Five EFL stars who can inspire FA Cup fourth round upsets

The FA Cup has been whittled down to 32 teams but the prospect of an upset is still very real.

Sunday's Black Country derby between West Brom and Wolves stands out as one of the ties of the round, while Manchester United's visit to Newport screams cup romance.

Ahead of the fourth round clashes, we take a look at the lower-league players capable of shocking the top dogs this weekend.

Jamie Paterson (Swansea) vs Bournemouth

Jamie Paterson has been a shining light in an underwhelming season for Swansea.

The midfielder has recorded a team-high 10 goal involvements, including the Swans' only strike in Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Southampton.

Paterson, 32, scored against Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup earlier this term and will be hoping to make a similar impact away from home on Thursday.

Tommy Conway (Bristol City) vs Nottingham Forest

Tommy Conway was one of the heroes of the third round of the FA Cup, scoring in the 1-1 draw at West Ham and then netting the winner in the replay at Ashton Gate.

And a record of eight goals in 23 matches so far this season is by far the best in Bristol City's squad.

In a clash against Nottingham Forest that looks winnable for the hosts, Conway will fancy his chances of downing Premier League opposition again.

Bright Thomas-Asante (West Brom) vs Wolves

Bright Thomas-Asante has stepped up his game for West Brom this season, netting 10 goals in 27 matches.

That is already an improvement on nine in 35 having signed from League Two Salford last term, while he has found the net in three of his last four outings at the Hawthorns.

A rare Black Country derby with Wolves provides an opportunity for any player to make himself a hero — and Thomas-Asante is among the most likely to do just that for the Baggies.

Jonathan Rowe (Norwich) vs Liverpool

Jonathan Rowe is one of the EFL's breakout stars in 2023-24, driving forward Norwich's hopes of reaching the Championship play-offs.

Only four second-tier players have scored more goals than the Canaries' talisman, who has laid on a couple of assists as well as netting 12 times.

A win at Liverpool would be a giant shock — but if it is to happen, Rowe is bound to be at the heart of City's efforts.

Will Evans (Newport) vs Manchester United

Newport have recent giant-killing history, beating Premier League Leicester at home in January 2019 before taking top-flight sides Newcastle and Brighton to penalties in separate competitions in the 2020-21 season.

And in striker Will Evans, they have a ready-made hero ahead of Sunday's clash with United.

Evans is the joint-third highest scorer in the fourth tier, netting 18 goals in 36 appearances overall this season, and scored in County's replay victory over Eastleigh that earned them this tie.