Everton ready to defy Ferguson

(GETTY IMAGES)

Everton overcame the odds to beat Manchester United in the 1995 final – also the last time they reached the last four – and they will have to repeat that performance if they are to make the final again after being drawn against Sir Alex Ferguson's side in yesterday's semi-final draw.

David Moyes has reversed his previously poor Cup record with Everton this season, recent early exits to Oldham and Shrewsbury remaining all-too fresh in supporters' minds as they overcame a third successive top-flight side yesterday. Middlesbrough followed Liverpool and Aston Villa in having their Cup dreams ended at Goodison. Boro have gone out to the losing finalists in each of the last four seasons, so Toffees supporters may want to book a Cup-final trip to Wembley now.

Saturday's 4-0 victory at Fulham secured a return to Wembley for Manchester United, a week after securing the League Cup against Spurs. Ferguson's side will contest a record 26th FA Cup semi-final as they chase an unprecedented quintuple, and they have won all eight FA Cup semi-finals they have reached under the Scot, although their only previous Wembley semi-final proved a tricky affair, a 120th-minute Mark Hughes equaliser required to earn a replay against Oldham in 1994.

Chelsea await the winners of the delayed game between Arsenal and Hull in the other tie. The Blues were the last side to win a semi-final at the old Wembley, a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United preceding their 2000 final success against Aston Villa. A repeat of the 2007 final between the Blues and Manchester United, the first played at the new Wembley, remains possible.

The Gunners' 3-0 victory over Burnley yesterday ended lower league involvement in this season's competition, and an all-Premier League last four, coming after last year's appearance of three Championship sides in the semi-finals, should please the television executives.

FA Cup Draw details

*SIXTH ROUND (17 or 18 March)

Arsenal v Hull City

*SEMI-FINALS (18 & 19 April)

Arsenal/Hull City v Chelsea

Manchester United v Everton

(To be played at Wembley)

*FINAL

Saturday 30 May (Wembley)