Everton up for the cup

everton_football Everton have the chance to record a major achievement in this season’s FA cup final. Victory over Chelsea would not only be just reward for the Toffees’ recent exploits under manager of the season David Moyes, it would also mean the trophy stayed out of the clutches of the so-called ‘big four’.

Portsmouth were last season’s victors, which was only the third occasion in the last 20 years that a team other than Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal had lifted the cup. These clubs’ domination of a tournament that they don’t even prioritise is the biggest indicator of their stranglehold on English football.

Everton’s 1-0 win over United in 1995 (Tottenham, in 1991 were the other team to break the ‘big four’ monopoly) should act as inspiration. Then, as now, they arrived at Wembley as underdogs, but triumphed thanks to a determined team display that frustrated their much-vaunted opposition.

Moyes’ men are in fine form, winning three of their last four Premier league games, as well as prevailing in a tight semi final with United. Chelsea are also on a roll, having won 11 of the 13 league matches Guus Hiddink has been in charge for. They will be keen to refill the recently unused Stamford Bridge trophy cabinet).

The Blues drew 0-0 at Goodison Park last month, the second goalless draw between the teams this season, and it would be no surprise if extra time was needed after another stalemate. Everything points to a low-scoring final.

Recent history suggests Everton face a tough task – they have not beaten the Blues since November 2000, a winless run of 22 matches in all competitions.

Their supporters should not be too perturbed, as an even worse head-to-head record against United did not prevent them nicking their semi final showdown.

A win for the Blues of Liverpool over the Blues of London might just be the shot in the arm that the FA cup needs.