Then there's the players who are never going to feature. Players who have been injured all season, are coming to the end of their careers or are simply not needed. You'd hope that these players would acknowledge their position and rally round their teammates.
Bizarrely Agustin Delgado feels that it's because he hasn't been playing that he should play in the final.
"My injuries haven't permitted me to show what I can do, so it would be a redemption of sorts for me to play in the final," said Delgado.
"I had a small operation on a herniated disc in my back and I'm feeling much better now.
"It's been an unfortunate injury to get this season but I'm well settled in Southampton and looking forward to playing in the first team very soon.
Delgado has probably been the biggest Saints embarrassment since Ali Dia and there is absolutely no chance that he will get into the team past players who have actually contributed to Saints season.
"They always show the final in Ecuador and I remember seeing Arsenal and Manchester United win it," continued Delgado.
"It will be different to playing in the World Cup. Then you are playing for your country and it's a great honour.
"In the FA Cup, you are playing for the team's history and pride and I would be grateful to think I could get my name on the scoreboard of history with Southampton.
"I feel positive about my future here and I will definitely be fit for May 17.
"If I can leave my injuries behind, then I will be able to show my full potential."
On the bright side this does show that Agustin wants to stay at the club, that he's almost fit and that he'll be working for a first team place. But that will be next season and depends on whether or not he shows up or goes in the huff at not being in the final.
On Delgado's plight manager Gordon Strachan said: "It's a shame because I believe Agustin has the ability from what I've seen of him.
"The problem we've had this season is I've got two top strikers in him and Marian Pahars but have not been able to play either of them because they have been injured.
Personally, I'd play either Benali or Lundekvam up front before I'd let Delgado anywhere near our cup final team and I just hope he knows that he hasn't earned a place and is resolved to put things right next season.