Aston Villa, Leeds, Wolves and West Ham are traditional big clubs who haven’t won a major trophy between them for more than 25 years.

In that context, the FA Cup is particularly important, so they should all pick the strongest team available for their third-round ties this weekend.

These players and managers will go down in history if they can lift the cup. For Wolves and West Ham, you have to go all the way back to 1980 for their last trophy.

Steven Gerrard takes Aston Villa to Old Trafford in the final tie of the third round of the FA Cup

I was brought up on the FA Cup, not just watching on television but also going to Wembley for the 1986 final between Liverpool and Everton. 

As a player, I was furious when ‘rested’ by Roy Hodgson at Fulham for a replay against Bristol Rovers. We lost on penalties and, listening to the radio at home, I threw things across the room in a fit of anger.

I was privileged to win the trophy with Liverpool and even before then enjoyed some good cup runs with Crewe. I still have a picture of Vinnie Jones grabbing me around the throat when we played Wimbledon!

Financial priorities have changed in football since then, I appreciate that, and managers are under greater pressure than ever to stay in the Premier League and then try to qualify for Europe. 

But I am still amazed to see weakened line-ups because, for most teams, the opportunity to win trophies is hard to come by. West Ham, at home to Leeds today, have the greatest dilemma of the clubs I’ve mentioned because they are chasing a top-four spot, are competing in the Europa League and have a Premier League game on Wednesday.

David Moyes will have to be careful but he understands the English game and I’m sure he would love to have a first trophy on his own CV, which he deserves for the career he’s had.

I would see the Leeds tie as a wonderful opportunity for West Ham and start as strong as I could. If players are fit, pick them. You can always substitute the likes of Declan Rice later if the game is going your way.

Leeds have injury issues and are running on a thin squad. But the incentive is still big enough to give the Cup a go. For Marcelo Bielsa to become the first Leeds manager since Howard Wilkinson to win a trophy would be celebrated for decades.

Wolves, at home to Sheffield United, are playing with a real swagger. They should go full strength, maintain the feelgood factor. It’s not as if they have any relegation worries.

Aston Villa have the toughest fixture on paper, away to Manchester United tomorrow. But knowing Steven Gerrard, he’ll consider it really important.

United are low on confidence and look fragile. I’d be surprised if Stevie doesn’t try to take advantage by naming a really strong team for Old Trafford.

Villa are on a high with the signing of Philippe Coutinho. He will raise standards and the other lads will be buzzing about having this Brazilian star from Barcelona coming in.