Semi-final time

By Chris,
April 19 2009

Manchester United will be looking to keep the ‘Quintuple Dream’ alive on Sunday afternoon as they do battle with Everton in the F.A Cup semi-finals. Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that he’ll make changes to his United line-up following the mid-week action in Europe. It promises to be another nerve-jangling afternoon for the Red Army.

Much has been said of the decision to stage the Cup's semi-finals at Wembley. The F.A resurrected the idea last season and I'm firmly in the opposition camp. It takes the gloss of reaching the final and it a decision based purely on money. Quite frankly, it stinks.

However, it's another trip down Wembley Way whether we like it or not - and David Moyes' Toffees stand between the Red Devils and May's showpiece Cup final.

Fergie has vowed to make changes to his Manchester United side following Wednesday's super win at Porto. The likes of Paul Scholes, Park Ji-sung and Carlos Tevez could all be included in the starting XI as Fergie opts to shuffle his pack.

Gary Neville and Rafael da Silva have both passed fitness tests and are included in the 24-man squad travelling to Wembley. Rafael's brother Fabio, teenage sensation Federicho Macheda and Darron Gibson are amongst the fringe players included - though none are even guaranteed a place in the match-day eighteen.

Everton are boosted by the return of Joseph Yobo and James Vaughan from injury, whilst Moyes must decide whether to start ex-Red Louis Saha as the Frenchman is suffering with a stomach bug.

It's another massive game for all associated with the football club. United boast a proud Cup tradition and hopefully the Reds can book another ticket to Wembley on Sunday afternoon. However, with Everton gunning for their first piece of major silverware since 1995, it promises to be very, very difficult.