The contemptuous thing is that the biggest Merseyside event takes place 209 miles down the M6 and M1 at Wembley Stadium.
Only 1 whole mile separates the red and blue of the city of Liverpool, which consists of two of the biggest clubs in English Football. Yes, it's Liverpool vs Everton, but it's not just any derby, it's the added pressure of winning a FA Cup Semi-final showdown for both sides.
No motivation will be required, motivation will be automatic the moment each club hears the other's name. The last time these two city rivals collided at Wembley, was in May 1989 where 82,500 witnessed Reds win 3-2 after extra time in one of the most notable FA Cup finals in history. Coincidently, a younger and familiar Kenny Dalglish was the Liverpool manager that earned Liverpool their fourth FA Cup glory on 20 May 1989.
As they say, 'form goes out of the window in a derby'. I also add form also goes out of the window in the cup. This is what brings the magic of the cup, shocking results that produce thrills and memories for the history books.
A win for either side would take them to the FA Cup Final in three weeks on 5 May 2012 to face London opposition, either Tottenham Hotspur or Chelsea. They meet in the other FA Cup Semi Final on Sunday.
For the red corner of Liverpool due to their famous history, it is the worst crime to lose to Everton. On Saturday, a win for the neutrals' favourites Liverpool would take them into the FA Cup Final for the first time since they won on penalties against West Ham in 2006 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.In addition, it would be a second final for Kenny Dalglish's men within eight weeks. Not bad for a side currently sitting 8th in the Premiership table after 33 Premiership games. However they are separated by 1 point to 7th placed....you got it....Everton. I'm sure most Liverpool fans would get on the back of 'the King' Kenny Dalglish, who knows as a former iconic player the priority for the Reds to finish above Everton every season.
Now to the blue corner, Everton. They will know all about defeat to Liverpool in the FA Cup at Wembley, twice, in 1986 and 1989. Will they consider this third time lucky at Wembley?Everton will consider themselves as favourites for the FA Cup semi final. It's a day they will hugely countdown to, a chance to gain revenge for past FA Cup defeats against their arch rivals. The Toffees are currently one point above Liverpool in the Premiership table. Everton will be full of confidence from their league form that finally this can be the historic day they beat Liverpool in the FA Cup to reach the FA Cup Final on 5 May.
Will Kenny Dalglish's Reds make history repeat itself again or will history be made for David Moyes and the Toffees?
As a Liverpool fan and with respect to Everton, my score prediction; Liverpool 3-2 Everton AET. I think there will be deja vu for Kenny Dalglish at Wembley.
Besides the football, there's another big event in Aintree, Liverpool; it's the 165th annual Grand National. The annual famous horse race takes place at 4pm on Saturday. So you can refresh yourselves for the racing after the thrills of the FA Cup Merseyside derby.
A weekend or more like a special Saturday of Merseyside historic representation and appreciation for the country and world to witness on terrestrial television.
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