Ferguson is buoyed by Reds’ growing impetus

The Blues have reached this stage of the competition for the first time since 1981, when they edged out Ipswich before falling to Ricky Villa’s memorable slalom goal for Tottenham in the final replay.

In contrast, United will be playing in their 10th semi-final of the Ferguson era, eight of which have been won, the only defeat coming to Everton on penalties two years ago.

While Ferguson accepts playing such matches at Wembley rather than a club venue such as his personal favourite, Villa Park, has changed their nature, he still believes there is a uniqueness the respective sides have to combat before they can perform at their best.

“It can drain the players,” he said.

“There is an impact in terms of the emotional build-up to the game.

“The fact it is at Wembley makes it more of an occasion, simply because of the name.

“Obviously it is a different stadium now. Those Twin Towers were a landmark and I wouldn’t think the pitch is as tiring as the old Wembley because they have changed it so many times.

“It is a derby game in London, which is unusual but we are ready for it.”

United are also well prepared in the sense that nearly all their major players are fit again.

Ferguson estimates combative midfielder Darren Fletcher is still a fortnight away from making a full recovery from the debilitating virus that has ruled him out since the beginning of March and caused him to lose so much weight.

But, apart from the Scotland captain, and Owen Hargreaves, whose absence has been taken for granted for so long and who has played his final game for United unless tentative talks about his future result in a new contract, that would almost certainly be on a pay-per-play basis, the Red Devils are at full strength.

And that is exactly what Ferguson needs at this time of the season, with his side going full pelt for the treble on the back of seven straight wins, their best sequence of the campaign.

“We have got the momentum at the moment,” said Ferguson.

“We are winning games, which is important at this time of the season. The consistency of the team has been good and we are playing well.

“Our players have a great determination. I am really pleased with that. It has given us a good chance.”

All Ferguson has to do now is select the correct team.

His task is made slightly easier by the fact Wayne Rooney is suspended.

Twenty-two goal Dimitar Berbatov is virtually certain to return, with Antonio Valencia set to join him.

City manager Roberto Mancini wants to build a dynasty to match the trophy-gathering Ferguson has created at United.

Despite a general air of negativity that has attached itself to City for much of the season, the Blues are still on track to match pre-season expectations.

Mancini is supremely confident about securing the top-four finish in the Barclays Premier League demanded by super-rich owner Sheikh Mansour, while an end to that much-debated 35-year trophy drought is still in reach.

At Wembley, City are aiming to take a significant stride towards that objective.

The fact United stand in their way merely works as a useful tool for Mancini to point out his overall aims for the Eastlands outfit. “I have respect for Manchester United because they have won everything for many years,” said the Italian.

“To begin with, they won a single trophy after a long time with nothing. Now we are in the same position.

“We can go on to do what United have done. We have a chance (today) and for this we should be happy.”

With Carlos Tevez ruled out by a hamstring injury, Mancini must decide whether to include Mario Balotelli, Edin Dzeko or both at Wembley.

Micah Richards returns after three weeks out with his own hamstring problem.