FA Cup semi-final draw: Manchester City to face Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa meet Crystal Palace
Manchester City will face Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup semi-finals after defeating Bournemouth 2-1 at the Vitality Stadium, while Aston Villa have been drawn against Crystal Palace. City sealed their spot in the semi-finals of the competition for the seventh consecutive year, as they look to save their season with a trophy. The two ties will be held on the weekend of April 26 and 27.
Manchester City face a Wembley clash against Premier League high-fliers Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup semi-finals.
The draw took place ahead of City’s 2-1 comeback victory over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, in which they sealed their place in the final four of the competition for the seventh year running.
City fell behind to Evanilson’s goal on 21 minutes after Erling Haaland failed to convert an early penalty.
But the Norway international did end up finding the back of the net, equalising just four minutes after the half-time break, before Omar Marmoush netted the winner two minutes after being introduced as a substitute.
Pep Guardiola’s side last claimed the FA Cup trophy in 2023, and this year’s iteration stands as the final chance to salvage their season with domestic silverware, as they sit 22 points behind leaders Liverpool in the Premier League.
City, seven-time winners of the competition, fell to a 2-1 defeat against rivals Manchester United in last year’s final.
Forest’s run to the semi-finals continues a superb 2024/25 campaign, which has seen a sustained push for a UEFA Champions League finish – with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side sitting third in the Premier League.
Nuno’s men advanced to the semi-finals with a penalty shoot-out victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, with the two sides locked level at 0-0 over 120 minutes. Forest also beat Ipswich Town on penalties in the fifth round.
Forest have not won a major trophy for 35 years, and should they win the FA Cup and finish in a Champions League spot, they would open up another spot in Europe for a Premier League team.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, beat Preston North End 3-0 to seal their spot in the final four, and they will face Crystal Palace.
Marcus Rashford scored for the first time in an Aston Villa shirt, netting a brace, while Jacob Ramsey notched a third to send Unai Emery’s side to Wembley.
Villa, seeking an end to their near-30-year major trophy drought, also remain in the UEFA Champions League while maintaining a push for the Premier League top five.
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