FA Cup Preview: Everton v Manchester United
Everton manager David Moyes says Sunday's FA Cup semi-final is the biggest game of his managerial career.
It was 14 years ago that Paul Rideout headed The Toffees to FA Cup glory, their last visit to Wembley, and now it is David Moyes rather than Joe Royle who has his hopes pinned on his very own twin towers.
Everton have battled through the famous competition beating Liverpool and Aston Villa on their way to securing a Wembley date with the reigning Premier League and European champions Manchester United.
And Moyes reckons the showdown outweighs Merseyside derbies, European encounters and other cup clashes.
He said: "It is Everton's biggest game of the season, definitely,
"I think it is probably David Moyes' biggest game as Everton manager as well."
Moyes is eagerly anticipating the tie and remains in a positive mood despite the obvious strengths of the Old Trafford outfit.
He added: "I think we have a fair chance,
"We have been playing well and we go into the game with some confidence.
"Games against Manchester United have been tight this year, and they have been in the past.
"They are a side who can play in different ways, with different formations and different players. That's what makes them one of the top sides in the world."
With Yakubu and Victor Anichebe both long-term injury absentees and Louis Saha suffering with a virus, it is Tim Cahill and Marouane Fellaini who are likely to spearhead Moyes attack.
But Joseph Yobo, Nuno Valente and James Vaughan all fighting to be fit for this match.
Although Saha may not get the chance to join Tim Howard in renewing acquaintances with his former club, Fergusons attack will no doubt include a certain someone who can expect few pleasantries from Moyes' side.
Wayne once a blue always a blue Rooney will be in the red corner come Sunday should he recover from the knock he picked up in the week.
He is likely to take his place up front with Dimitar Berbatov and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Everton Probably Starting XI: Howard; Hibbert, Lescott, Jagielka, Baines; Osman, Pienaar, Neville, Rodwell; Fellaini, Cahill;
SUBS FROM: Yobo, Saha, Vaughan, Nash, Gosling, Jacobsen, Van der Meyde, Castillo, Baxter.
PREDICTION: It's vitally important that Everton score first if they're going to have any chance of facing either Chelsea or Arsenal in the final. If United get the first then it will be a uphill struggle for the toffees.
David Moyes will have his men pumped up for this match and I believe it will be a very close game, with extra time being a real possibility.
United have their mind on the league and European Cup also and their fitness after a tough match in Porto midweek might tell.
PIVOTAL PLAYER: TIM CAHILL ;D(Everton) The Australian scored an FA CUP Semi-Final goal for Millwall in 2004 and Everton need their star man to step up to the mark again on Sunday. When Cahill plays well, Everton play well.
SCORE: Everton 2-1 Manchester United (aet)
http://www.clickliverpool.com/sport/everton-fc/123929-fa-cup-preview-everton-v-manchester-united---moyes-cant-wait-for-wembley.html
Tim Cahill to score, possibly winner. Real excited for this in with a chance since Fergie is resting most of start 11.
Wembley 09 - YES WE CAN