Premier League title contenders, Manchester City and Liverpool meet at Wembley Stadium in a blockbuster semi-final of 2021-22 FA Cup.
Man City are looking to reach a second FA Cup Final under Pep Guardiola’s reign, whereas Liverpool are seeking to extend their deepest FA Cup run under Jurgen Klopp’s watch.
Team News
Cole Palmer could be available for Man City after spending three months sidelined with a foot injury sustained in their Third Round victory at Swindon Town.
Kyle Walker and Kevin De Bruyne (both ankle) are doubts but Benjamin Mendy (personal) remains absent.
Liverpool could be without Diogo Jota after he suffered a knock in Wednesday’s Champions League draw against Benfica at Anfield.
Mohamed Salah is another doubt after he too suffered a knock in midweek but Virgil Van Dijk and Sadio Mane will be amongst those looking to return to the starting line-up.
Stat Attack
- Manchester City have won two of five previous FA Cup ties against Liverpool (W2, L3), although their first two ties went to replays meaning that there has been seven FA Cup meetings in total (W2, D2, L3).
- Liverpool have lost one of four FA Cup meetings against Man City when playing as the away team (W2, D1, L1).
- Each of the two draws between Man City and Liverpool in the FA Cup both finished goalless in February 1956 and 1973 respectively.
- Under Pep Guardiola, Man City have won just one of four previous semi-final appearances in the FA Cup (W1, L3).
- Liverpool have won five of their last six semi-final appearances in the FA Cup (W5, L1), although this is their first appearance at this stage since Jurgen Klopp took charge in October 2015.
Prediction
Having delivered an excellent attacking display in their league clash against Liverpool last Sunday, Man City can be confident coming into this clash of another fast paced game, although defensive focus needs to be better after a couple of sloppy moments especially from Ederson.
Guardiola though will be pleased with how his defence and Ederson responded in their goalless midweek draw against Atletico Madrid, where they were constantly frustrated despite dominating the game but a clean sheet is a morale booster coming into this game.
Liverpool meanwhile drew 3-3 against Benfica on Wednesday after making seven changes so I expect a return to their more traditional line-up across defence and attack, although they probably will need to be defensively stronger than they were at the Etihad then against Benfica.
In fact, I can definitely see goals here but if this game goes to extra-time, I fancy Liverpool to eventually have the edge purely down to Klopp’s squad management in midweek which could hand them a crucial fitness advantage.
Prediction: Manchester City 2-3 (AET) Liverpool