FA Cup team news: Which Irish players are starting in the 3pm kick-offs?

The 3pm FA Cup line-ups are in and there is a healthy sprinkling of Irish players across the fixtures.

Sunderland’s game with Stoke will see more Irish starters than any other of this afternoon’s ties, while some Boys in Green find themselves on the bench due to squad rotation.

Sunderland v Stoke

This is a big chance for Aaron Connolly to stake his claim for regular Championship football.

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The Ireland international has played 10 times in the league so far this season, with just two of those as a starter, so an impressive performance against Stoke will do his prospects a world of good as he continues to settle in at the Stadium of Light.

In his way, however, are the Irish trio of Enda Stevens, Andrew Moran and Tom Cannon, who all start for Stoke.

The Potters can also turn to two Irishmen on the bench - Under-21 star Bosun Lawal and former Under-17 goalkeeper Jack Bonham.

Exeter City v Oxford United

Dublin-born striker Millenic Alli has been named as a substitute for Exeter City against Oxford United, with 21-year-old midfielder Tyler Goodrham making the bench for Oxford.

There is no place in the Oxford matchday squad for Dubliner Stephan Negru, however. He was recalled on Thursday from a loan spell at Salford City, denying him the chance to play against Manchester City this weekend.

Other starters

Centre-half Mark McGuinness starts for Luton away to Premier League high-flyers Nottingham Forest, while John Egan makes the 11 for Burnley away to Reading.

On the bench

Centre-halves Nathan Collins and Shane Duffy are on the bench for Brentford (v Plymouth) and Norwich (v Brighton) respectively.

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