David Moyes believes he should have rested more players for the recent defeat to Liverpool in order to help Everton's FA Cup chances.
Boss feels more changes were needed
Everton manager David Moyes believes he should have rested even more players for the recent derby defeat to Liverpool in order to help his side's FA Cup chances.
Moyes came in for fierce criticism from the fans after he rested six players for the short trip to Anfield on March 13, which resulted in a convincing 3-0 defeat.
The Scot made the decision in order to preserve some of his key stars for the FA Cup sixth round tie with Sunderland the following Saturday.
However, his gamble nearly backfired when Sunderland held out for a draw, meaning a tricky looking replay at the Stadium of Light.
The Toffees eventually did make it through to the last four, Nikica Jelavic opening the scoring in a 2-0 win in the North East on Tuesday to set up a Wembley meeting with Liverpool.
Moyes agrees he made a mistake in making six changes for the derby clash, but insists he should have made more - and not less - alterations to his starting XI.
"I made a mistake against Liverpool - I should have rested more players," said the 49-year-old.
First time
"If I had done that I would probably have got through the first time.
"I didn't rest enough players in that game and I should have gone with my gut feeling that night and then we probably wouldn't have needed a replay."
After consultation with the police the FA has finally confirmed that the all-Merseyside Cup semi-final will kick-off at 12:30pm on Saturday April 14.
Moyes admits that the early kick-off is difficult for the fans but insists his side are focusing on Saturday's clash with West Brom and not their trip to the capital.
"It is not ideal for supporters but that is the time we have been given so hopefully we will get there in time," he added.
"We have three really important league games [beforehand] so you are wasting your time asking me any questions about it.
"We are not mentioning it in the dressing room."
