Key Takeaways
- Reigning champions Manchester City will be without Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol for the Wembley semi-final.
- Chelsea have nine players nursing knocks, while Leeds travel with a near-full squad.
- Arsenal welcome Newcastle to the Emirates hoping to bounce back from two straight league defeats.
Manchester City meet a high-flying Championship side at Wembley on Saturday evening. Pep Guardiola’s defence is stretched: Dias has a hamstring issue and Gvardiol a fractured tibia, so Manuel Akanji and Nathan Aké should partner at centre-back. Rodri’s groin problem makes him doubtful, giving Mateo Kovačić a chance in midfield. Up front Erling Haaland, who has 35 goals already, will lead the line.
The opposition, in excellent form with five wins and a draw, are missing only two squad members through injury. Full-back Mads Roerslev and keeper Gavin Bazunu are unavailable, while Flynn Downes begins a three-match ban. Che Adams and Adam Armstrong offer pace on the break.
Sunday’s second FA Cup semi-final pits Chelsea against Leeds United. Mauricio Pochettino must check the fitness of Christopher Nkunku, Cole Palmer and Reece James, all carrying knocks. Levi Colwill is out with a knee problem, so Axel Disasi or Trevoh Chalobah could start. Leeds have Patrick Bamford and Junior Firpo back in training, yet Tyler Adams, Stuart Dallas and Dan James remain sidelined.
In the Premier League, Fulham host Aston Villa on Saturday lunchtime. Marco Silva hopes to have João Palhinha available; Alex Iwobi, Harry Wilson and Kenny Tete are definitely out. Unai Emery may rest Ollie Watkins after Europa League exertions, with Jhon Durán pushing for a start.
Liverpool return to Anfield to face Crystal Palace at 3 pm. Jürgen Klopp is likely to keep faith with Luis Díaz and Mohamed Salah on the flanks, even though Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones are back running. Palace boss Oliver Glasner has Michael Olise fit again; Cheick Doucouré could drop to the bench.
West Ham and Everton meet at the London Stadium. David Moyes may hand a full debut to Kalvin Phillips, while Everton welcome the return of Amadou Onana in midfield. Beto’s concussion keeps him out, so Dominic Calvert-Lewin leads the attack.
Wolves need points against Tottenham to climb away from danger. Gary O’Neil still lacks Pedro Neto and Craig Dawson, so Pablo Sarabia and João Gomes are expected to start. Spurs, winless in five, could pair Richarlison with Brennan Johnson if Son Heung-min is rested.
Arsenal’s clash with Newcastle closes Saturday action. Mikel Arteta hopes Declan Rice overcomes a back spasm; if not, Jorginho will step in. Callum Wilson and Anthony Gordon remain out for the Magpies, leaving Alexander Isak as the main threat.
Finally, Manchester United entertain Brentford on Monday night. Erik ten Hag has Harry Maguire available, but Lisandro Martínez serves the second game of a ban. Brentford, unbeaten in six, will start with Neal Maupay or Kevin Schade up front as Ivan Toney continues his recovery from foot trouble.