“I think we have stepped up again this season. I think we have improved as the season as has gone on. There is undoubtedly a gap. Their team is something like £330million, ours £90.

“When you cross the line no one will be talking about that but that’s the gulf between the two clubs. That’s why they go in as very strong favourites and we go in as underdogs.”

With the city of Liverpool being gripped by Cup final fever, Moyes reckons the game is reward for those Everton supporters who have seen their neighbours dominate the honours during the last decade.

“The club plays second fiddle to Liverpool in the city, and it’s important that Everton are still seen as part of the city of Liverpool,” added the Goodison manager. “They are a big part of it. For Everton, if we could get a trophy here it would be great, it would mean something to every Everton supporter.

“At the semi-final, it was as if Everton supporters needed to make a point that we are still here, we’re not forgotten, we’ve not gone away, we’re just waiting. They didn’t let down the walls of Wembley for sure, I can tell you.

“People have told me it was as much noise as has come from anybody. I was surprised by just how good the atmosphere was but I think we had seen it building up to the final.

“The messages we were getting made everyone realise how important it is. This is really important to the city and all the supporters.”

With no new injury concerns, Louis Saha will almost certainly lead the line for Everton this afternoon with Jack Rodwell dropping to the bench despite an impressive showing last week at Fulham.

Everton go into the game having won three of their last four matches while conceding just one goal.

And Moyes added: “We are on the climb, we’re still climbing the mountain and going forward. We’ve not reached the top yet and I think there is more to come from the team and the way they have been playing recently as shown that.

“They really look hungry, there is a real sharpness about them and maybe one I have not seen before. Recent performances would suggest that we’re going into the final in good form but we’re going to have to show it because we’re playing against a team of very good players.”