Ballard and John-Jules set to face Premier League sides in FA Cup fourth round –

Daniel Ballard recently extended his loan spell at Blackpool until the end of the season and the defender is aiming to go on a lengthy run in the FA Cup with the League One side.

Ballard featured for Blackpool against West Bromwich Albion in the third round, with his temporary team ultimately prevailing on penalties.

That victory set up another test against Premier League opposition in the fourth round, with Blackpool to face Brighton & Hove Albion away, which will provide Ballard with another chance to show that he deserves to be playing at a higher level than League One.

Another Arsenal loanee has made it through to the fourth round of the FA Cup, with Tyreece John-Jules’ Doncaster Rovers set to take on West Ham United away.

John-Jules has seen his spell at Doncaster disrupted by injury but he has shown some encouraging signs of late and will be especially determined to get on the scoresheet against Premier League opposition.

If Doncaster manage to cause a shock against West Ham then they will travel to face Liverpool or Manchester United in the fifth round, which would certainly be the highlight of John-Jules’ career so far.

Both Ballard and John-Jules will hope that they can continue to make an impact in the prestigious competition.

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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird