The Scot will not accept his side go into the match as favourites despite their vastly superior form since the turn of the year taking them above the Reds in the Barclays Premier League.

But he does admit the way things have come together since January, having bedded in new signings, gives them the absolute best chance of not only beating their near-neighbours but going one better than in 2009 when they lost in the final to Chelsea.

"We have played really well, we have shown lots of good things and great character in what we have done and have got a bit of momentum," Moyes said.

"We couldn't be going into the semi-final in any better form as we are in as good a condition as we possibly could be.

"I think teams who have lots of quality and good footballers often need a great heart and desire.

"You need all those elements to be a great side and win big games and at this present time we are getting all the qualities I hope you would from Everton, but we are playing well just now.

"The players have a feeling they are doing the right things; we are scoring goals, which we weren't at the start of the season, so we have to keep that momentum going.

"We know we go into the game not as favourites as Liverpool have beaten us twice this year so we have to put that in perspective.

"We are probably underdogs even though we are in fine form at this time.

"We feel good about ourselves but we are up against a side we know are as good as anyone on their day. They have won some really big games, but we have as well.

"We've beaten Chelsea and Manchester City this season but one of the hardest games we've had has been against Liverpool, as shown by the two results (2-0 and 3-0 defeats)."

Everton's overall recent record against Liverpool is not the best, but their performances in FA Cup derby semi-finals is worse.

Of the four times they have met the Reds have won the last three, with the Toffees' only success coming in 1906 when they went on to lift the trophy for the first time.

Since Everton last won silverware (the 1995 FA Cup) their city rivals have won the Champions League, the UEFA Cup, the FA Cup twice and the League Cup three times, the last of which came in February at Wembley.

But Moyes believes his side can match Liverpool for big-game experience.

"I'm not really that interested in Liverpool but I do know we are playing against a really good club with great traditions who have been in this situation many times before and have a great history, but we have that here at Everton as well," he added.

"If you look at the clubs who are in the semi-finals in their own right they are all big clubs.

"I have talked a lot about how the new players who have come in (in January) have made the difference, but the players already here have stepped up to the mark and they are in good form now.

"There are very few players who are not playing well and I want them to continue doing it and if they do we will make it as tough a game as possible for Liverpool.

"I think we have the experience. Hopefully most of the boys nowadays have been to Wembley as a player or in another capacity.

"I don't think being above Liverpool in the league gives us a psychological advantage. We are just in the mindset that it is a game of football.

"It is something I am sure we can deal with and go there and play as well as we have done - that is all we can ask."