After an exciting weekend of FA Cup action, the FA Cup semi-final draw took place, as we are down to our final four teams in the oldest cup competition in the world.
Following the FA Cup quarter-finals, we saw some outstanding victories, a massive cupset, and penalty shootout drama.
The teams remaining in the competition are: Manchester City, Southampton, Chelsea and Leeds United.
With the FA Cup semi-final draw concluded and Wembley awaiting these four teams, here’s a look at how the final four shapes up.
FA Cup Semi-Final Draw: Manchester City vs Southampton
The only EFL Championship side left in the competition, Southampton, have drawn Manchester City, another Premier League title contender that they hope to slay on their way to the final.
The Saints’ run to the FA Cup semi-final draw saw them take on the likes of Doncaster Rovers, Leicester City, Fulham and Premier League leaders Arsenal.
On all of these occasions, Southampton were pushed all the way to the end, but maintained their spot in the FA Cup until the end.
They nearly squandered a three-goal lead against Doncaster, had to endure extra time against Leicester, won in added time against Fulham, and dispatched Arsenal five minutes from the end.
Whilst the Saints have had to dig in until the end during their cup run so far, their opponents from the FA Cup semi-final draw, Manchester City, have had it plain sailing.
Their first FA Cup game saw them dispatch Exeter City 10-1 at the Etihad, which was followed by a relatively easy 2-0 win over Salford City, a 3-1 comeback victory over Newcastle United, and a 4-0 smashing of Liverpool.
The Cityzens, under Pep Guardiola, look hungry once more and are looking to fight and revive their season after a poor first half.
With a League One, League Two and two Premier League opponents brushed to the side, Manchester City are unlikely to be in a giving mood when it comes to their clash against Southampton.
City are looking to continue their domestic dominance after beating Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final, and they now have their sights set on the FA Cup.
With the Premier League title still not out of the question, it remains to be seen whether they can salvage what looked like a poor season and turn it into a good one.
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FA Cup Semi-Final Draw: Chelsea vs Leeds United
The second game that was drawn in the FA Cup semi-final draw sees Chelsea go head-to-head against Leeds United.
The two rivals go toe-to-toe with one another in the FA Cup once more as the Yorkshire grit takes on the flash Cockney.
Looking at Chelsea’s run into the FA Cup semi-final draw, they took on Championship side Charlton Athletic in Round Three and beat them 5-1.
Progressing on, the Blues then emerged 4-0 victors against Hull City, 4-2 winners over Wrexham after extra time, and smashed Port Vale 7-0 to claim their place in the FA Cup semi-final draw.
Under Liam Rosenior, Chelsea have experienced a mixed bag of results, but have continued their amazing FA Cup form.
With the top four race in the Premier League sliding away from them and a humiliating defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League knocking them out of the competition, their only save and grace looks to be the FA Cup.
On the other hand, Leeds have also had major struggles when it comes to their league form, but their FA Cup hasn’t been plain sailing either.
In their first game, they had to come from behind against Derby County to progress to Round Four.
A penalty shootout against Birmingham City followed, which they won, a comfortable 3-0 win over Norwich City, and a penalty shootout win over West Ham United.
In their long rivalry, Leeds hold the upper hand with 41 wins compared to Chelsea’s 39, and the Blues will look to close the gap with a win in the FA Cup semi-final and book their place in the final.
FA Cup Semi-Final Draw: Wembley Awaits The Four Teams Left
Since competition began, the semi-finals and the final would be played at a neutral venue. The likes of Villa Park, Old Trafford and Hillsborough, among many others, have been used in the past as venues that have hosted the semi-finals.
Since 2008, the switch was made that the semi-finals, along with the finals, would be hosted at the new Wembley Stadium.
A moment of prestige awaits EFL Championship side Southampton, who were last in an FA Cup semi-final five seasons ago.
For Leeds United, it has been a longer wait, as they have not appeared in this stage of the competition since the 1986/87 season.
FA Cup regulars, Manchester City and Chelsea, have been in this stage several times before, and for them, any chance of silverware would crown a good season.
The FA Cup has certainly brought many twists and turns this season, but could we see some more before the competition ends very soon?
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Propaganda Photo
Recording Date: 04.04.2026
