Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester ahead of the clash Neville admitted he is disappointed to miss running out at his old stomping ground but insists it is Everton he wants to take the points.

He also revealed how he hated Manchester City growing up and ruled out ever joining the stuttering revolution over at Wastelands.

“Joining City is not something that will ever happen” he insisted. “When you have got red blood you cannot see yourself with blue blood. You go there and they have blue ketchup, it’s just like ‘What are they doing?’.

“I am not being disrespectful to City. I grew up a Red, hating Manchester City. When I go back with Everton I get absolutely slaughtered.

“It makes me laugh in a way because I understand what they are feeling. I think it is fantastic as it makes football special.”

Chelsea kept pace with United and Liverpool at the top with a narrow but ultimately comfortable 1-0 over Man City at Stamford Bridge. Michael Essien, on his return after six months out injured, scored the only goal of the game in the 18th minute. They could have had more against a tired looking City side, whose poor away form continued, but in the end one was enough. Chelsea 1-0 Man City.

Arsenal finally found goal scoring form with a four goal rout against struggling Blackburn. Rovers defender Andrei Ooijer put the ball in his own net for the opener before Andriy Arshavin danced his way through the Blackburn defence for the second. Two late strikes from Emmanuel Eboue finished the game off and sent The Gunners back into the last Champions League spot. Arsenal 4-0 Blackburn.

Aston Villa’s faltering form continued as they slipped to a home defeat against Spurs. Jermaine Jenas gave the visitors an early lead before Villa dominated the rest of the half. It was Spurs though who would get the next goal when Darren Bent converted early in the second period. John Carew headed Villa back into the game with five minutes left but Harry Redknapp’s men held on for the win. Aston Villa 1-2 Spurs.

Everton moved to within four points of fourth place with a 3-1 win over Stoke. Brazilian striker Jo grabbed his third goal for the Blues after 18 minutes and defender Joleon Lescott doubled the lead five minutes later. Stoke got back into the game after the break when Ryan Shawcross rose unmarked from a corner to head past Howard. The Potters continued to press before Marouane Fellaini’s deflected effort made the points safe for the Toffees. Everton 3-1 Stoke.

Fulham had only scored three goals away from home all season but they got three in one game against Bolton at the Reebok. Andy O’Brien’s error gifted Andy Johnson the opener though Kevin Davies levelled things up in first half stoppage time. But second half goals from Simon Davies and Diomansy Kamara sealed the points for Roy Hodgson’s men. Bolton 1-3 Fulham.

In a relegation six pointer at the KC Stadium Hull and Newcastle had to make do with a point a piece which does neither side’s safety ambitions much good. Giovanni gave City the lead after just nine minutes but Magpies centre back Steven Taylor converted Nicky Butt’s cross seven minutes before half time to level things up. Obafemi Martins and Jonas Gutierrez both missed chances for Newcastle in the second half but in the end both sides had to settle for a point. Hull 1-1 Newcastle.

Another relegation clash, this time at the Riverside, also finished one a piece between Middlesbrough and Portsmouth. Peter Crouch volleyed Pompey in front in the first half as Middlesbrough’s poor form looked set to continue. But Marlon King’s injury time header rescued a point for Gareth Southgate’s men, though both sides remain in the relegation zone. Middlesbrough 1-1 Portsmouth.

Wigan’s excellent season continued with an impressive away win at Sunderland. Ben Watson put the Latics in front with his first goal for the club after just 12 minutes. Wigan keeper Chris Kirkland made several good saves before Grant Leadbitter finally brought The Black Cats on level terms. However Wigan hit back when Charles N’Zogbia scored his first Latics goal, and what proved to be the winner, just before half time. Sunderland 1-2 Wigan.

Everton beat Middlesbrough 2-1 on Sunday to book their place in the Semi Final which is to be played at Wembley on the 17th or 18th March. Former Red Louis Saha, came off the bench to score the decisive goal after 56 minutes.

Chelsea will play either Arsenal or Hull City in the other semi final after Arsenal beat Burnley 3-0 in their replay on Sunday.

The stage is set for a United Chelsea final. Bring it on.

While United were busy adding another trophy to their ever burgeoning trophy cabinet their Premier League title ambitions were helped by results elsewhere over the weekend.

Liverpool slipped to just their second defeat of the season but are now seven points behind United having played a game more. Xavi Alonso put the ball in his own net for the opener. Tuncay then converted to seal Middlesbrough’s first league win since November. Middlesbrough 2-0 Liverpool.

Chelsea were made to work hard for their win over Wigan at Stamford Bridge. Captain John Terry put Guus Hiddink’s side ahead with a spectacular scissor kick only for Oliver Kapo to slide in an equaliser. The game looked to be heading for a draw until Frank Lampard rose highest to head home deep in injury time. Chelsea 2-1 Wigan.

Arsenal were left frustrated again as they were held to a fourth consecutive goalless draw, this time against Fulham. Robin Van Persie had the best chance for the Gunners but Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer was equal to it. They are now six points behind fourth placed Aston Villa in the race for that final Champions League place. Arsenal 0-0 Fulham.

Villa could have opened up an eight point gap on the Gunners and looked set to do so when Petrov and Carew put them 2-0 up against Stoke with just 14 minutes to go. But an 88th minute Ryan Shawcross header gave the Potters hope before Glenn Whelan stunned Villa Park with a 90th minute equaliser. Aston Villa 2-2 Stoke.

Everton kept up with Villa and Arsenal in the race for fourth with a win over rock bottom West Brom. Tim Cahill was left unmarked at a free kick to head the Toffees in front in the first half. Louis Saha then doubled the lead with a sublime turn and finish on the edge of the area. Everton 2-0 West Brom.

Bolton moved seven points clear of the relegation zone with a narrow win over fellow strugglers Newcastle. Substitute Ricardo Gardner grabbed the goal a minute in the second half but the Trotters had to survive late spell of Newcastle pressure before they could claim the points. Bolton 1-0 Newcastle.

Blackburn moved out of the relegation zone with a win over Hull, who appear to be in freefall. Two goals in as many minutes from Stephen Warnock and Keith Andrews put Rovers in control. Dean Marney and Morten Gamst Pedersen then saw red before Ian Ashbee’s half volley set up a tense finish. Blackburn held on though for a vital win. Hull 1-2 Blackburn.

West Ham moved up to seventh with a win over Man City whose poor form away from Eastlands continued. The game looked to be heading for a draw before youngster Jack Collison headed home with 19 minutes to go to give the Hammers all three points. West Ham 1-0 Man City

The Champions

Manchester United may have ended their run of Premier League games without conceding a goal but they are relentless in their pursuit of their third consecutive Premier League title. United made it ten league wins on the trot with a 2 – 1 victory over Blackburn Rovers chalking up another three points on Saturday in front of the Old Trafford faithful. But it wasn’t without it’s scares.

Wayne Rooney scored his fourth goal is as many games (two in two since his comeback) after 23 minutes and it looked like United were going to cruise to victory. And why wouldn’t they? Blackburn had lost eleven games this season and won just one in their last six.

Blackburn were allowed back into the game following a collaboration of errors starting with Nani and Scholes’ inability to pick up a lose ball near the half way line. There then appeared to be no communication between Tomas Kuszczak, in goal ahead of Van der Sar, and Rio Ferdinand as the latter crashed into the former allowing Roque Santa Cruz to skilfully round the pair and slot home to end United’s clean sheet run.

Blackburn looked lively after the goal and United continued to look shaky without the veteran Edwin van der Sar and formidable Nemanja Vidic. Jonny Evans had the ball in the back of the net following a well taken header but the young defender’s first United goal was chalked off after Howard Webb spotted a phantom push.

Blackburn could have taken the lead in the second half but fortunately Ryan Nelsen’s hot rebounded off the post which allowed the stranded Kuszczak enough time to recover well and smother Dl-Hadji Diouf’s rebound.

Evra was then fouled at the far side of the penalty area and a free kick awarded. As Ronaldo lined up the free kick, it looked like he was going to shoot. There’s no way he’ll score from there I was thinking and as he ran up to hit it I almost cursed for the wasted opportunity. Turns out I don’t really know much. Ronaldo’s sweetly struck kick rose, dipped and curled right over the stranded Paul Robinson who must have been expecting a cross. An absolute peach of a goal and well worthy of a match winner.

Blackburn pushed for an equaliser and were denied a fair penalty claim when Rafael appeared to have a hand on Pederson’s shoulder as he charged into the box. If the Norwegian hadn’t been looking for it, it may have been given. United saw out the match well and the game ended United 2 – 1 Blackburn.

The Title Race

Liverpool dropped two more points in their home match with Manchester City as once again they struggled to get going and needed a late surge to escape with anything. Steven Gerrard missed the game through injury and his absence demonstrated the teams over reliance on the England international. Craig Bellamy came back to haunt Liverpool giving City the lead with a deflected shot from the corner of the penalty area. Liverpool stepped up a gear late on and in the 78th minute, a mis-hit from Torres fell kindly for Kuyt who equalised for the home team. They were unable to force a winner though and another two points were dropped. Have the wheels fallen off the Liverpool wagon? Liverpool 1 – 1 Manchester City.

Third and fourth placed Aston Villa and Chelsea played each other at Stamford Bridge and the result reversed their positions in the league. Chelsea’s Nicolas Anelka grabbed the only game of the game to give Gus Hiddink an ideal start after taking over from the sacked Phil Scolari. Chelsea 1 – 0 Aston Villa.

Even Arsene Wenger knows Arsenal are out of the title race and their fourth consecutive stalemate at home to Sunderland only goes to reinforce the Frenchman’s view. Andrey Arshavin made his debut and showed glimpses of class but Sunderland defended well and the Gunners lacked cutting edge. Arsenal 0 – 0 Sunderland.

The Chasing Pack

Two quick goals was enough to secure the three points for Bolton as they played host to West Ham. Taylor and Davies struck in the 10th and 11th minute respectively to stun the Hammers who had been tipped by many to win this game following a run of just one defeat in seven games. Scot Parker got one back for West Ham but the Hammers were unable to pull off a come-back. Bolton 2 – 1 West Ham.

Portsmouth and Stoke left it late before entertaining the crowd at the Britannia Stadium with 4 goals in the last 15 minutes and almost nothing before that. Nico Kranjcar opened the scoring for Portsmouth in the 75th minute only for Stoke to fight back and equalise 3 minutes later through James Beattie. Glen Johnson was then adjudged to have handled inside the area two minutes later and Beattie dispatched for his second of the game giving Stoke the lead. The penalty decision was dubious at best and Karma may well have played a part when in injury time, Hermann Hreidarsson’s shot deflected off Ryan Shawcross to beat Tomas Sorensen and leave both teams with one point a piece. Stoke City 2 – 2 Portsmouth.

Middlesbrough carried on their relegation form with a stalemate at home to Wigan; Boro are now 12 games without a win. Neither keeper had much to do and the only real talking point of the game came from an injury inflicted by former Boro midfielder Lee Cattermole. On his return to the Riverside, it took just 16 minutes for Cattermole to grab the attention as his challenge lead to Didier Digard being stretchered off and taken to hospital. Middlesbrough 0 – 0 Wigan.

Newcastle held on for a nil nil draw as they played host to Everton after being reduced to ten men in the first half. Kevin Nolan was sent off for a badly timed challenge on Victor Anichebe in the 44th minute and despite dominating possession the visitors were unable to make their numerical advantage pay. Newcastle 0 – 0 Everton.

West Brom look destined for the drop after suffering their 16th defeat of the season; this time at the hands of Fulham. West Brom were outplayed at Craven Cottage in Sunday’s early kick off and the score line could have been far worse. Fulham hit the woodwork no less than four times but also hit the back of the net twice. Bobby Zamora, and Andy Johnson getting the spoils. Fulham 2 – 0 West Brom.

United will travel to either Swansea or Fulham in the last eight after the two sides drew as the Liberty Stadium on Saturday lunchtime. A Garry Monk own-goal gave Fulham an undeserved lead at half time but Jason Scotland’s superb second half strike earned Swansea a deserved replay. Swansea 1-1 Fulham.

Chelsea were the first team to secure their place in the quarter-finals but they had to come from behind to beat Watford. Tamas Priskin gave the Hornets the lead in the 69th minute but a quick fire hat-trick from Nicolas Anelka gave the premier League side the win. Watford 1-3 Chelsea.

Chelsea will travel to either Blackburn or Coventry after they drew on Saturday. Roque Santa-Cruz gave Rovers an early lead but Coventry turned the game on its head in the second period with goals from Aron Gunnarson and Michael Doyle. The Sky Blues looked set for a shock victory before Christopher Samba grabbed a dramatic stoppage time equaliser to spare Rovers’ blushes. Blackburn 2-2 Coventry.

Everton secured their place in the last eight with a victory over high flying Aston Villa. Jack Rodwell gave The Toffees an early lead before a James Milner penalty levelled things up. Everton then converted a penalty of their own through Mikel Arteta. Tim Cahill finished the game off with 14 minutes to go. Everton 3-1 Aston Villa.

West Ham or Middlesbrough will travel to Goodison in the next round but a Riverside replay will be needed after another draw. Stewart Downing gave Gareth Southgate’s side a first half lead and looked set to hold on, especially after the home side wasted several gilt edged chances. But Henri Ilunga’s late header kept the Hammer’s FA Cup dream alive. West Ham 1-1 Middlesbrough.

Sheffield United and Hull will also have to meet again after they drew at Bramall Lane. Stand-in striker Gregg Halford headed The Blades into the lead but Kamil Zayette came up from the back to grab a hard-earned equaliser for The Tigers. Sheffield United 1-1 Hull City.

They could face one of three opponents in the next round. Arsenal and Cardiff play on Monday to decide their fourth round encounter. Whoever is victorious in that match will then play Burnley in the fifth round.

The only Premier League clash of the weekend came at Fratton Park where managerless Portsmouth took on Man City. Late goals from Glen Johnson and Hermann Hreidarsson eased Pompey’s relegation worries and in turn dragged City back down towards the bottom half of the table. Portsmouth 2-0 Man City.

Liverpool briefly took top spot in the table by beating Portsmouth 3 – 2 at Fratton Park thanks to late goals from Dirk Kuyt and Fernando Torres. Liverpool looked to be sinking to their second defeat of the season, and possibly out of the title race at 2 – 1 down with just 10 minutes to go but Torres’ last gasp winner keeps them within touching distance of the Champions who still have a game in hand. Portsmouth 2 – 3 Liverpool.

Chelsea continued their run of poor form with a scoreless draw at home to Hull City. As expected, Hull started the game with defence in mind and Chelsea dominated proceedings. Once again however, Chelsea’s attack faltered and struggled to create much. Hull had a great chance to nick the game in the second half but Dean Marney was unable to take advantage of the time he was afford in the Chelsea area. Chelsea 0 – 0 Hull.

Arsenal were up against it on their trip to North London rivals Tottenham after losing Emmanuel Adebayor to injury and Emmanuel Eboue to a red card inside the first 40 minutes of the match – and both within the space of a minute. The Gunners dug deep to hang on a take a point which leaves them fifth in the table – 12 points adrift of the leaders having played a game more. Tottenham 0 – 0 Arsenal.

Aston Villa don’t seem happy being part of the “big four” and pushed their way into the top three thanks to an impressive 2 – 0 victory away to Blackburn. Sam Allardyce was still unbeaten as Rovers’ boss prior to kick off but that record was never going to last for long and Villa should probably have handed the new boss his first hammering let alone his first defeat. Milner and Agbonlahor grabbed the goals for Villa whilst new signing Emile Heskey had a goal ruled out and could have scored a few more to boot. Blackburn 0 – 2 Aston Villa.

Newcastle picked up a vital win in the absence of sick manager Joe Kinnear away to West Brom. Duff, Lovenkrands and Taylor all scoring in the first half to see off the Baggies. Duff put the visitors ahead in the second minute before Marc-Antoine Fortune levelled the match 2 minutes later. Lovenkrands gave Newcastle the lead once more just 10 minutes in and Taylor extended the lead just before the break. West Brom pulled one back though Fortune’s second of the game but a comeback never materialised leaving them rooted at the bottom of the table. West Brom 2 – 3 Newcastle.

Both Wigan and Fulham stayed in the top half of the Premier League table after playing out a goalless draw at the JJB. Wigan were hampered with injury problems and were forced to make all three substitutions in the first half. Neither team did enough to warrant a win. Wigan 0 – 0 Fulham.

Everton took the three points when Bolton visited Goodison Park and were good for their 3 – 0 win. New loan signing Jo scored twice, once from the spot and Arteta also scored from the spot to give the three points to the home team. Everton 3 – 0 Bolton.

Sunderland took a big three points from fellow relegation battlers Stoke in what could prove crucial come the end of the campaign. Sunderland left it late but goals from Kenwyne Jones and David Healy sealed the win after Matthew Etherington saw red in the 65th minute after kicking Danny Collins. Sunderland 2 – 0 Stoke.

Middlesbrough continued their terrible form; this time away to City. New boy Craig Bellamy got the only goal of the game after 50 minutes to leave Southgate’s side second from bottom on goal difference only. Manchester City 1 – 0 Middlesbrough.

Nearest rivals Liverpool travelled to Wigan and when Yossi Benayoun put the visitors in front after 40 minutes it looked like they were going to secure the three points. That was until the 83rd minute when Lucas Leiva’s terrible tackle on substitute Jason Koumas allowed Mido to mark his Wigan debut with a goal from the spot. Torres had already been taken off at this point and true to his bizarre form, Benitez responded to the goal by taking off Steven Gerrard. Why would you do that? The match ended a draw, Liverpool’s third consecutive in the league and 4th in all competitions. Wigan 1 – 1 Liverpool.

Chelsea kept up their challenge for United’s crown with a 2 – 0 win over Middlesbrough.It wasn’t pretty and the Stanford Bridge crowd were far from impressed with what they saw. Boro defended for their life but were caught out by two set pieces (on 58 & 81 mins); Kalou getting on the end of both. Chelsea 2 – 0 Middlesbrough.

Arsenal could be all but out of the title challenge after needing a rocket from Robert van Persie to rescue a point at Goodison Park. Tim Cahill put Everton in front after he was given far too much space in the area for an Everton corner and headed the opener on the hour mark. Everton held out for the scheduled 90 minutes but in the 2nd minute of stoppage time Robert van Persie found enough space to rifle the ball past former Red, Tim Howard to earn Arsenal a point they probably didn’t deserve. Everton 1 – 1 Arsenal.

Aston Villa are still going strong and a debut goal from Emile Heskey after 20 minutes was enough to give Villa the three points against Portsmouth. Crouch missed a sitter and Nadir Belhadj spat his dummy out, earning himself a second yellow card in a game which sees Portsmouth sitting just 3 points off the bottom of the table. Portsmouth 0 – 1 Aston Villa.

Tottenham played host to Stoke in a comfortable victory which is sure to ease the threat of relegation for the North London outfit. Three goals in the opening 25 minutes did the damage for Spurs with goals arriving from Aaron Lennon, Jermaine Defoe and Micael Dawson. Stoke did pull one back through James Beattie but it was never going to be enough and Stoke still find themselves propping up the table with West Brom. Tottenham 3 – 1 Stoke City.

It was Sunderland who took all the points when Fulham visited the Stadium of Light keeping the Premier League table looking congested in the middle. It was striker Kenwyne Jones who blasted the only goal of the game on 55 minutes. Sunderland 1 – 0 Fulham.

Blackburn Rovers remain unbeaten under new boss Sam Allardyce ut had to fight from two goals down to earn a valuable point. Bolton had taken the lead after 15 minutes through Matthew Taylor’s tap in from close range and then Kevin Davies added to Rovers’ misery for Bolton’s second after 34 minutes. Blackburn didn’t give up though and pulled one back through Stephen Warnock. Rovers were then awarded a penalty when by Jaaskelainen who was already on a yellow card caught Roque Santa Cruz in the arae. The Fin avoided a second card and went on to save from Roberts’ poor kick before Benni McCarthy completed the Blackburn comeback on 86 minutes. Blackburn 2 – 2 Bolton.

West Ham produced an impressive performance to continue their good form by beating Hull City 2 – 0. In truth it could have been more with the Hammers missing a penalty and a host of chances. David Di Michele scored the opener on 33 minutes and Carlton Cole wrapped the game up on 50 minutes. Hull of now lost their last 6 Premier League fixtures as the new boys seems to be hitting freefall at the worst possible time. West Ham 2 – 0 Hull City.

Manchester City started the match against Newcastle with Robinho in the squad and the Brazilian showed his talent by setting up Wright-Phillips for the opener. Craig Bellamy, making his City debut, made it 2 with just under 15 minutes to go. Andrew Carroll pulled one back for Newcastle 4 minutes later but it proved to be no more than a consolation goal. Manchester City 2 – 1 Newcastle.