Sunderland vs. Everton: 5 Key Battles in FA Cup Replay

This was supposed to be a slideshow listing six key battles for this season's FA Cup semifinals.

Unfortunately, due to the sad development of Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba's critical condition in the hospital following his collapse during Saturday's tie at Tottenham, that is not possible.

There has been speculation that Bolton may choose not to fulfill the fixture at White Hart Lane, which was abandoned following Muamba's shocking and sudden suffering of a cardiac arrest. No one could blame the Trotters for doing so, as a return to the north London ground so soon after the event may be just too traumatic for some players and fans.

So instead we look ahead to the replay between Everton and Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on March 27, following their 1-1 draw in the quarterfinal at Goodison Park.

The winner will face Liverpool at Wembley, whilst who Chelsea face in their semi is the lowest of priorities as far as Bolton and Spurs are concerned at the moment.

Craig Gardner vs. Royston Drenthe

In Saturday's match at Goodison Park, Everton midfielder Royston Drenthe led several counter-attacks for the home side with rampaging runs through the centre of the pitch.

With Jack Colback and Craig Gardner in the centre of midfield, Sunderland lacked solidity and often looked vulnerable to attacks on the break. The final shot count saw Everton have 19 efforts on goal, nine of which were on target.

A major reason for that was the absence through suspension of midfield enforcer Lee Cattermole, who will still be banned when these two sides meet again. Therefore, Gardner is going to find a better way of handling the flamboyant Dutchman when they renew acquaintances

Stephane Sessegnon vs. Sylvain Distin

Another key Sunderland player who will return for Everton's visit to Wearside will be Stephane Sessegnon.

The Benin attacker initially struggled to settle into English football when he arrived during the January transfer window last season, but this term he has found his feet. To date, he has registered six goals and seven assists in the Premier League this season.

The former Paris St Germain player will add an extra dimension to the Black Cats' attack in the replay, and give Everton defender Sylvain Distin more of a challenge than Fraizer Campbell did on Merseyside.

John O'Shea vs. Nikica Jelavic

Sunderland had a lucky escape on Saturday midway through the second half when, with the match poised at 1-1, John O'Shea raised his hand and blocked Nikica Jelavic's header at the far post with it.

Referee Andre Marriner declined to give a penalty, but many other officials would have seen the incident differently.

Croatia striker Jelavic had several close calls, at one point out-leaping O'Shea only to put a header on to the roof of the net, while he was denied in the dying moments with the second part of Simon Mignolet's heroic double-save.

A second instalment of that duel will be key to deciding which of these teams makes it to Wembley.

Sebastian Larsson vs. Leighton Baines

As mentioned previously, Lee Cattermole's absence meant that Jack Colback and Craig Gardner struggled to protect their defence, meaning Sebastian Larsson often had to abandon his brief wide on the right and was drawn into the centre.

In doing so, Sunderland were denied the use of one of the Premier League's best deliverers of a cross, with the Swede largely limited to only sending balls into the box from set pieces.

The replay at the Stadium of Light should see Larsson go toe-to-toe with left-back Leighton Baines with greater frequency, and the England defender will have his hands full.

James McClean vs. Phil Neville

One of the most apparent signs of the revival in Sunderland's fortunes since Martin O'Neill's arrival has been the emergence of James McClean on the left wing.

The Irishman was given his debut in O'Neill's first match in charge after being steadfastly ignored by previous manager Steve Bruce.

The match against Everton was another impressive showing from McClean, with right-back Phil Neville often having to draw upon the support of centre-back Johnny Heitinga in order to contain the 22-year-old's power and pace.

Roared on by his own crowd, McClean may yet have the better of Everton's veteran captain when they meet again.