Manchester United

The reality isn't so straightforward. First up in the Wembley semi-final on Sunday 19 April are David Moyes' Everton - beaten only once in 2009 and under little Premier League pressure in the race for Europe. Beyond that hurdle looms the imposing spectre of either Arsenal or Chelsea in the final.

Fans of Manchester Red or Merseyside Blue persuasion will need little reminding of the last time United and Everton did battle at Wembley, back in the 1994/95 FA Cup final. United, still shell-shocked from surrendering the Premier League title at West Ham six days earlier, were undone by Paul Rideout's first-half header and, in less than a week, hopes of a Double Double had been shattered.

That was the Toffees' last major trophy, but their upturn in fortunes under David Moyes has the Blue side of Stanley Park believing again. Despite a merciless injury list which has particularly crippled Everton's striking department, Moyes has guided his team to sixth spot and added FA Cup progress to his list of achievements.

While avoiding Chelsea and Arsenal presented the Reds with perhaps the most navigable semi-final draw, Sir Alex Ferguson is in no doubt that the Merseysiders will be stern opponents.

"Everton will be a real test," Sir Alex warned Inside United.



"They’ve beaten Aston Villa and Liverpool in the Cup and they’ve hardly lost this year. We all recognise how well they've done, particularly having to play without recognised strikers for much of the time."

For all Everton's undoubted resolve, United can take heart from being the only team to beat the Merseysiders in 2009 (League, 1-0), and further cause for optimism can be drawn from an incredible record in the FA Cup semi-finals. Since falling to Leeds at the penultimate hurdle in 1970, the Reds have emerged victorious from 13 FA Cup semi-final ties in a row - including eight under Sir Alex.

History is on United's side but make no mistake, Everton will be a tough test for the Reds. Pass it, and it's just one more win to take the pot.