FA Cup Semi-Final 2024-25: Nottingham Forest vs. Manchester City & Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa Set for Wembley Showdown

The stage is set for the semi-finals of the 2024-25 Emirates FA Cup, with four teams gearing up for a thrilling weekend at Wembley Stadium connected by EE. The draw was confirmed following Preston North End’s quarter-final clash with Aston Villa, and fans can now anticipate two intense battles on Saturday, April 26, and Sunday, April 27.

With a mix of traditional powerhouses and ambitious underdogs, the road to FA Cup glory is heating up. Let’s take a closer look at the upcoming semi-final ties and what’s at stake for each team.

FA Cup Semi-Final 2024-25 Fixtures

The FA Cup semi-final draw has thrown up two intriguing encounters:

1. Nottingham Forest vs. Manchester City
2. Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa

Each fixture brings its own narrative, history, and potential drama, as these four teams aim to book a place in the grand finale at Wembley.

Nottingham Forest vs. Manchester City: A Clash of Contrasts

Defending champions Manchester City continue their quest for silverware after edging past Bournemouth 2-1 in the quarter-finals. Pep Guardiola’s side, aiming for their second FA Cup triumph in three years, will take on Nottingham Forest, a team making their first semi-final appearance in 34 years.

Forest’s journey to this stage has been nothing short of dramatic. They overcame Brighton in the quarter-finals via a tense penalty shootout, proving their resilience under pressure. While Manchester City’s star-studded squad makes them the clear favorites, Forest will draw inspiration from their recent home victory over City in March, when they secured a narrow 1-0 win at the City Ground. However, Guardiola’s men will be confident, having previously dismantled Nuno Espirito Santo’s side 3-0 at the Etihad in December.

Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa: A Historic Opportunity

In the other semi-final, Crystal Palace will battle Aston Villa for a coveted place in the final. Palace, who convincingly dispatched Fulham 3-0 in the quarter-finals, are dreaming of lifting the FA Cup for the first time in the club’s history.

Villa, meanwhile, carry the weight of history on their shoulders. The seven-time FA Cup winners have not lifted the trophy in 68 years, but Unai Emery’s side has been in excellent form. Their 3-0 victory over Preston in the quarter-finals highlighted their attacking prowess and defensive solidity.

Crystal Palace, however, will take confidence from their recent encounter against Villa, where they ran out 4-1 winners at Selhurst Park in February. With Oliver Glasner at the helm, Palace has displayed renewed energy and tactical discipline, making this a truly unpredictable contest.

Expert Opinion: Who Are the Favorites?

Former Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison shared his thoughts on the semi-final lineup while speaking to Sky Sports News:

“It’s a difficult game. In my heart of hearts did I want Aston Villa on that big Wembley pitch and the pace they have? But when you get to this stage, it’s a lottery.”

“Villa are a very good team, but Palace were in good form yesterday against Fulham, so that game I’m really looking forward to. That tie’s too hard to call.”

“I still think Manchester City are favourites and Villa are second-favourites to win it. You always fancy Manchester City because in a one-off game, they can destroy anyone.”

“My heart says Palace to win the whole thing, but not my head!“

Read More: Neymar’s 9 Distinctive Penalty Techniques: A Journey Through Innovation

FAQs