Young Guns Eager to Shine in FA Cup Third Round as Premier League Sides Look to Rely on Youth and Experience

Strategic Insights -

As the third round of the FA Cup gets underway, several top-flight teams are preparing to hand out opportunities to their young guns, with some players looking to make the most of their chances. In an effort to balance youth and experience, these clubs are giving their youngsters a chance to shine in the competition, with some already making a name for themselves. Several individuals are set to take the field in the coming matches, including Manchester City's Cole Palmer, Manchester United's Anthony Elanga, and Chelsea's Harvey Vale.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cole Palmer, 19, is expected to start for Manchester City in their away game against Swindon, having already netted goals in the Carabao Cup and Champions League this season. He has five goals and three assists in six Premier League 2 games this season.
  • Anthony Elanga, 19, has enjoyed a few run-outs under Ralf Rangnick at Manchester United, and could add to his Premier League goal count against Aston Villa. He has played more minutes this season than he did in the first few months under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
  • Harvey Vale, Chelsea's attacking midfielder, only turned 18 in September and has already tested himself against Premier League opposition in the Carabao Cup. He could start against Chesterfield as Thomas Tuchel gives senior players a rest.
  • Ben Nelson, a 17-year-old centre-back, was close to a Leicester debut over the festive period and travelled to Napoli with the first team for their final Europa League group game. He could make his Premier League debut against Watford.
  • Crysencio Summerville, a 20-year-old winger, has made five Premier League appearances for Leeds this season, including his first senior start in the Carabao Cup. he has scored a hat-trick in the Premier League Cup this week and could face West Ham's youngster Emmanuel Longelo.

Statistics:

  • Cole Palmer has five goals and three assists in six Premier League 2 games this season.
  • Harvey Vale, Chelsea's 18-year-old attacking midfielder, has already tested himself against Premier League opposition in the Carabao Cup.
  • Ben Nelson, a 17-year-old centre-back, has played eight times in Premier League 2 this term and travelled to Napoli with Leicester's first team for their final Europa League group game.
  • Crysencio Summerville, a 20-year-old winger, has made five Premier League appearances for Leeds this season.
  • Manchester City has handed a run-out to Cole Palmer in two different competitions this season (Carabao Cup and Champions League).

Sources:

  • Mirror Football
  • Getty Images
  • REUTERS
  • Action Images via Reuters
  • AFP via Getty Images