 19 times. Trophy cabinet (past and present) Premier League/Division One titles: 2009/10, 2005/06, 2004/05, 1954/55 FA Cup: 2010, 2009, 2007, 2000, 1997, 1970 Cup Winners Cup: 1998, 1971 League Cup: 2007, 2005, 1998, 1965 Community/Charity Shield: 2009, 2005, 2000, 1955

Did you know?

Ron Harris was an excellent cricketer. He turned down a contract at Middlesex as a youngster because they were offering him 4 a week, while Chelsea were willing to pay him 7 a week. In 2009, Ashley Cole became the rst player in over 100 years to have ve FA Cup trophies to his name, last year he won it again making him the rst person to get to six. The England left back won three FA Cups winners medals with Arsenal and the remaining three with Chelsea.

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EVERTON

Nickname: Toffees Ofcial website: www.evertonfc.com Date club was formed: 1887 Current manager: David Moyes FA Cup 2009/10: Fifth round Current Player of the Year: Steven Pienaar Key players: Tim Cahill, Phil Jagielka, Louis Saha

Everton FC prole Everton have had a slow start to the season which is becoming associated with the Toffees but they have begun to nd their stride. David Moyes has constructed a team worthy of honours, with a mideld as good as anyones in the countryand a solid backlinebut it could be a case of them lacking the repower up front to go all the way in the tournament. Injury-prone forward Louis Saha is very able, though often unt.

FA Cup facts The Toffees have won more FA Cup matches than any other club and featured in the most quarter-nals. Trophy cabinet (past and present) League honours: First Division titles: 1986/87, 1984/85, 1969/70, 1962/63, 1938/39, 1931/32, 1927/28, 1914/15, 1890/91 Second Division titles: 1930/31 FA Cup: 1995, 1984, 1966, 1933, 1906 Charity Shield: 1995, 1987, 1985, 1984, 1970, 1963, 1932, 1928

Did you know?

Everton were late-comers to the Cup, not entering until its 15th season. The club was disqualied in their rst two years in the competition for elding ineligible players.

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FULHAM

Nickname: The Cottagers Ofcial website: www.fulhamfc.com Date club was formed: 1879 Current manager: Mark Hughes FA Cup 2009/10: Quarter-nals Current Player of the Year: Bobby Zamora Key players: Brede Hangeland, Bobby Zamora, Carlos Salcido Fulham FC prole It was always going to be a difcult job for Mark Hughes taking over the mantle from Roy Hodgson but if

given time, the Welshman may bring more success to Craven Cottage. A Cup run is a distinct possibility with the experience gained from their Europa League exploits and with the majority of that squad still intact, they have a chance, though they may need some luck along the way to mount a serious challenge. FA Cup facts The Cottagers have never won the trophy but have reached the nal once, losing out to West Ham in 1975.

Trophy cabinet (past and present) League honours: First/Second/Third/ Fourth Division titles: 2000/01, 1998/99, 1948/49, 1931/32 UEFA Europa League: runners up 2010

Did you know?

Fulham is the oldest football club in London, established in 1879.

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LIVERPOOL

Nickname: The Reds Ofcial website: www.liverpoolfc.tv Date club was formed: 1892 Current manager: Roy Hodgson FA Cup 2009/10: Third round Current Player of the Year: Pepe Reina Key players: Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Pepe Reina Liverpool FC prole Liverpools dire start to the season has all but ruled them out of the title race making this seasons competition crucial to the club. Roy Hodgson will know a decent Cup run could save his job and the new owners will expect them to reach the semi-nals at the

very least. Much of their success will be dependent on the form of inuential skipper Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres. FA Cup facts Ian Rush is The Reds top FA Cup scorer of all time with 39 goals. Trophy cabinet (past and present) League honours: Premier League/First Division titles: 1989/90, 1987/88, 1985/86, 1983/84, 1982/83, 1981/82, 1979/80, 1978/79, 1976/77, 1975/76, 1972/73, 1965/66, 1963/64, 1946/47, 1922/23, 1921/22, 1905/06, 1900/01 FA Cup: 2006, 2001, 1992, 1989, 1986,

1974, 1965 League Cup: 2002/03, 2000/01, 1994/95, 1983/84, 1982/83, 1981/82, 1980/81 Champions League/ European Cup: 2005, 1984, 1981, 1978, 1977 Europa League/UEFA Cup/Fairs Cup: 2000/01, 1975/76, 1972/73 UEFA Super Cup: 2005, 2001, 1977 FA Community Shield/FA Charity Shield: 2006, 2001, 1989, 1988, 1982, 1980, 1979, 1976, 1974, 1966

Did you know?

When Fernando Torres arrived in summer 2007, Liverpool smashed their transfer record with a deal costing 20 million to secure the Spanish international striker.

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MANCHESTER CITY

Nickname: The Citizens, City Ofcial website: www.mcfc.co.uk Date club was formed: 1880 Current manager: Roberto Mancini FA Cup 2009/10: Fifth round Current Player of the Year: Carlos Tvez Key players: Carlos Tvez, David Silva, Joe Hart Manchester City FC prole Manchester City have spent huge sums of money on rebuilding their squad since the billionaire owners took over the club. The pressure on manager Roberto Mancini is huge as silverware is expected in return for the Italian receiving a blank cheque book. City have a wealth of superstars but getting

them to play as a team takes time. If everything clicks into place then they could be serious contenders. FA Cup facts Astonishingly, Manchester City goalkeeper Bert Trautmann played the last 15 minutes of the 1953 FA Cup Final with a broken neck. Despite his serious injury, Trautmann pulled off a series of ne saves in the nal minutes of the game, helping City to win against Birmingham City 3-1. Trophy cabinet (past and present) League honours: First Division titles: 1967/68, 1936/37 Football League First Division titles/

Second Division/Third Division: 2001/02, 1965/66, 1946/47, 1909/10, 1898/99, 1902/03 Football League Second Division playoff winners: 199899 FA Cup: 1969, 1956, 1934, 1904 League Cup: 1975/76, 1969/70 European Cup Winners Cup: 1969/70 Charity Shield: 1972, 1968, 1937

Did you know?

City became the rst Manchester side to win a trophy in 1904 when they beat Bolton Wanderers in the FA Cup Final.

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MANCHESTER UNITED

Nickname: Red Devils, United Ofcial website: www.manutd.com Date club was formed: 1878 Current manager: Sir Alex Ferguson FA Cup 2009/10: Third round Current Player of the Year: Wayne Rooney Key players: Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, Nani Manchester United FC prole Sir Alex Fergusons side have had their off the eld problems this season but have the class on the pitch to go all the way in the competition. With the experience of Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, the exciting youngstersNani and Javier HernndezUnited have the perfect blend of youth and experience. If Wayne Rooney can nd his form,

then The Red Devils will take some stopping. FA Cup facts Sir Bobby Charlton played a record 75 consecutive FA Cup ties for United between 1958 and 1973. The FA Cup win of 1996 was the rst time that a non-British player had captained a winning side. The man? Eric Cantona. Trophy cabinet (past and present) League honours: Premier League titles/First Division: 2008/09, 2007/08, 2006/07, 2002/03, 2000/01, 1999/2000, 1998/99, 1996/97, 1995/96, 1993/94, 1992/93, 1966/67, 1964/65, 1956/57, 1955/56, 1951/52, 1910/11, 190708 Second Division: 1974/75, 1935/36 FA Cup: 2003/04, 1998/99, 1995/96,

1993/94, 1989/90, 1984/85, 1982/83, 1976/77, 1962/63, 1947/48, 1908/09 League Cup: 2009/10, 2008/09, 2005/06, 1991/92 Community Shield/FA Charity Shield: 2010, 2008, 2007, 2003, 1997, 1996, 1994, 1993, 1983, 1957, 1956, 1952, 1911, 1908 UEFA Champions League/European Cup: 2007/08, 1998/99, 1967/68 UEFA Cup Winners Cup: 1990/91 UEFA Super Cup: 1991 Intercontinental Cup: 1999 FIFA Club World Cup: 2008

Did you know?

The Red Devils rst entered the FA Cup in 1886-87, when the club was still known as Newton Heath. The Heathens suffered the (self-inicted) indignity of being eliminated from the competition without actually losing a game, refusing to play extra time after the match against Fleetwood Rangers had ended 2-2.

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NEWCASTLE UNITED

Nickname: The Magpies, The Toon Ofcial website: www.nufc.co.uk Date club was formed: 1892 Current manager: Alan Pardew FA Cup 2009/10: Fourth round Current Player of the Year: Kevin Nolan Key players: Andy Carroll, Cheik Tiot, Kevin Nolan

Newcastle United FC prole It has been an eventful return to the Premiership for The Toon. Standout victories including the derby demolition of Sunderland brought sunshine to Tyneside. However owner Mike Ashley did not feel that Chris Hughton, the manager who guided them to promotion, was the man to take them further. Alan Pardew now has a tough challenge to win over the fans and an entertaining run in the cup could help that aim. FA Cup facts The Magpies Billy Jonathan Hyde

Hampson is the oldest player to appear in a FA Cup Final at the age of 41 years and 257 days. Trophy cabinet (past and present) League honours: Football League First Division titles: 1926/27, 1908/09, 1906/07, 1904/05 Football League Championship/Second Division titles: 2009/10, 1992/93, 1964/65 FA Cup: 1955, 1952, 1951, 1932, 1924, 1910 FA Community Shield Winners: 1909 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup Winners: 1969 UEFA Intertoto Cup Winners: 2006

Did you know?

Newcastles Jackie Milburn 45-second goal in the 1955 goal was the quickest goal in a Final for 42 years, until Roberto Di Matteos strike after 42 seconds in the 1997 nal, which was later beaten by Evertons Louis Saha hitting the back of the net after 25 seconds in 2009.

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STOKE CITY

Nickname: The Potters Ofcial website: www.stokecityfc. com Date club was formed: 1863 Current manager: Tony Pulis FA Cup 2009/10: Quarter-nals Current Player of the Year: Matthew Etherington Key players: Matthew Etherington, Ryan Shawcross, Kenwyne Jones

Stoke City FC prole Stoke are one of the most physical teams around and use the long ball game to great effect. However, teams have started to work out how to counteract their style of play and the Potters will have to adopt a good plan B to have success in the Cup this season. Tony Pulis has built a very capable side, with the likes of Kenwyne Jones and Ryan Shawcross in their ranks, but they will have to hope they are drawn at home against classy opponents or they could come unstuck.

FA Cup facts Freddie Steele scoring 19 goals in the competition is the most in the clubs history. Trophy cabinet (past and present) League honours: Football League Championship runners up: 2007/08 Football League Division Two titles: 1992/93, 1962/63, 1932/33 League Cup: 1971/72 Auto Windscreen Shield/Auto Glass Trophy: 2000, 1992

Did you know?

Stoke legend Sir Stanley Matthews was a vegetarian teetotaler, which may explain how he remained t enough to win the FA Cup with his second club Blackpool aged 38.

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SUNDERLAND

Team: Sunderland Nickname: The Blackcats Ofcial website: www.safc.com Date club was formed: 1879 Current manager: Steve Bruce FA Cup 2009/10: Fourth round Current Player of the Year: Darren Bent Key players: Asamoah Gyan, Darren Bent, Lee Cattermole Sunderland FC prole Sunderland have started the season promisingly, despite their 5-1 thrashing at the hands of rivals

Newcastle United back in October. Steve Bruce has constructed a team that can compete with the top sides in the league but their main concern is consistency and their poor disciplinary record. The Blackcats may not have the experience to string enough wins together to reach the latter stages but could trouble the top sides in the Premier League should they come across them in a one-off match. FA Cup facts The 1973 FA Cup Final triumph meant Sunderland qualied for the

UEFA Cup Winners Cup, the clubs only appearance in European competition. Trophy cabinet (past and present) League honours: Football League Championship/ rst division/ second division titles: 2006/07, 2005/04, 1999/98, 1996/95, 1976/75

Did you know?

The creator of the FA Cup, Charles William Alcock, was from Sunderland. The same man was inuential in the creation of international football and cricket. Reserve goalkeeper Trevor Carson is the nephew of comedian Frank Carson.

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TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Nickname: Spurs, Lilywhites Ofcial website: www.tottenhamhotspur. com Date club was formed: 1882 Current manager: Harry Redknapp FA Cup 2009/10: Semi-nals Current Player of the Year: Michael Dawson Key players: Gareth Bale, Luka Modric, Rafael van der Vart Tottenham Hotspur FC prole Tottenhams place in the Champions League may go against them when they play in the FA Cup, like it has done in the Premier League this season, as they

focus their energies into the European competition. However, an exit from their priority competition could mean the North London clubs attentions turn to the FA Cup. That said, Harry Redknapp has a squad with good depth and will be very tough to beat at White Hart Lane. FA Cup facts Bobby Smiths goal in the 1962 nal took Spurs to 2-1 up and in doing so made him the only player for the next 40 years to net in consecutive nals until Arsenals Freddie Ljungberg managed it in 2001 and 2002.

Trophy cabinet (past and present) League honours: Football League First Division/Second Division titles: 1960/61, 1950/51, 1949/50, 1919/20 FA Cup: 1991, 1982, 1981, 1967, 1962, 1961, 1921, 1901 League Cup: 2008, 1999, 1973, 1971 FA Charity Shield: 1991, 1981, 1967, 1962, 1961, 1951, 1921 UEFA Cup: 1984, 1972, 1963 Anglo-Italian League Cup: 1970/71

Did you know?

Dave Mackay borrowed a dinner jacket from the restaurant manager of the Savoy Hotel for the Tottenham 1962 victory banquet. His brother Tommy had been denied admittance because he was wearing a sports top.

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WEST BROMWICH ALBION

Nickname: Baggies Ofcial website: www.wba.co.uk Date club was formed: 1878 Current manager: Roberto Di Matteo FA Cup 2009/10: Fifth round Current Player of the Year: Graham Dorrans Key players: Chris Brunt, Peter Odemwingie, Gonzalo Jara West Bromwich Albion FC prole West Brom have been the surprise package so far this season in the Premier League, and managed to beat Arsenal away from the Hawthorns. Roberto Di Matteo has kept the majority of his

promotion-winning squad but added some quality to a good squad. The acquisitions of Peter Odemwingie and Gonzalo Jara seem to be masterstrokes by the Italian boss and the duo could be key members in taking the Baggies to the latter stages of the Cup. FA Cup facts West Brom contested three FA Cup Finals against local rivals Aston Villa between 1887 and 1895, Villa winning two and Albion one. Tony Browns 54 appearances in the competition is the most in the Baggies history to date.

Trophy cabinet (past and present) League honours: Football League Championship/First Division/Second Division titles: 2007/08, 1919/1920, 1910/11, 1901/02 FA Cup: 1968, 1954, 1931, 1892, 1888 League Cup: 1966 FA Charity Shield: 1954, 1920

Did you know?

The West Bromwich town arms were worn on the badge of the players shirts for the 1931, 1935 and 1954 FA Cup nals.

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WEST HAM UNITED

Nickname: The Hammers Ofcial website: www.whufc.com Date club was formed: 1895 Current manager: Avram Grant FA Cup 2009/10: Third round Current Player of the Year: Scott Parker Key players: Matthew Upson, Robert Green, Scott Parker West Ham United FC prole It has not been the start that Hammers fans would have been hoping for and Avram Grant has a huge task to keep West Ham in the Premier League this season. So often struggling teams use the Cup competitions as a way to ignite

their season and they will be hoping an extended run in the FA Cup could offer some light at the end of the tunnel. To stand a chance of reaching the quarternals at best, skipper Scott Parker will need to be on top form. FA Cup facts The Hammers were the last club to win the competition with a team made up of English-born players in 1975. Trophy cabinet (past and present) League honours: Football League First Division/Second Division titles: 1980/81, 1957/58

Football League Championship/ Division One play-off: 2005, 1912/13 FA Cup: 1980, 1975, 1964 FA Charity Shield: 1964 UEFA Cup Winners Cup: 1965 UEFA Intertoto Cup: 1999

Did you know?

Between 1964 and 1966, West Ham and England captain Bobby Moore lifted three trophies: The FA Cup, the European Cup-Winners Cup and the famous World Cup triumph for England.

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WIGAN ATHLETIC

Nickname: The Latics Ofcial website: www.wiganlatics.co.uk Date club was formed: 1932 Current manager: Roberto Martinez FA Cup 2009/10: Fourth round Current Player of the Year: Titus Bramble Key players: Charles NZogbia, Hugo Rodallega, James McCarthy Wigan Athletic FC prole Wigan started this season with a loss to Blackpool and a 6-0 drubbing at the hands of Chelsea but form has gradually improved, though the Latics will do

well to avoid relegation in a strong league. Roberto Martinez side lack the defensive quality and physicality to be serious contenders in this seasons Cup. Nevertheless, the beauty of the competition means it would be unreasonable to totally rule them out. FA Cup facts In the 1934/35 cup, Wigans 61 triumph against Carlisle United in the rst round was a Cup record for the biggest victory by a non-league club over a league club.

Trophy cabinet (past and present) League honours: Football League Second Division/ Third Division titles: 2002/03, 1996/97 Football League Trophy winners: 1998/99, 1984/5

Did you know?

The Latics have never been further than the quarter-nals in the competition.

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WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

Nickname: The Wanderers Ofcial website: www.wolves.co.uk Date club was formed: 1887 Current manager: Mick McCarthy FA Cup 2009/10: Fourth round Current Player of the Year: Jody Craddock Key players: Matt Jarvis, Karl Henry, Stephen Hunt Wolverhampton Wanderers FC prole Tough-tackling Wolves have faced their critics this season which Mick McCarthy would say was somewhat unjustied. One thing is for sure, they

will need to adapt their play if they are to improve on last seasons performance. An extended FA Cup run is not out of the question but they will need Matt Jarvis to provide the service, and Steven Fletcher and Kevin Doyle to get among the goals to gain any success. FA Cup facts John Richards 24 goals is currently the most for the club in the competition. Trophy cabinet (past and present) League honours: Football League First Division/Second Division/Third Division/Fourth Division titles :

2008/09, 1989/88, 1987/88, 1977/76, 1958/59, 1957/58, 1953/54, 1931/32, 1924/23 Football League First Division play-off winners: 2003 FA Cup Winners: 1960, 1949, 1908, 1893, 1908 Football League Cup Winners: 1974, 1980 FA Charity Shield Winners: 1960, 1959, 1954, 1949 Football League Trophy: 1988

Did you know?

In 1888, Wolves became a founder member of the Football League and reached the FA Cup Final losing to Preston North End by 3-0 at The Oval.

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