FA Cup Replays - Wednesday 4th February

Well folks, last night didn't go to plan did it? The supposed outsider of the three trotted home quite comfortably (Burnley) but Wolves made an almighty mess of their game, with credit due to Norwich for a thrilling fightback. Perhaps Wolves need that new centre back after all. Preston just couldn't get the ball in the net against Plymouth and had to settle for a point, let's hope we can salvage something from tonight's fixtures. Finally, we have seen a big increase in traffic to the site the last couple of days - please do bookmark us and check back regularly; we update the blog daily every morning and are all delighted so many people are reading.

Blackburn v Sunderland
This one looks stupendous value for the punter who checks their team news. Blackburn are undoubtedly suffering from a couple of injuries, the most serious being Brett Emerton who will now miss the rest of the season. There is some positive news for the home side, however, as transfer-target Roque Santa-Cruz is expected to play up front tonight. Benni McCarthy isn't expected to start but will be available from the bench should Sam Allardyce require some extra firepower. After putting in 110% in the Tyne derby match on Sunday, Sunderland are expected to rest a number of key players. The Black Cats could field a handful of unrecognisable faces and the strong striking partnership of Djibril Cisse and Kenwyne Jones are both expected to be stood down for the evening. Injury plagued goalkeeper Craig Gordon is due to return, but, Sunderland will be missing three key defenders and Blackburn are taken here to get the job done.

Blackburn @ 10/11 Coral

Everton v Liverpool (8.10pm ITV1)
This must be one of the most tedious trilogies since Star Wars. A fixture which often promises so much but rarely delivers, it would be a joy if just for once the intensity on the pitch matched that of the supporters in the stands. These two sides have already played twice in the past fortnight, with the result being a 1-1 draw on each of those occasions. Can someone sneak it tonight? In reality, the answer is probably no. Both managers prefer a cautious approach to big games and the reversal of fortunes in form at the weekend (Everton losing to Manchester Utd and Liverpool beating Chelsea) is likely to be negated by Everton taking home advantage. Viewers should expect a late evening, likely to involve extra time. To cover yourself against a home victory, consider Everton on the Asian Handicap.

Everton +0.25 @ 9/10 Bet365

Nottingham Forest v Derby
Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies has been quick to play down the importance of getting a result tonight against his former side, instead deciding to focus his attentions on Championship survival. With this in mind, expect Forest to play a weakened, possibly youthful, side, but do not underestimate how fierce this local rivalry is and how much Billy Davies would enjoy seeing his side get one over his former club. The home team are missing a number of key players, however, including their two main strikers Joe Garner and Robbie Earnshaw. Derby look like they are back to winning ways and have produced their best form in cup games this season. Nigel Clough will be delighted that creative spark Kris Commons is available and is set to name a full strength side in this one. A lucrative tie against Manchester United awaits the victors. Its a very tentative selection, but, I fancy Derby may just sneak this one.

Derby +0.25 @ 10/11 Bet365

SB