Manchester City and Southampton are set to make the trip to Wembley Stadium on Saturday evening for their latest semi-final clash in the FA Cup.
Pep Guardiola’s side have recently claimed top spot in the Premier League with a 1-0 victory against Burnley, as Erling Haaland’s winning goal in just the 5th minute on April 22 at Turf Moor was enough to claim a crucial three points.
Manchester City now have 70 points from 33 matches with a goal difference of +37, all the same as second-place Arsenal. However, a superior tally of 66 goals scored in the league separates themselves from the Gunners, who have 63 goals so far this season.
If both clubs finish level on points, goal difference, and goals scored, Manchester City will win the league as things stand, as they have earned more points across the two head-to-head matches with Arsenal this campaign.
With the Carabao Cup already in the bag and an intense league Premier League title race afoot, Manchester City will be looking to advance to the FA Cup final for a fourth consecutive season in order to claim the domestic treble.
With their last 2-2 draw against Bristol City in the Championship, Southampton are strong contenders for a possible promotion to the Premier League next season, ranking fourth in the league table among the play-off spots with 76 points in 44 games.
The Saints are currently on a 20-game unbeaten streak, and after advancing to the upcoming semi-final tie after defeating Arsenal 2-1 in the quarter-final, they will be hoping to lift their second FA Cup in the club’s history.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of this crucial FA Cup semi-final tie!
Manchester City will face Southampton in the FA Cup semi-finals on Saturday 25th April at 5:15pm (BST) at Wembley Stadium.
The Football Association have confirmed Craig Pawson will be the match referee for Manchester City against Southampton in the FA Cup Semi-Final.
Check out the full team of referees for the match here!
Match Officials: Craig Pawson to referee Manchester City vs Southampton
Manchester City will be missing Ruben Dias in action due to a thigh injury, while Josko Gvardiol is also expected to be ruled out as he recovers from a leg bone fracture sustained in January.
After suffering a calf injury in the latest win against Arsenal, Rodri missed the league game against Burnley and remains in doubt for the FA Cup semi-final tie.
Pep Guardiola hands Rodri injury update after Burnley absence following Arsenal calf injury
As for Southampton, midfielder Flynn Downes will miss the match after being charged with violent conduct in their 2-1 win against Swansea last weekend and has received a three-match ban.
The Saints will also be without Ryan Manning, who is also serving a suspension. Southampton captain Jack Stephens remains in doubt after pulling out of the squad prior to the clash against Bristol City on Tuesday.
Pep Guardiola is due to speak to the media on Friday 24 April at 12:30 (UK).
The last meeting between the two sides ended in a goalless draw in the 36th match of the 2024/25 Premier League season in May last year at St Mary’s Stadium.
Earlier in the previous campaign, Manchester City bagged a 1-0 win against Southampton, with Haaland finding the back of the net in just five minutes into the league match in October 2024, at the Etihad Stadium.