FA Cup Semi-Finals Set: Leeds United vs Chelsea, Manchester City vs Southampton

Leeds United’s return to the FA Cup semi-finals has been a long-awaited event, marking their first such appearance since 1987. The Yorkshire club secured a place in the last four after a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Premier League relegation contenders West Ham. This follows a tense 2-2 draw in the quarter-final on Sunday, which set the stage for their historic clash with Chelsea at Wembley.

Meanwhile, Manchester City will face Southampton in the other semi-final, a match that promises to be as surprising as it is competitive. The Saints, who have not won the FA Cup since 1976, upset Premier League leaders Arsenal in a dramatic encounter on Saturday, booking their spot against the seven-time champions. This marks a significant milestone for the Saints, who will be aiming to make their mark on the tournament once again.

Historically, the meeting between Leeds and Chelsea will evoke memories of the 1970 FA Cup final, a match that required a replay at Old Trafford after a 2-2 draw. This was the first final since 1912 to need a second game, and Chelsea emerged victorious, securing their eighth title in the process.

The semi-final fixtures will take place at Wembley Stadium during the weekend of 25-26 April. Fans are eagerly anticipating the matchups, which feature a blend of established powerhouses and underdogs. The BBC Sport team will provide comprehensive coverage of both games, keeping supporters informed with updates and insights.