LONDON, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- The fourth round of the FA Cup this weekend throws together some games between Premier League rivals and others where top-flight sides could struggle against lower league opposition.

Manchester United and relegation threatened Leicester City get things underway on Friday with United needing to perform after a transfer window, which looks to have left it weaker in attack, especially after defender Lisandro Martinez was confirmed with a season-ending knee injury on Thursday.

This is the FA Cup holders' only chance of silverware in what is turning into another horrible season and its vital for club morale that they stay in the competition against a rival that has shipped goals at an alarming rate all season.

The big attraction will be to see Leicester coach Ruud van Nistelrooy back at old Trafford after working as number two to Erik ten Hag and a short, but successful spell as caretaker after Ten Hag's sacking.

Manchester City should have an easy Saturday away to League One Leyton Orient, and City coach Pep Guardiola will be happy to rest players ahead of next week's Champions League clash with Real Madrid.

Ipswich Town has a difficult visit to play Coventry City, whose form in the Championship has improved under Frank Lampard and this could be a possible upset.

Southampton also face a potential banana skin when they host Burnley, who's second in the Championship and looking for a swift return to the elite. Southampton took a morale boosting win at Ipswich in the league last weekend, but much will depend in this game on whether Burnley coach Scott Parker reserves players with an eye on assuring promotion.

Everton against Bournemouth looks to be a well-matched game, with Everton winning its last three matches under David Moyes, although injury problems could tempt him to not risk Beto, currently Everton's only fit striker.

Fulham is away to League One Wigan Athletic, while Newcastle visits League One leaders Birmingham City. Newcastle has already assured its place in the Carabao Cup final with Wednesday's 2-0 win at home to Arsenal and Eddie Howe will probably rest striker Alexander Isak for Saturday.

Brighton entertains Chelsea with the home side needing to banish thoughts of its 7-0 thrashing to Nottingham Forest last weekend. Chelsea meanwhile has to view the Cup as the best way to keep up a positive feeling for the season.

Wolverhampton Wanderers has a tricky visit to Championship side, Blackburn Rovers, although Blackburn's recent form has been poor, while Liverpool makes the long trip to play the Championship's bottom side, Plymouth Argyle, with half an eye on next week's last ever Liverpool derby at Goodison Park.

Liverpool will also be boosted after its 4-0 thrashing of Tottenham on Thursday in the Carabao Cup assured at least one cup final appearance at Wembley this season.

Crystal Palace should have few problems away to League Two's Doncaster Rovers, who knocked second tier Hull City out of the last round, while there is a fascinating game between Tottenham and Aston Villa, with Spurs needing to bounce back after Thursday saw one final dream brought to an abrupt halt.

Ange Postecoglou's side has been heavily criticized for its capitulation at Anfield on Thursday and desperately need to show some personality against a Villa side that could hand debuts to January arrivals Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford. Enditem

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