The Friends Provident International FA Cup reaches its quarter-final stage on Saturday afternoon.

All four last-eight ties are intriguing ones that offer plenty for the neutral.

Arguably the tie of the round takes place at Corinthians where the competition’s holders host St George’s at Ballafletcher.

The pair have met each other twice thus far this season in the Premier League, drawing 3-3 on both occasions.

The injury problems that have blighted Geordies in recent weeks seem to be clearing up for this one.

Johnny Myers is back in contention after a broken toe. Joey Morling and Joel Ibanez should also feature after shaking off the injuries that have kept them out in recent weeks.

Midfielder Sid Batty will also be back from his studies at Myerscough College and should compete with Ibanez and the in-form Sam Caine for a place in the middle of the park.

Corinthians’ league game with Peel was a late victim of Saturday’s wet weather.

The week off should mean the Whites are also at near full strength for what should be a cracker at Ballafletcher.

Two Division Two sides - Colby and Pulrose - remain in the competition and will be eyeing cup-sets this weekend.

The southerners perhaps have the better chance of making the semi-finals as they host the CLPL’s bottom side Laxey.

After a poor start to the campaign, the Moonlighters currently sit top of the second-tier’s current form table.

Laxey have recorded half of all their wins this season in this competition and will welcome the distraction from a league campaign that looks like it might end in relegation.

Pulrose are the other side hoping to pull off a shock, but they face a sterner test as they travel to Railway Cup winners Peel. Pully look well-placed to be promoted and this match will prove a good gauge of their progress.

St Mary’s will be favourites to advance from the day’s other tie away at DHSOB.

The latter have been inconsistent to say the least, but should up their game for the pair’s first meeting of the campaign. With the treble still on for the Saints, expect an away win in this one.

l Listen to Pulrose United manager Ste Priestnal and captain Rob Slinger on this week's Manx Footy Pod here:

http://audioboom.com/posts/7196450-can-pully-pull-off-a-shock