Aintree has been the place to go on Merseyside this week, with the annual three-day Grand National festival set to conclude on Saturday when the world's greatest steeplechase is run around the famous course once again.

Many racegoers have already turned their attention to another important Scouse sporting event, however, as Liverpool's FA Cup semi-final with rivals Everton continues to dominate thoughts across the city.

By the time the 40 runners and riders begin their four-mile, four-furlong journey, one set of supporters will be enjoying bragging rights over the other and making early plans for a return trip to Wembley on 5 May in a final against either Chelsea or Tottenham Hotspur.

 

The Reds travel down south for the second time this season, following February's Carling Cup triumph over Cardiff City, buoyed by their dramatic late victory against Blackburn Rovers in the Barclays Premier League on Tuesday. 

The Toffees, for their part, are on a five-match unbeaten run and are dreaming of a second cup final appearance in four years, having fell at the final hurdle when they faced Chelsea in the 2009 showpiece.

And judging by the thoughts of those in attendance at Aintree on Ladies' Day, the fashion carnival held every year on the Friday of the event, both clubs' fans are in confident mood ahead of Saturday's lunchtime kick-off.

"I do fancy us to win. The good thing is we get up for the derby and hopefully, with Steven Gerrard back on the pitch, we'll be able to dictate play," said Liverpool supporter Craig Bradshaw, from Walton.

"It's different playing a derby - each one is different. We've got to set our stall out and play the way we can play and hopefully start putting the ball in the back of net. If we beat Everton I think we'll be favourites for the Cup, it doesn't matter whether Chelsea or Tottenham get through."

Fellow Red Anthony Sharples, from Formby, agreed that Kenny Dalglish's team are good enough to clinch an eighth FA Cup.

"I think we've got a good enough squad to compete for any cup and we can do it, we're a winning club," he said. 

"I think anything can happen in derbies, depending on who turns up on the day. Whoever comes out on top will have the bragging rights for the rest of the season so it's something to push on for because this is our last hope."

Liverpool have had the better of this season's derby meetings, claiming six points from the Blues in the Barclays Premier League thanks to a 2-0 victory at Goodison Park in October and a Gerrard-inspired 3-0 win at home last month.

Everton fan John Daly believes those previous encounters could be an important factor at Wembley. The Blue from Huyton said: "I'm confident, we've been in good form and we've got a good shot.

"I think David Moyes has to attack because of the last derby when he rested the players for the Cup, he has to go for it. We always step up against the bigger teams. I think we were unlucky in the second derby this season because we were resting players."

Other members of the Goodison Park faithful were just as hopeful of success, arguing that their recent positive form can continue tomorrow. Mark Critchlow of Bootle said: "I don't want to jinx it but Everton have been playing brilliantly of late and on the back of a 4-0 win against Sunderland on Monday we're going there full of confidence.

"Liverpool tend to rise to the occasion in big games, especially against the likes of Everton and Manchester United, but I do think Everton have got a big chance. I think we should go more attacking, because Nikica Jelavic looks really promising and the way he has been scoring goals he could definitely cause damage. I think we've got a good chance of winning the Cup."

That view was echoed by Richie Gibbons, from Halewood, whose sights only reach as far as the semi-final. He said: "I'm as confident as you can be, to be honest. Liverpool are down to their third-string goalkeeper and I think we're going to do well.

"I think we've got a derby win due to us. Moyes has to drop Steven Pienaar and he's going to bring Leighton Baines and Jelavic back in. I think it will be his full-strength team. A semi-final against Liverpool definitely means a lot more. That will be my final - if we beat Liverpool, even if we go on to get beat in the final, and finish above them in the league, that would do me."

Both sides have proved their worth over course and distance in recent times by edging a penalty shootout at the national stadium - the Reds past Cardiff and Moyes's men over Manchester United on their way to the final three years ago - and it could be another photo finish on this occasion.