Hartlepool United's season so far has been turbulent, to say the least, after a winless league run of 11 games to begin their League Two campaign saw Paul Huntley sacked and Keith Curle appointed with the task of keeping the club out of the relegation places.
He has been successful so far, with the club 22nd in the league heading into an important few months.
It took penalties in a first round replay to dispatch of Solihull Moors after respective 2-2 and 1-1 draws, then a 3-1 win over fellow fourth-tier side Harrogate Town in round two to set up a tie against Championship opposition in Stoke.
The Pools beat second-tier Blackpool 2-1 at this stage last season before losing at Premier League outfit Crystal Palace in the fourth round.
Stoke City are flattering to deceive in their own league standings, sitting in 18th off the back of two 1-0 home defeats to Burnley and Preston North End.
The cup could be a welcome break for Alex Neil and his players, with the club making it to the fifth round last season for their furthest venture in the competition since 2015 - but they also lost to Crystal Palace.
This is the first meeting between the two clubs since the third round of the FA Cup in 2008/09, with Hartlepool emerging 2-0 victors that day.
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Team news
Hartlepool
Matty Dolan rejoined his hometown club on a loan deal from Newport County this week, but is unable to make his debut against Stoke due to being cup tied.
Euan Murray looks likely to return to the fold after missing the last few games through illness.
Full-back Jamie Sterry made his return from a lengthy injury layoff in December, but missed New Year's Day's game against Harrogate and is unlikely to feature in this game as Curle and his backroom staff manage his return carefully.
Stoke
Dwight Gayle is set to return to the matchday squad following his return from an injury that has kept him out since the World Cup break.
Dujon Sterling and Sam Clucas are set to remain sidelined.
Bournemouth loanee Gavin Kilkenny could be line for a first appearance since August after back-to-back injuries halted his short City career.
Young strikers Emre Tezgel and Nathan Lowe may be called upon to feature by Neil to gain experience, with Tezgel making his debut at this stage last season to become Stoke's youngest ever player.
D'Margio Wright-Phillips is also likely to return to the fray after not making an appearance since a 3-1 loss to Norwich in October.
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Likely lineups
Hartlepool
Killip; Shelton, Menayese, Murray, Ferguson, Tumilty; Featherstone, Sylla, Cooke; Hamilton, Umerah.
Stoke
Bonham; Clarke, Taylor, Jagielka, Souttar, Tymon; Laurent, Kilkenny, Powell; Gayle, Delap.
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Ones to watch
Josh Umerah
Frontman Umerah had appeared for a host of clubs including Charlton, Kilmarnock and Wycombe before finding his feet at Wealdstone last season and netting 17 league goals in 43 games. He has been a shining light in a dull season for the Pools after joining in the summer, bagging eight league goals in 22 games.
He has also been the star of their cup run after netting in the first round and then firing home a brace to see his side through in the second round. His aggressive style of play will need to drive Hartlepool to victory against tougher opposition this time around.
Nick Powell
Powell has had a far-from-ideal campaign so far, after being hit with an injury in pre-season which ruled him out for the Potters' first seven league games. Another injury then meant he did not make his first league start until early November, in which he cut an influential figure as Stoke beat Wigan Athletic 1-0 .
Two starts and a goal against Luton later and he was sidelined again with an injury going into the international break. He has made just five substitute appearances since the restart and will be looking to play from the off against Hartlepool to prove his worth to Alex Neil, after recent reports linked him with a move away from the bet365 Stadium.
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Match details
Where is the game being played?
The game is being held at the Suit Direct Stadium in Hartlepool, County Durham.
What time is kick off?
Kick off is at 14:00 GMT, on Sunday, January 8.
How can I watch?
The game is not live to watch in the UK, having been chosen for overseas viewing.
FA Cup highlights are available to watch at 22:30 on BBC One.