The magic of the FA Cup is well and truly still alive. While this season hasn’t produced a giant killing underdog run that we all love. We still have two huge semi final matches to look forward to this weekend.
Four big teams remain in the most prestigious tournament in English football. Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United are all in with a chance of lifting to FA Cup.
So, let’s get into it and see what we can look forward to this weekend.
Saturday 18th of July 2020
Arsenal vs Manchester City
Venue – Wembley Stadium
Kick Off – 7.45 pm
Odds – Home Win 15/2 Draw 9/2 Away Win 3/10
Watch On – BT Sports
Referee – Jonathan Moss
We kick off the weekend with the most recent FA Cup winners Manchester City. They come up against the most successful side in the cup’s history Arsenal. Arsenal have won 13 FA Cups but haven’t won it since beating Chelsea 2-1 in the 2017 final.
The Gunners have won this tournament three times in the past six years. However, recent history against Manchester City is not in their favour. With City getting the better of Arsenal in their last seven meetings.
When was the last time Arsenal beat Manchester City? It was in the semi final of the 2017 FA Cup beating them 2-1. Could be a good omen.
Arsenal come into this one off the back of a 2-1 win over league champions Liverpool in the league. They have only lost once in their last five games. That defeat coming against bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Arsenal have conceded 17 goals against City since last beating them. They’ll look to improve that as they seem more sure of themselves defensively under Mikel Arteta. David Luiz will be seriously looking to redeem himself after his shocking performance against City back in June.
Manchester City come into this one in great goal scoring form. They have scored 12 goals in their last three games. They have only lost twice since the return of football and have been scoring freely. With them netting three or more goals in seven of their nine games since the return.
They also may go full strength for this one. Especially now with Champions League football secured for next season.
They have a full-strength squad for the most part. All they are missing is their main man up front Sergio Aguero.
While Arsenal are missing Bernd Leno, Pablo Mari, Calum Chambers and Martinelli. Mesut Ozil is carrying a knock so its touch and go if he will play or not. Matteo Guendouzi is also not expected to play as he is still exiled from the first team.
Arsenal were knocked out of last years tournament by the red side of Manchester in the last 32. They will be looking to avoid falling over the final hurdle on route to the final.
Verdict – Manchester City in 90 minutes.
Sunday 19th of July 2020
Manchester United vs Chelsea
Venue – Wembley Stadium
Kick Off – 6.00 pm
Odds – Home Win 13/10 Draw 11/5 Away Win 15/8
Watch On – BBC One
Referee – Mike Dean
Another tight affair to round up this year’s semi-finals. These two met in last seasons last 16. With United coming out on top 2-0 winners at Stamford Bridge. United would go on to be beaten in the quarter finals against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Chelsea last won the cup in 2018 beating United 1-0 in the final. While United haven’t lifted the cup since 2016. Beating Crystal Palace 2-1 in that year’s final.
United do come into this one in great form. Still unbeaten since January they have only picked up five draws in that impressive run. They have been firing on all fronts going forward scoring 21 goals since the return of football. With United even holding a 2-0 win over Chelsea during this unbeaten run.
Chelsea also come into this one in great form. Only losing twice in their last 12 games. They have also won 12 of their last 13 FA Cup games. It will be interesting to see what sort of team they put out. Especially with the race for Champions League football next season still on.
They do have the likes of Christian Pulisic, Willian and Oliver Giroud in great form and playing brilliant lately. They could certainly cause problems to the questionable defence of Manchester United.
Speaking of squads both teams are coming in with some missing players. Manchester United are still without Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe. While both left backs Luke Shaw and Brandon Williams are carrying knocks and are questionable.
Chelsea will be without young star Billy Gilmour he is out with a knee injury until November. While N’Golo Kante is suffering with a hamstring issue and is questionable.
Could be a tight one this. I wouldn’t be overly surprised to see it go the distance and be settled on penalties. Both teams are ropey at the back so expect goals.
Verdict – Flip of a coin this. Manchester United on penalties. Nightmare to call just going with the more in form team.
