Moyes: Neutrals are backing Everton

Wembley hosts its first Merseyside derby in 23 years on Saturday and Everton manager David Moyes believes the rest of the country will be willing his side to get the better of Liverpool.

The FA Cup semi-final between the two will be the first clash between the local rivals at the national stadium since Liverpool triumphed in the 1989 showpiece. That game ended 3-2 to the Reds and this one is expected to be equally tight, with just a point and a place separating the two in the Premier League.

And Moyes thinks anyone outside of Anfield will be backing Everton come kick-off, and he told a number of national newspapers: "The neutral would want Everton to win. The neutrals look at Everton and see the way we have tried to build the club, tried to develop the team. It gives hope to many other clubs."

He added: "I'm not saying it is the right way but it is our way. It has been done with real hard graft. It has taken a length of period - that's why we have not been in enough semi-finals and finals."