Liverpool vs. Everton: 6 Key Matchups to Watch in FA Cup Semifinal at Wembley

This weekend's FA Cup semifinal sees the 218th episode of one of England's most famous rivalries.

With Liverpool now out of the race for fourth, the FA Cup is all they have to play for. With Steven Gerrard even going as far as saying that a win could turn their season around, this is a huge game for the club.

Two cup successes would happily divert attention from the club's turgid performance in the league and relieve some of the pressure that Kenny Dalglish has been under in recent weeks.

Everton are performing better, but likewise find themselves in no-man's land, too far away to challenge for Europe.

They will be looking to win David Moyes his first silverware for the club he has now managed for over 10 years.

This is also the club's last chance to secure European football next season.

Both clubs will be going all out for the win, but where will the game be won and lost?

Here are six matchups that could be key come kickoff tomorrow at Wembley.

Tim Howard vs. Brad Jones

After Doni's red card against Blackburn and Pepe Reina's red against Newcastle, third choice Brad Jones finds himself catapulted into one of the biggest games of his career.

Jones has only played in three games for Liverpool to date and will need to shake of any rustiness and come up big when his club need him most.

In contrast, Tim Howard will be playing his 220th game for Everton and has been reliable as ever this season with 10 clean sheets in 33 league games.

He will be looking to set the record straight after Liverpool put three past him in the league last month.

Steven Gerrard vs. Marouane Fellaini

The respective teams' most recognisable players will go head to head in the centre of the park in one of the most important battles to win.

Both Gerrard and Fellaini have the ability to rip apart opposing defences, best shown when Gerrard scored a hat trick the last time the two clubs played.

Fellaini is more of an aerial threat, but it will be his defensive prowess that will be important against Liverpool and Gerrard.

He is great at breaking up the momentum of an opposing midfield, putting in an amazing amount of tackles. He could give Gerrard a real headache tomorrow.

Andy Carroll vs. Sylvain Distin

For a £30 million striker, it is fair to say that Andy Carroll has not had a great year.

The former Newcastle man has only started 17 league games this season, but a goal midweek against Blackburn may be enough to grant him a start at Wembley this weekend.

When Carroll is firing on all cylinders, he is more than a handful for any defence. However, consistency has been his enemy this season.

The man likely to be given the task of stopping Carroll is 34-year-old Sylvain Distin.

At 6'4", the Frenchman stands a good chance of winning an aerial battle with Carroll, something he will have to do for Everton to prosper.

Stewart Downing vs. Tony Hibbert

If Carroll is to be effective on Saturday, he will need good service so that he can attack balls coming into the box.

Like Carroll, it has been a poor season for Stewart Downing, who is still looking for his first assist of the year.

Despite this, he remains Liverpool's main option to swing in crosses for Carroll to get on the end of.

Standing in his way will be veteran right-back Tony Hibbert. He has been having another solid season for the Toffees and will need to continue in that vein.

If he can succeed in forcing Downing to cut inside onto his weaker right foot, then the service for Liverpool's front men will start to dry up.

Martin Skrtel vs Nikica Jelavic

Jelavic has been just the shot in the arm that Everton needed since he moved from Rangers, scoring four goals in eight Premier League games. He has revitalized an attack that was starting to look distinctly average.

He is Everton's main goal threat and Martin Skrtel will have to be in top form to contain him.

Skrtel has been having one of his best seasons for Liverpool so far, but the defence hasn't managed a clean sheet in over a month, when they shut out Everton in the league.

Kenny Dalglish vs. David Moyes

The foundation of any victory is the manager, and they will be key in tomorrow's clash.

David Moyes has been actively playing up the role of the underdog for his team, telling BBC Sport, "Liverpool will be favourites. They have beaten us twice this year, haven't they?"

Meanwhile, Kenny Dalglish has been surrounded by speculation about his job security and will be looking for a cup win to silence his critics.

As far as tactics are concerned, Moyes needs to take the bull by the horns as early as possible. A quick Everton goal will silence the Liverpool fans and could make their players' heads drop.

Liverpool have suffered from early goals recently—against Newcastle and Aston Villa they were trailing within 20 minutes.

Dalglish needs to sort this out, otherwise he may be under increasing pressure to leave his post.