STOKE CITY launch their FA Youth Cup campaign this evening . . . in what could be a battle of the hot shots when they face Carlisle United in the third round tie.

While the Potters will be looking to Louis Moult after his impressive form this season at both Under-18 and reserve team levels, the Cumbrian club have arguably one of the most prolific goalscorers in English football in youth fixtures in Ryan Bowman.

The Carlisle youngster has hit 19 goals already this season including two hat-tricks and all five goals in their recent 5-1 triumph over Port Vale.

While City enter the competition at this stage, Carlisle have progressed to the third round by overcoming Accrington Stanley 9-8 on penalties and then winning 2-1 away at our FA Cup opponents York City in their second round tie.

Both sides have been hit by postponed fixtures in recent weeks due to all the wet weather, but tonight's tie is expected to go ahead (7.00pm kick-off).

City have taken a 17-man squad to the north west for this evening's game: Parton, Cohen, Alexander, Connor, McDonald, Moult, Nicholls, Stockhall, Urwin, Vickers, Foster, Harrison, Hedley, Jackson, Mitchell, Sinclair, Wint.