By FRANCO PANIZO

The FA Cup takes center stage again this weekend, and that means there’s a big but challenging opportunity ahead for Tim Ream and Bolton Wanderers.

The fourth round of the competition gets underway on Saturday, and Ream and Bolton are set for a date with favored Liverpool at Anfield. The Trotters will have their hands full with the likes of Rickie Lambert and future LA Galaxy midfielder Steven Gerrard, but upsets aren’t common in the competition and a strong outing from Ream and the back line could help pave the way for the shock result that would keep Bolton’s FA Cup dreams alive.

Another versatile defender who could see time in the FA Cup this weekend is Jonathan Spector, who will be aiming to receive his first minutes since suffering a thigh injury in the fall. Spector and Birmingham City will lock horns with West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, and the Blues will have the homefield advantage as they attempt to move on in the competition. Spector last played for his club on Sept. 27, so he is likely itching to get back on the field in a competitive setting.

Herculez Gomez will also draw plenty of eyeballs on Saturday, as he and Puebla head to Estadio Azteca to face Club America. Gomez is coming off of back-to-back scoring performances, and will attempt to make it three games in row with a goal vs. a Club America defense that has conceded three times in two games. Gomez’s American teammate Michael Orozco seems a safe bet to start again for the Camoteros after not playing in the Copa MX match on Tuesday, and Ventura Alvarado should be in uniform for the hosts but will probably not get the nod.

Here is who the Americans Abroad tussle with this weekend:

SATURDAY

Jonathan Spector, Will Packwood and Birmingham City play West Bromwich Albion in the FA Cup. (Packwood is out injured.)

Danny Williams and Reading play Cardiff City in the FA Cup.

Zak Whitbread and Derby County play Chesterfield in the FA Cup.

Emerson Hyndman and Fulham play Sunderland in the FA Cup. (Hyndman is with the U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team.)

DeAndre Yedlin, Brad Friedel and Tottenham Hotspur play Leicester City in the FA Cup.

Tim Ream and Bolton Wanderers play Liverpool in the FA Cup.

Oguchi Onyewu and Charlton Athletic play Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Alejandro Bedoya and FC Nantes play Montpellier.

Aron Johannsson and AZ Alkmaar play PEC Zwolle.

Ventura Alvarado and Club America play Michael Orozco, Herculez Gomez and Puebla.

Jose Torres and Tigres UANL play Greg Garza, Joe Corona, Paul Arriola and Club Tijuana. (Torres is out injured and Arriola is with the U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team.)

Edgar Castillo and Atlas play Jaguares de Chiapas.

SUNDAY

Brad Guzan and Aston Villa play AFC Bournemouth in the FA Cup.

Gedio Zelalem and Arsenal play Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup.

Rubio Rubin and FC Utrecht play FC Groningen.

Sacha Kljestan and RSC Anderlecht play Standard Liege.

MONDAY

Geoff Cameron and Stoke City play Rochdale in the FA Cup.

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Which of these matches are you most anticipating? What are the chances that Ream and Bolton advance past Liverpool? Expecting to see Spector make his comeback?

Share your thoughts below.