What’s in store for the 2025 FA Cup semi-finals?
With the business end of the season approaching, the 2025 FA Cup semi-finals are looking to deliver another compelling chapter in the competition’s thrilling history. With only two rounds of the competition left, we’ve already had our fair share of excitement and shocks to the FA Cup odds, following some of the favourite teams already being knocked out.
Set against the neutral backdrop of Wembley Stadium, the four remaining teams – Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, and Manchester City – each bring contrasting narratives, tactics, and ambitions into the end-of-April weekend showdowns.
The FA Cup has long been a stage for drama and unpredictability, but this year’s edition presents a particularly intriguing dynamic. Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest arrive as underdogs with momentum, while Aston Villa and Manchester City possess the experience and pedigree to eye the trophy confidently.
In this article, we assess the two upcoming semi-final fixtures and what could be in store for the eventual outcome of the 2025 FA Cup.
Crystal Palace v Aston Villa – Saturday 26 April
Crystal Palace have been one of the competition’s most surprising packages this season so far. Under Oliver Glasner, the Eagles have combined defensive discipline with incisive transitions, which has made them quite the dangerous cup side.
Their return to Wembley for the first time since their 2016 final defeat offers a symbolic chance for redemption – and should they best The Villans on April 26th, they’ll be only one step away from achieving it.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, have continued their renaissance under Unai Emery. Having already built a reputation for tactical clarity and adaptability, Villa will approach this matchup with the confidence of having been tested in both domestic and European competitions.
The Midlands club have also had a long absence from the FA Cup final – since 2015 – and with an attacking core led by Ollie Watkins and the creative spark of Douglas Luiz in midfield, they harness the form and firepower to potentially go all the way.
Nottingham Forest v Manchester City – Sunday 27 April
The following day, Sunday 27th April, will see Nottingham Forest face off against the recent two-time victors, Manchester City.
Forest’s journey to the semi-finals has been a testament to belief and organisation. Nuno Espírito Santo’s side have leaned into a pragmatic but effective approach, involving set-pieces and careful counter-attacks.
Reaching this stage is already a major achievement for a team more accustomed to battling relegation than lifting silverware – and as their recent form suggests, they’re a side that has found identity at just the right time.
That being said, City present a formidable challenge. Being the defending champions and tournament favourites, Pep Guardiola’s side have shown typical consistency and control throughout their FA Cup run.
With Erling Haaland back among the goals and Kevin De Bruyne orchestrating from midfield, City arrive with their sights firmly set on retaining the trophy. After dispatching Bournemouth in the quarter-finals with trademark composure, a third consecutive FA Cup win is looking fairly likely for the Citizens – If the three remaining teams aren’t up to the challenge.
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The 2025 FA Cup semi-finals weekend provides a classic contrast – two hopeful challengers versus two established heavyweights. This means two fixtures full of thrilling action and plenty of potential surprises in store for football betting.
