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

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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.

Soccer Football – FA Cup – Final – Manchester City v Manchester United – Wembley Stadium, London, Britain – May 25, 2024 Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes and manager Erik ten Hag celebrate with the trophy after winning the FA Cup Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge

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!

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FAQs

When is the 2024-25 FA Cup semi-final taking place?

The FA Cup semi-finals will be held at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, April 26, and Sunday, April 27, 2025.

What are the matchups in the FA Cup semi-final draw for 2024-25?

The semi-finals will feature Nottingham Forest vs. Manchester City and Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa.

Who are the favorites to win the 2024-25 FA Cup?

Manchester City are the favorites, followed by Aston Villa, according to expert opinions.

How did Nottingham Forest reach the FA Cup semi-finals?

Nottingham Forest reached the semi-finals by defeating Brighton in a penalty shootout during the quarter-finals.

When did Crystal Palace last beat Aston Villa, and what was the score?

Crystal Palace beat Aston Villa 4-1 at Selhurst Park in the Premier League on February 25, 2025.

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