FA Cup semi-final draw: Man City, Chelsea learn semi-final opponents
by Devesh Jaganath | by Devesh Jaganath
Manchester City set for FA Cup return to Wembley against Southampton
Manchester City confirmed our FA Cup predictions on Saturday afternoon by demolishing Liverpool 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium to secure their place in the semi-final of the oldest football cup competition later this month.
Erling Haaland was the star of the show, scoring a stunning hat-trick against the Reds to lead his team to their 18th consecutive home win in the competition (a new record) and a record-extending eighth consecutive FA Cup semi-final. Following the victory, Haaland said:
"This club has to win trophies on the biggest stage. It's been some time since I have done it for City. It is special so I am super happy."
Despite having now scored a remarkable 46 goals in 50 games for club and country this season, the Norwegian has never been able to find the back of the net at Wembley, a stat that he will be desperate to change when he steps out under the arch later this month.
The Citizens opponents for the semi-final are the surprise package of the FA Cup, Southampton, who defied all the odds to beat Premier League leaders Arsenal 2-1 at Saint Mary’s Stadium, ending the Gunners chances of clinching a treble this season.
The Saints' only FA Cup triumph was way back in 1976 against Man United, though they did reach the final in 2003, but lost to Arsenal. Following the victory over North Londoners, Tonda Eckert’s side are now riding a 15-match unbeaten run across all competitions.
Chelsea to face Leeds in Blues vs. Whites FA Cup battle
The second semi-final of this season’s FA Cup is a clash steeped in history, with Chelsea set to take on Leeds in a revival of one of the tournament’s most storied rivalries, and you can follow all the action in real-time via our FA Cup livescore tool.
These two sides contested what is widely known as one of the most violent and memorable FA Cup finals in history in 1970!
Leeds faced West Ham United in the most exhilarating quarter-final of this season’s competition, where the Hammers scored twice in stoppage time to force penalties after the match ended level at 2-2. The Whites held their nerve and won the game 4-2 following misses by Jarrod Bowen and Pablo.
Daniel Farke’s side have now made it to the last four of the FA Cup for the first time since 1987. The last time they faced Chelsea in the FA Cup was two years ago, which was another rollercoaster tie that ended 3-2 in favour of the West Londoners, courtesy of a last-minute Conor Gallagher goal.
Chelsea had the easiest fixture of the quarter-final round and romped into the semis with a 7-0 demolition of League One outfit Port Vale. Jorrel Hato scored their first goal of the afternoon, while Joao Pedro, Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel, Tosin Adarabioyo, Andrey Santos, Estevao and Alejandro Garnacho also got on the scoresheet.
The Blues’ first-ever FA Cup title came in that infamous 1970 final, and since then, they have lifted the trophy a further seven times (eight in total). However, they have not won the oldest cup in football since 2018.
2025-26 FA Cup semi-final confirmed fixtures
1. Manchester City vs Southampton
2. Chelsea vs Leeds United
Dates: Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 April
Venue: Wembley Stadium, London
