Manchester City vs Chelsea LIVE: FA Cup semi-final team news ...
Pep Guardiola’s men look to reach consecutive finals following their Champions League exit
The dream of winning back-to-back trebles is over for Manchester City after they were beaten in a Champions League penalty shootout against Real Madrid on Wednesday. Now, Pep Guardiola’s team must focus their efforts on the remaining domestic fixtures as they hunt for silverware this season.
They currently sit top of the Premier League, following both Liverpool and Arsenal dropping points last time out, and are favourites to regain their title while today’s outing sees them target a spot in the FA Cup final. This is the seventh time in eight seasons that City have featured at the semi-final stage though they have only progressed twice from their last six attempts.
Standing in their way this afternoon is Mauricio Pochettino’s surging Chelsea. The Blues have reached three of the last four FA Cup finals (though won none of them) and hammered Everton 6-0 on Monday evening with former City player Cole Palmer scoring four goals. The forward will be crucial to Chelsea’s attempt at defeating their rivals today having already enjoyed success against his old club earlier in the season.
Follow all the action from Wembley below plus get the latest odds and tips right here:
Cole Palmer took his Chelsea tally to 20 goals in the Premier League with another hat-trick on Monday night, scoring four at Stamford Bridge.
“He has been sensational and there is an argument he could be Player of the Year – that’s how good he has been,” said former Chelsea star Joe Cole, who said Palmer simply has to be in England’s Euros squad this summer.
“You have to bring a player of that quality. The technicians are what are going to win us the tournament. They all have to go and they all have to have time on the pitch.
“Palmer is a top player. I have watched him play and he is a top, top player.
“Cole Palmer is an absolute genius.”
Jamie Braidwood20 April 2024 13:26
Jamie Braidwood20 April 2024 13:06
Since losing the League Cup final to Manchester City on penalties, Chelsea have lost six finals in a row at Wembley - although they have won all three of their FA Cup semi-finals during that time.
2020: 3-1 vs Manchester United
2021: 1-0 vs Manchester City
2022: 2-0 vs Crystal Palace
Jamie Braidwood20 April 2024 12:45
Pep Guardiola’s side lost three FA Cup semi-finals in a row between 2020 and 2022 - but they won the FA Cup on both occasions they reahed the final under Guardiola (2019 and 2023).
2019: 1-0 vs Brighton
2020: 0-2 vs Arsenal
2021: 0-1 vs Chelsea
2022: 2-3 vs Liverpool
2023: 3-0 vs Sheffield United
Jamie Braidwood20 April 2024 12:30
Manchester City and Chelsea both have unwanted records that they’ll want to improve today.
Man City have won just two of their last six FA Cup semi-finals, while Chelsea have just have lost their last six finals at Wembley. Even though today is a semi-final, there is talk of a Wembley curse among the Blues...
Jamie Braidwood20 April 2024 12:15
Manchester City’s FA Cup semi-final clash with Chelsea on Saturday has taken on greater significance in their campaign following Wednesday’s Champions League exit (5.15pm, BBC One).
The Cityzens’ defence of their European crown ended abruptly in a 4-3 defeat on penalties to Real Madrid, the two sides having played out a 1-1 draw in the second leg of their quarter-final showdown at the Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola’s side had been favourites to lift the trophy for a second straight year, but now those hopes are over, there’s a greater emphasis on their Premier League and FA Cup quests.
Jamie Braidwood20 April 2024 12:05
Manchester City XI: Ortega; Lewis, Stones, Dias, Ake; Rodri; Foden, Silva, De Bruyne, Doku; Alvarez.
Chelsea XI: Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Silva, Chilwell; Fernandez, Caicedo, Gallagher; Palmer, Jackson, Sterling.
Jamie Braidwood20 April 2024 12:04
Raheem Sterling, Enzo Fernandez and Axel Disasi are available after missing the 6-0 win over Everton, while Christopher Nkunku is back in “partial training”. Chelsea remain without Levi Colwill, Reece James and Wesley Fofana.
Jamie Braidwood20 April 2024 12:03
Erling Haaland is a doubt after the striker was unable to continue against Real Madrid, but Kevin De Bruyne is fit after also asking to come off before extra time. Manchester City are not thought to have any major new injury concerns, though workload management will be key after the Real Madrid second leg stretched beyond extra time. Kyle Walker was able to complete the entire game after his hamstring issue, but may be given a chance to recover here.
Jamie Braidwood20 April 2024 12:02
When is Manchester City vs Chelsea?
Manchester City vs Chelsea is due to kick off at 5.15pm BST on Saturday 20 April at Wembley Stadium.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on BBC One, with coverage on the channel from 4.45pm. A live stream will be available via the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website.
If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
Jamie Braidwood20 April 2024 12:01
