Sunderland v Newcastle 1:30pm

If you are a Sunderland fan you must look ahead to these Tyne-Wear derbies with a mixture of trepidation and excitement. The Black Cats have won just one of the last 15 meetings between the two rivals and supporters will probably still be having nightmares about the 5-1 mauling they suffered at St James’ Park in 2010.

Both teams come into this game off the back of 3-0 pastings at the hands of clubs from Manchester. Neither side covered themselves in glory as they were beaten by Manchester United and Manchester City respectively, leaving both sets of players with a lot to think about during the international break.

The defeat at the Etihad Stadium was Sunderland’s first of the season and, despite only winning once, a solid backline and an in-form Steven Fletcher has stirred talk of a top-ten finish for the Wearsiders. Newcastle have also made a steady start as they look to build on last term’s fifth-place finish. However, Alan Pardew’s men aren’t earning the plaudits they did this time last year and are starting to look a bit like one-season wonders.

The Toon have been boosted by the news Steven Taylor, Fabricio Coloccini and Tim Krul could all be fit to return having missed the last few weeks. Papiss Cisse, Demba Ba and Cheick Tiote have returned from the international break without any problems and as such Pardew could have his strongest XI available.

While Steven Taylor might not rate Sunderland’s team they look to have enough about them to stop the out-of-sync Magpies. The Black Cats are 8/5 to pick up three points at home, while Newcastle are 15/8, with the draw a tempting 23/10. Fletcher to score anytime is 11/8 and, given the form he has been in, it might be worth getting on the former Wolves hitman.

QPR v Everton 4pm

Each game seems to be a must-win one for QPR at the minute, with Mark Hughes edging closer to the exit door after an awful start to the season. The R’s are currently rock bottom having picked up just two points from their first seven matches, losing last time out to West Brom. Hughes needed to get a win under his belt as soon as possible but that might be a tall order against Everton.

The Toffees are currently fourth after an excellent start but will be without talisman Marouane Fellaini, while Darron Gibson is unlikely to play despite recently returning to training. Without the central midfield duo, Everton might lack a bit of bite in the middle of the park but should still have enough quality to trouble Rangers.

David Moyes’ men have played a more expansive brand of football this term but that has seen them keep just one clean sheet all season thus far. With that in mind over 2.5 goals at 5/6 could be a worthwhile bet, while a draw looks the most likely outcome given QPR could be boosted by the return of a few players from injury.

The draw is one offer at 12/5, with QPR the same price to pick up three points for the first time, while Everton are 6/5 favourites in the match betting.

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Huddersfield Town

Local rivals Leeds United were seconds away from pulling off a famous victory in north London in the third round of the competition but had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

However, the Gunners were clinical in the replay at Elland Road and showed the reason why they are challenging at the top of the Premier League as they ran out 3-1 winners.

Huddersfield are currently third in League One and will be looking to cause an upset at the Emirates.

Like most sides who travel to face the Gunners, they will have to ride their luck but if they can keep out Arsenal for the first half they may be able to frustrate them.

Arsene Wenger’s side have been in a rich vein of form and look like they are enjoying the cup competitions this season.

The Gunners have already booked a date at Wembley as they beat Ipswich Town to secure a place in the Carling Cup final in midweek.

Arsenal should come out on top in this one as their strength in depth is likely to be too strong for Town.

In an all Premier League affair, Tottenham Hotspur make the short trip across the capital to take on Fulham at Craven Cottage (Fulham 2/1, draw 12/5, Spurs 13/10).

Mark Hughes’s side have managed to create a four point gap between themselves and the teams in the relegation zone as the Cottagers have picked up recent wins against Stoke City and West Brom.

However, Spurs are 10 places higher than Fulham in the Premier League and will be confident of progressing through to the fifth round of the FA Cup.

The north London club have beaten Fulham in their last three meetings and they should come out on top once again in this meeting.

In Sunday’s other all Premier League clash, Wolves host Stoke City in a West Midlands derby.

Wolves have welcomed the distraction of the FA Cup as they have struggled to pick up points in the Premier League.

Mick McCarthy’s side are level on points with bottom club West Ham United as they have only picked up one win in their last four outings in the top flight.

Stoke are enjoying arguably their best season in the Premier League as they look comfortable in 10th place.

Tony Pulis and his Potters players should be able to take advantage of the fact that Wolves will have their priorities set on avoiding relegation from the top flight this season.

Finally, Premier League big spenders Manchester City travel to take on Notts County at Meadow Lane (County 13/2, draw 18/5 City 2/5).

County have made headlines in recent years with talk of takeovers and big money signings, much like their opponents on Sunday.

However, the Magpies have not seen much of an improvement on the pitch as they sit four points above the relegation zone in League One.

With City’s star studded squad, which is blessed with riches, they should comfortably beat County.

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