FA Cup Semifinals: Chelsea to Face Leeds, Manchester City to Play Southampton

The FA Cup semi-final draw has pitted Chelsea against Leeds United, while Manchester City is set to take on Southampton. Leeds United secured their spot in the semifinals for the first time in nearly four decades after a thrilling penalty shootout victory over West Ham, and they will now face Chelsea at Wembley. Chelsea had previously crushed League One side Port Vale with a 7-0 score. Meanwhile, Manchester City, who defeated Liverpool 4-0 to reach the semifinals for the eighth consecutive season, will go up against Southampton. The latter pulled off an impressive 2-1 win over Premier League leaders Arsenal at St Mary's. The semifinal matches are scheduled to take place at Wembley Stadium on either April 25 or 26. For Southampton, who last won the FA Cup 50 years ago, stopping Manchester City from reaching the final for the fourth time in a row will be crucial if they hope to replicate their 1976 success. Manchester City, a seven-time FA Cup winner, last claimed the title in 2023 and has lost to Crystal Palace and Manchester United in their last two finals. Chelsea, an eight-time winner who last won the FA Cup in 2018, will face Leeds, a team they defeated in the 1970 final. Leeds bounced back from that loss to win the FA Cup in 1972 but has not advanced beyond the semifinal stage since 1987.