The big guns take a break from Premier League action this weekend as four of the EPL’s ‘Big Six’ go head-to-head in the FA Cup.
Current holders Manchester City take on record 13-time winners Arsenal in the first semi-final, while top four contenders Man Utd and Chelsea go head-to-head in Sunday’s evening kick-off.
Who will be returning to Wembley for the final on 1st August?
Here’s our preview of this weekend’s semis, plus a look at the remaining Premier League games…
FA Cup Semi-Finals
Saturday 18th July
Arsenal vs Man City, 19:45
It’s master vs apprentice for the second time in the space of a month on Saturday as Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta lock horns once again, this time at Wembley.
A spirited 2-1 win over Premier League champions Liverpool on Wednesday has handed Arsenal real hope of challenging in this competition, with that result a huge boost ahead of a game that could see them effectively secure a Europa League spot for next season, given the respective positions of the rest of the FA Cup challengers.
City boss Guardiola will be keen to secure a second FA Cup trophy as City manager after the disappointment of losing out on a third consecutive Premier League title, but Arsenal look to finally be playing with some confidence. However, City rested several key players against Bournemouth and should have enough to book their place in the final.
Verdict: Arsenal 1-2 Man City
Sunday 19th July
Manchester Utd vs Chelsea, 18:00
It might not necessarily have been planned, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hit upon a settled starting XI for the first time as Manchester United manager, with the Red Devils still in control of their top four destiny despite the costly draw against Southampton. The addition of Bruno Fernandes in January and return to form of Paul Pogba has given United a genuine chance of ending this campaign with a first FA Cup trophy since Louis van Gaal’s parting gift in 2016.
Frank Lampard is probably equally as concerned as Solskjaer at securing Champions League football in his first full season as a Premier League manager, but an FA Cup Final appearance would make his maiden campaign with his beloved Blues all the more sweeter.
It’s three defeats from three for Chelsea against United so far this season; they’ll need to overcome that mental block to reach the final.
Verdict: Man Utd 1-1 Chelsea (Chelsea win on penalties)
Premier League Predictions
Saturday 18th July
Norwich City vs Burnley, 17:30
Saturday’s solitary Premier League game has a distinct ‘dead rubber’ feel to it as we head into the final straight, albeit at least one of these sides hasn’t thrown in the towel just yet.
The away side have proved a real threat since Project Restart began, denying both Liverpool and European hopefuls Wolves in the last week alone.
Clarets keeper Nick Pope will be aiming to collect another clean sheet as he bids to land the Golden Glove. His chances of sealing that accolade surely won’t be harmed this weekend.
Verdict: Norwich City 0-2 Burnley
Sunday 19th July
Bournemouth vs Southampton, 14:00
Bournemouth acquitted themselves excellently against Man City, but a 2-1 defeat means the Cherries remain in real trouble in the final relegation place. Eddie Howe’s side will need to dig their heels in again against south coast rivals Southampton on Sunday – who boast a remarkable record on the road.
For all the spirit shown against Manchester City on Wednesday, Bournemouth knew that they needed a result of some kind from that game to avoid a nail-biting final day.
With a difficult trip to Everton on the final day, it’s surely win or bust for the home side against the Saints, who have shown no signs of easing off, defeating City and stealing a point off Manchester United in two of their most eye-catching results since returning.
Can Southampton be the ultimate nightmare neighbours on Sunday?
Verdict: Bournemouth 1-2 Southampton
Tottenham Hotspur vs Leicester City, 16:00
It’s not been plain sailing, but Jose Mourinho is starting to stamp his authority on Spurs, with recent wins over Everton, Arsenal and most recently Newcastle proving he can still serve up a winning formula.
Visitors Leicester would be left broken if they were to miss out on a Champions League place now, but results since the restart hint it may simply be too early in the Brendan Rodgers’ project for the Foxes to re-take a place among the European elite.
The Northern Irishman needs a win, but the timing looks unfortunate for Leicester with the home side finally starting to find some rhythm in the dying weeks of the 2019/20 campaign.
Verdict Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Leicester City
