Liverpool v Southampton
A chance for perennial understudy Chris Kirkland to take centre stage, more than a year after he joined Liverpool in a record move from Coventry City, as the England Under 21 keeper steps in for Jerzy Dudek against Southampton. Kirkland, regarded by many as the long-term successor to the England slot, says: "I knew exactly what the situation would be when I signed. I understood it would be difficult to break into the side and I knew I would be understudy to Jerzy and he is a terrific goalkeeper. Although I have not played very much I do feel I have improved."
Another star to step out of the shadows is Markus Babbel who has now fully recovered from a life threatening rare immune system disorder. The German international can now look forward to his first start in 15 months, although he did make a brief appearance as a substitute in the Community Shield back in August.
Michael Owen and Jamie Carragher are out injured and El Hadji Diouf is pressing for a start against the Saints who have their own problems. Rory Delap may return to action after recovering from a virus and Marian Pahars is in contention for a place in the squad though he may have to settle for a place on the bench. Mr ever-present, Wayne Bridge, is in danger of missing the game because he is struggling with an ankle injury so Marcus Hall stands by for his first Saints start.
With the Premiership and Champions League their priorities Liverpool will want to put this one to bed as quickly as possible and I'm backing them to do just that.
Ipswich v Middlesbrough
Not much time for Boro to recover from their unfortunate defeat at Newcastle and yet another cup fixture getting in the way of Joe Royle's priority of keeping his new club in Division One.
Alun Armstrong is ruled out of this game, against his former club, due to the hamstring injury he sustained in the defeat to Crystal Palace and joins fellow strikers Marcus Bent and Richard Naylor on the injured list. Pablo Counago is still suspended so that will give 20-year-old striker Richard Logan a chance to feature for the first time in nearly two years. Jim Magilton is still out with a calf injury and John McGreal could also be in contention.
Alen Boksic is still suffering from flu so is unlikely to feature while fringe players Colin Cooper and Mark Wilson could start the game I expect Boro to edge.
Crystal Palace v Coventry City
Kit Symons played a full 90 minutes for Palace reserves on Monday, after a groin injury, and is in contention for a place in the starting line-up while Curtis Fleming remains a doubt due to a knee injury. Wayne Routledge is out because of an ankle ligament injury.
Coventry have been boosted by the news that on-loan Craig Hignett has been granted clearance by Blackburn Rovers to play, while Julian Joachim is expected to get a place on the bench following his week-end return from a heel injury.
Palace are on a confidence-building run of nine league games unbeaten and in-form striker Andrew Johnson, with seven goals in his last three games, could be the deciding factor which is why I'm going for a home win.
Fulham v Bury
Fulham are set to welcome back Facundo Sava for this game. The Argentinian is now fit after a calf injury but Steed Malbranque (foot), Louis Saha (hamstring) and Sean Davis (broken toe) are all sidelined.
Third Division Bury will be in confident mood for their tilt at Premiership opposition as The Shakers have hit the net in their last 17 games, which is just one short of a club record.
George Clegg is definitely out of the tie because of the knee injury he sustained in the previous round. Lenny Johnrose has a hamstring problem and he faces a late fitness test, but veteran player-manager Andy Preece looks set to start the game and his experience could be a telling factor. A draw might just be on the cards.
