Liverpool have lost only two of nine previous derbies during Rafael Benitez’s reign, while David Moyes has yet to win at Anfield as Everton manager in six previous attempts.

Moyes’s men will hope to improve on this season’s previous Merseyside derby, when two Fernando Torres goals earned Liverpool a 2-0 win at Goodison.

Phil Jagielka admits that neither side would have wanted to have faced the other at this early stage in the competition.

But the Everton centre-back believes it will be a “great” occasion for Merseyside football supporters. “It’s a terrific draw for everyone, especially the fans,” he said. “There will be a special atmosphere I’m sure and the fact that we play them just a few days earlier in the league makes it even more interesting.

“We didn’t do ourselves justice at Goodison Park earlier in the season but we’ve got two chances to put that right now.

“Derby games are always fantastic occasions and so to meet each other in the FA Cup is great for the supporters. I don’t suppose either team would have wanted this draw, but it’s something to really look forward to.”

Liverpool have enjoyed the better of the most notable derby match-ups in FA Cup history.

The Anfield side beat Everton 3-1 in the first Merseyside FA Cup final in 1986 and then defeated their neighbours 3-2 when they again met in the final three years later. Liverpool have also won all three of the semi-final meetings between the clubs, reaching the final in 1950, 1971 and, contentiously, in 1977.

While no date has yet been finalised for the tie, it is almost certain to be chosen for live television coverage.

The usual Setanta and ITV slots are Friday night, Saturday evening, early Sunday afternoon and late Sunday afternoon as well as Monday night.

Police advice would ordinarily mean the game takes place early on the Sunday afternoon but the fact that Liverpool have a Premier League game at Wigan on the following Tuesday will also affect the scheduling decision.