Updated at 09.02
Sunderland v Southampton (Saturday, 12.45)
Sunderland have a slight advantage in this game, given that they were afforded an extra rest when their midweek league tie was postponed.
Southampton, though, will go into this match with confidence high, having produced an impressive performance in beating Hull 1-0 on Tuesday night.
Yet while the Saints may have the far healthier league position, Sunderland are unbeaten in the three games between the sides so far this season, so it would be no surprise if that trend continues on Saturday.
Bet: Draw @ 12/5
Cardiff v Wigan (Saturday, 15.00)
On the face of it, Cardiff should be strong favourites to win this game, given that they are a league above their opponents.
That said, Wigan have knocked out Premier League opposition already this season, and are — lest it be forgotten — the current FA Cup holders.
Nonetheless, the Welsh side have shown signs of life under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer recently, and should have enough quality to navigate this tricky test.
Bet: Cardiff @ 11/10
Sheffield Wednesday v Charlton (Saturday, 15.00)
By no means the most glamorous tie of the weekend, as two Championship sides meet in a game that either could probably do without.
Wednesday, who have just signed Irish interational Leon Best on emergency loan, look the better side on paper, as they go into the game nine points ahead of relegation-threatened Charlton in the league.
Moreover, recent form also indicates there can only be one winner, with the Owls unbeaten in 11 of their last 12 matches, while their opponents have now lost four consecutive games in the Championship.
Bet: Sheffield Wednesday @ 21/20
Man City v Chelsea (Saturday, 17.15)
A repeat of the Premier League clash from a few weeks back that Chelsea narrowly won 1-0, this game should be an equally tight affair.
City will still have to cope with the absences of key players Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho, though Samir Nasri could return for Manuel Pellegrini’s side.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have injury problems of their own, with both Gary Cahill and John Terry injured.
But despite the Londoners winning the last game, City are probably still slight favourites with their home advantage, yet both may have to reluctantly accept the unwelcome prospect of a replay if it’s closely fought as expected.
Bet: Draw 12/5
Everton v Swansea (Sunday, 13.30)
Would Everton value an FA Cup triumph ahead of a Champions League spot at the end of the season? Financially at least, a place in Europe’s top competition would be far more beneficial for the club.
They face a tricky enough fixture this weekend against a Swansea side who have looked reasonably good since Gary Monk took over from Michael Laudrup, earning a win and a draw thus far.
The Welsh team could also be handed a boost, with key striker Michu likely to return from injury, but will it be enough to prevail against Roberto Martinez’s impressive Toffees?
Bet: Everton @ 4/7
Sheffield United v Nottingham Forest (Sunday, 15.00)
Having already beaten Premier League opposition in the form of West Ham, Championship high-flyers Nottingham Forest should be good enough to overcome Sheffield United, who are currently in the League One relegation zone.
Irish eyes will be on Simon Cox and in particular, Andy Reid, who has played a pivotal role in helping to turn Forest into promotion contenders this season.
And while both sides will be keener to focus on their respective league battles, the prestigious prospect of a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals should ensure a highly competitive contest.
Bet: Nottingham Forest @ 13/10
Arsenal v Liverpool (Sunday, 16.00)
It is impossible to discuss this game without mentioning Liverpool’s incredible 5-1 thrashing of Arsenal last weekend.
And after such a significant result, a swift follow-up game between two sides when one had previously emerged emphatically victorious would seem a foregone conclusion, in most cases.
Yet Arsenal have shown an ability to respond to big setbacks impressively over the course of the season, with the shock opening day loss at home to Aston Villa being a prime example.
So don’t be surprised if the Gunners provide a far sterner test for Brendan Rodgers’ side this time around.
Bet: Draw @ 12/5
Brighton v Hull (Monday, 19.45)
Probably the fifth-round game in which an upset is most likely to occur – Brighton have home advantage and may well be in the Premier League next year, as they currently sit just one point below the Championship play-off places.
Hull, by contrast, have had a difficult season, and are still just three points above the relegation zone in the top flight.
That said, Steve Bruce’s side have consistently taken the cup competitions seriously this season, if their committed performances on such occasions are anything to go by, so a win for the Seagulls still looks improbable.
Bet: Hull @ 2/1
Accumulator:
A tenner on the above results would net you precisely €18,346.52.
First published at 19.46 on Friday
