One of the most interesting ties in the FA Cup third round will see Premier League high-flyers Everton take on Championship title contenders Queens Park Rangers.

The Toffees have been quite impressive under new boss Roberto Martinez this season, and they remain in contention for a top 4 finish.

The hard-fought victory over Southampton and midweek’s 1-1 draw at Britannia proved that Everton can also grind out results when needed, and they are clearly starting to resemble a truly great side.

The FA Cup game against QPR will be a nice break from the demanding Premier League campaign, but no doubt Roberto Martinez will be looking to do well in the competition he won last year with Wigan Athletic.

And even if he is expected to rest several key men on Saturday afternoon, his side remain 1.40 (2/5) favourites to win in regular time.

Roberto Martinez could have Sylvain Distin back from a hamstring problem, but Arouna Kone, Gerard Deulofeu, Phil Jagielka and Darron Gibson continue to miss out.

The likes of Joel Robles, Nikica Jelavic, Tony Hibbert, Steven Naismith and Bryan Oviedo are all pushing for starting places.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Joel – Hibbert, Alcaraz, Distin, Oviedo – Osman, McCarthy – Naismith, Barkley, Pienaar – Jelavic.

In spite of the recent stuttering, QPR remain the number one candidates to win the Championship title and return to the elite division.

Harry Redknapp’s squad are packed with quality and experience, although they will have to work hard in order to succeed in their quest.

Back to back defeats to promotion rivals Leicester and Nottingham certainly acted as a major blow to their title ambitions, but goalless draw at Watford and hard-fought triumph over Donacaster helped the Rs return to the right track.

And with next league fixture an entire week away, Harry Redknapp looks set to field a very strong line-up for the FA Cup clash against Everton.

Taking also into account the fact that his counterpart is likely to rest a number of first team regulars, one should be aware QPR are priced at 6.00 (5/1) to qualify for the next round.

Tottenham have allowed Rangers to use Benoit Assaou-Ekotto in the FA Cup, but they opted not to do the same for Tom Carroll, who could be recalled to White Hart Lane this month.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Green – Simpson, Dunne, Hill, Assou-Ekotto – O’Neil, Barton – Phillips, Kranjcar, Benayoun – Austin.