Manchester City vs Southampton
Man City, who beat Exeter City (10-1), Salford City (2-0) and Newcastle United (3-1) in the previous three rounds, are now gearing up for a record eighth consecutive FA Cup semi-final and will attempt to become the first team in the competition’s history to reach a fourth final in a row.Losing finalists from the last two seasons, Man City have been a dominant force in the FA Cup over the years, winning the most matches (44), scoring the most goals (157) and keeping the most clean sheets (28) since the 2016-17 campaign.The seven-time FA Cup winners, still eyeing up a domestic treble this season, have also won each of their last 21 FA Cup games against teams from outside the Premier League, scoring a whopping 84 goals and conceding only 11 in the process.However, Saturday’s opponents Southampton will take some comfort from the fact that City have lost six of their seven FA Cup ties under Guardiola at Wembley – the other was at the DW Stadium against Wigan back in February 2018.
Fifty years on from winning the FA Cup as an old Second Division team, beating Manchester United 1-0 in the 1976 final thanks to a memorable goal from Bobby Stokes, Southampton return to Wembley this weekend aiming to topple yet another Manchester powerhouse and become the first second-tier side in nearly two decades to reach the final.The Saints have progressed the semis after winning in each of the previous four rounds by a one-goal margin, with victories over Doncaster Rovers (3-2), Leicester City (2-1 A.E.T) and Fulham (1-0) followed by a stunning 2-1 home triumph over Arsenal earlier this month, with former Man City academy player Shea Charles netting an 85th-minute winner.Nevertheless, the Saints remain fourth in the table and within touching distance of the automatic promotion spots – a remarkable feat considering they were languishing in 20th when Eckert took the reins. While a Premier League return is arguably the club's ultimate objective from this position, the chance to reach an FA Cup final in this landmark anniversary year offers a shot at immortality that no league standing can rival.
Venue: Wembley Stadium, London (Neutral Ground)
Local Kick-off Time (UK): Saturday, April 26, 2026, 12:15 PM (BST)
Click here to watch the match LIVE now! 🔴 ▶
Click here to watch the match LIVE now! 🔴 ▶
Manchester City News:
For the first time since August, Man City are sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League table, but a wasteful performance in Wednesday’s slender 1-0 win over Burnley was tinged with regret after failing to build a goal-difference cushion over title rivals Arsenal – scoring just one goal from 28 shots at Turf Moor.Man City are sweating over the fitness of key midfielder Rodri, who missed the midweek win at Burnley after sustaining a groin injury in last weekend’s victory over Arsenal. Josko Gvardiol (tibial fracture) and Ruben Dias (ankle), meanwhile, remain in the treatment room.If Rodri is not fit to feature, the Guardiola may consider sticking with rising star Nico O’Reilly in centre-midfield alongside outgoing captain Bernardo Silva, though Nico Gonzalez is also a contender to earn a recall in the middle of the pitch.Guardiola has hinted that he could make some changes to his line and they may come in the final third, with Savinho, Omar Marmoush and Phil Foden all pushing to start in an attack. While in-form Rayan Cherki may retain his starting spot, Antoine Semenyo and Jeremy Doku could be replaced out wide.Erling Haaland scored his 35th goal of the season in all competitions in midweek, and having also netted 12 goals in as many FA Cup appearances for Man City, the prolific Norwegian is expected to lead the line on Saturday – Haaland has never scored across 14 games in semi-finals or finals for the Citizens, though, since joining the club in 2022.
Southampton News:
Southampton have transformed under head coach Tonda Eckert and have put together an exceptional 20-game unbeaten run across all competitions (W16 D4), scoring two or more goals in 13 of those matches. Their eight-game winning streak was brought to an end on Tuesday, though, as they were left frustrated by Roy Hodgson’s Bristol City in a 2-2 Championship draw at St Mary’s.As lineup of Southampton, Mads Roerslev (Achilles) and Alex McCarthy (wrist) remain sidelined, while captain Jack Stephens has emerged as a doubt after pulling out of the starting lineup before the midweek draw with Bristol City with a calf problem sustained in the warm-up.Nathan Wood could continue at centre-back alongside Man City academy graduate Taylor Harwood-Bellis if Stephens is unable to play, joining James Bree and Ryan Manning in a four-man defence protecting goalkeeper Daniel Peretz.Charles and Flynn Downes could be given the nod to start in centre-midfield behind number 10 Finn Azaz, who has contributed with 10 goals and seven assists in 39 Championship appearances this season.Ross Stewart will hope to be the man selected to start up front ahead of Cyle Larin and Cameron Archer. Stewart has scored three goals in his last five FA Cup appearances, including the opener against Arsenal in the previous round, while he also found the net on his last Wembley outing as a Sunderland player in May 2022.
Chelsea vs Leeds
Chelsea claimed victories in their previous three FA Cup ties, beating Hull City 4-0, overcoming Wrexham 4-2 and sealing a dominant 7-0 rout. They are now pushing hard for a place in the FA Cup final, aiming to lift the trophy once again after a nine-year wait. In last season’s FA Cup semi-final, Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea spurned numerous clear-cut chances and crashed out of the competition. Heading to Wembley for this crucial clash, Chelsea carry the humiliating record of five consecutive goalless defeats in the Premier League. Under interim manager Callum McFarlane, the Blues will hope to deliver an inspiring performance, just as they did in their resilient away display against Manchester City back in January.
As one of England’s historic traditional sides, Leeds United are still not fully out of the relegation danger zone, yet FA Cup glory remains a hugely important target for the club. The Whites only won the FA Cup once in their history, during the 1971-72 campaign. More than fifty years on, Leeds are determined to seize the chance to defeat a struggling Chelsea side. Furthermore, Leeds are unbeaten in their last two Premier League meetings against Chelsea, recording one win and one draw. The red-hot form of Dominic Calvert-Lewin has turned him into a major nightmare for Chelsea’s defensive line, and the White Roses are hungry to make brand-new history at Wembley Stadium.
Venue: Wembley Stadium, London (Neutral Ground)
Local Kick-off Time (UK): Sunday, April 26, 2026, 3:00 PM (BST)
Click here to watch the match LIVE now! 🔴 ▶
Click here to watch the match LIVE now! 🔴 ▶
Chelsea News
Chelsea have failed to score in six of their seven matches over the past month, with their only goal-scoring fixture coming in the FA Cup quarter-final against League One relegation strugglers Port Vale. The chaotic tactical system implemented by former manager Liam Rosenior has undoubtedly dismantled this star-studded Chelsea squad. Taking charge as interim boss, Callum McFarlane is highly likely to revert to the tactical framework used during Enzo Maresca’s tenure.
On the injury front, Estevan has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a hamstring tear. Levi Colwill, who suffered a serious ACL injury earlier this term, is in line for a place on the substitutes’ bench. Both Jaden Gittens and Reece James are set to remain sidelined. João Pedro and Cole Palmer are expected to return to the starting lineup, with Trevoh Chalobah and Hato poised to form the central defensive partnership.
Leeds United News
Leeds United have accumulated 40 points so far, reaching the theoretical safety threshold for Premier League survival. However, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United sit closely behind them in the table, meaning the Yorkshire side cannot afford to relax. Leeds have gone unbeaten across their last five outings, claiming notable scalps including a victory over Manchester United, who occupy a Champions League spot, and a hard-fought draw with Bournemouth, who had been undefeated for 14 matches. Their recent run boasts undeniable quality and momentum.
Leeds head into this fixture with a clean injury list and are able to field their preferred starting eleven against Chelsea. The midfield pairing of Ao Tanaka and Ethan Ampadu will act as the core pivot for their quick counter-attacks. Noah Okafor and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have both impressed with consistent form recently, leaving them with strong chances to find the back of the net at Wembley.
