Everton will kick off the FA Cup’s semi-final weekend after their Wembley date was confirmed.
Roberto Martinez’s side are set to face the winner of the quarter-final replay between Manchester United and West Ham at Wembley on Saturday 23 April with the 5.15pm tie will be broadcast on BBC One.
The decision to pit the Blues on the Saturday will see them run out less than 72 hours after they have played their rescheduled Merseyside derby clash with Liverpool, now set to take place at Anfield on April 20.
But the Football Association’s decision comes following discussions with representatives from all of the semi-final contenders as well as broadcasters, local authority transport bodies and the the police.
Officials from Everton will meet with Wembley chiefs on Monday to confirm the club’s ticket allocation.