No time for research? Check out our bite-size summary looking ahead at the weekend’s action in the FA Cup fifth round…

Chelsea v Birmingham (12:30)

Chelsea have slipped to fifth in the Premier League after four winless matches including a 2-0 defeat at Everton on Saturday. Andre Villas-Boas finds himself under predictable pressure but he has enjoyed relative cup success, guiding the Londoners to the Champions League knockout stages.

Birmingham have put themselves into contention for an automatic promotion place in the Championship after ten matches unbeaten. They needed a replay to see off Wolves in the FA Cup third round but defeated Sheffield United 4-0 in round four.

City have only managed four victories away from home in league action but they could just surprise the hosts, who may have half an eye on Europe in midweek.

Verdict: Chelsea 1-2 Birmingham

Marlon King anytime scorer at 4/1 

Everton v Blackpool

Everton were dumped out of the FA Cup by Reading last season but they made the final in 2009 before being defeated by Chelsea. The Toffees have moved up to tenth in the Premier League after five matches unbeaten, a run which has included home victories over the Blues and Manchester City.

Blackpool are eyeing a return to the top flight at the first time of asking after a seven matches without defeat. They demolished non-league Fleetwood 5-1 in the third round before coming past Sheffield Wednesday after a replay, eventually taking the tie 3-0 at Hillsborough.

The Tangerines are a different side to the one which was relegated last term but they remain a potent force and could nick it at Goodison.

Verdict: Everton 1-2 Blackpool

Both teams to score at 20/19 

Millwall v Bolton

Millwall have struggled in the Championship this term and still have work to do if they are to survive. However, they managed a confidence-boosting victory over Southampton in the fourth round, winning the replay at St Mary’s 3-2. Since then they have drawn both of their league outings.

Bolton slipped back into the Premier League drop zone on Saturday as they were beaten at home by fellow strugglers Wigan. They have actually enjoyed relative success on the road, winning four times in the top flight, but they were held to a draw at Macclesfield in round three.

With neither side going well in their respective divisions, don’t expect much quality at the New Den. But the Lions have upped their game in the cup and may claim a minor upset.

Verdict: Millwall 2-1 Bolton

Millwall to win by one goal at 15/4 

Norwich v Leicester

Norwich find themselves eighth in the Premier League after back-to-back wins and just one defeat in seven. Paul Lambert’s side have reached this stage after a home victory over Burnley and a 2-1 away triumph at West Brom. Daniel Ayala and Zak Whitbread are set to be missing through injury once more.

Leicester are struggling to find consistency under Nigel Pearson and they have work to do if they are to make it into the play-off reckoning. The Foxes were beaten at Watford last time out, their second successive away defeat. They have seen off Nottingham Forest and Swindon to make it this far.

With safety in the top flight seemingly secured, the Canaries are free to enjoy their cup exploits and they should do against a side struggling to string results together.

Verdict: Norwich 2-1 Leicester

Norwich/Norwich double result at 2/1

Sunderland v Arsenal (17:15)

Sunderland were made to work by Middlesbrough in the fourth round, eventually triumphing in extra time of the replay thanks to Stephane Sessegnon’s strike. Martin O’Neill’s side suffered their first league defeat in four on Saturday when the Gunners scored late on.

Arsenal return to the Stadium of Light just a week after their 2-1 league victory but with their tails between their legs after a Champions League hiding. Arsene Wenger’s men went down 4-0 against AC Milan to leave their European hopes hanging by a thread.

The visitors will be out to bounce back as they aim to secure their first trophy since 2005 but it won’t be easy and their season may just take another nasty turn.

Verdict: Sunderland 3-2 Arsenal

Over 3.5 goals at 11/5 

Crawley v Stoke (Sunday 12:00)

Crawley’s title hopes were given a slight dent on Tuesday when they lost 3-0 at Swindon, who are now favourites for the League Two crown. But the Reds tend to raise their game in the cup and are yet to concede in this year’s competition in victories over Bury, Redbridge, Bristol City and Hull.

Stoke are eyeing a second successive final appearance after finishing as runners up to Manchester City last season. But they have struggled domestically of late, losing four in a row and winning just once in their last nine. Robert Huth remains suspended for the Potters.

Town will be eyeing another major scalp but they no longer have prolific striker Matt Tubbs in their ranks and without him the visitors should be able to outmuscle the Sussex side.

Verdict: Crawley 1-2 Stoke

Stoke to win by two goals at 3/1 

Stevenage v Tottenham (Sunday 14:00)

Stevenage are yet to concede a goal in this season’s FA Cup, a run which has included the third round scalp of Reading. That result was secured under Graham Westley, who has since left the club. However, new boss Gary Smith has seen his players win each of his two matches in charge.

Tottenham make the short trip to Hertfordshire on the back of a comprehensive home defeat of Newcastle which saw them strengthen their hold on third place in the Premier League. They dispatched Cheltenham in the third round and edged past Watford 1-0 in round four.

Broadhall Way will be packed to the rafters, with plenty of Spurs fans in that number. Boro won’t make it easy but Spurs should have the nous to avoid an upset.

Verdict: Stevenage 1-3 Tottenham

Both teams to score at 5/4 

Liverpool v Brighton (Sunday 16:30)

Liverpool remain unbeaten in 15 league and cup matches at Anfield this term but they have drawn nine of those with their last two in the Premier League ending goalless. Dirk Kuyt was the hero in the fourth round as he struck two minutes from time to earn Kenny Dalglish’s side a 2-1 victory against Manchester United.

Brighton needed a replay and then penalties to see of Wrexham in the third round but the work was worthwhile as they met Newcastle in round four. The Seagulls triumphed 1-0 at the Amex and they are going well in the Championship, too, currently unbeaten in seven.

Off-field matters shouldn’t prove to be any sort of distraction for the hosts and although Gus Poyet’s men won’t roll over, the Reds should edge into the last eight.

Verdict: Liverpool 1-0 Brighton

Liverpool to win to nil at evens 

Henry Milward’s best bet:
Norwich/Norwich double result at 2/1 

Click here for Mike Holden’s FA Cup betting preview.