Pep Guardiola’s men look to reach consecutive finals following their Champions League exit
The dream of winning back-to-back trebles is over for Manchester City after they were beaten in a Champions League penalty shootout against Real Madrid on Wednesday. Now, Pep Guardiola’s team must focus their efforts on the remaining domestic fixtures as they hunt for silverware this season.
They currently sit top of the Premier League, following both Liverpool and Arsenal dropping points last time out, and are favourites to regain their title while today’s outing sees them target a spot in the FA Cup final. This is the seventh time in eight seasons that City have featured at the semi-final stage though they have only progressed twice from their last six attempts.
Standing in their way this afternoon is Mauricio Pochettino’s surging Chelsea. The Blues have reached three of the last four FA Cup finals (though won none of them) and hammered Everton 6-0 on Monday evening with former City player Cole Palmer scoring four goals. The forward will be crucial to Chelsea’s attempt at defeating their rivals today having already enjoyed success against his old club earlier in the season.
Raheem Sterling, Enzo Fernandez and Axel Disasi are available after missing the 6-0 win over Everton, while Christopher Nkunku is back in “partial training”. Chelsea remain without Levi Colwill, Reece James and Wesley Fofana.
Jamie Braidwood20 April 2024 12:03
Erling Haaland is a doubt after the striker was unable to continue against Real Madrid, but Kevin De Bruyne is fit after also asking to come off before extra time. Manchester City are not thought to have any major new injury concerns, though workload management will be key after the Real Madrid second leg stretched beyond extra time. Kyle Walker was able to complete the entire game after his hamstring issue, but may be given a chance to recover here.
Jamie Braidwood20 April 2024 12:02
When is Manchester City vs Chelsea?
Manchester City vs Chelsea is due to kick off at 5.15pm BST on Saturday 20 April at Wembley Stadium.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on BBC One, with coverage on the channel from 4.45pm. A live stream will be available via the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website.
If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
Jamie Braidwood20 April 2024 12:01
Hello and welcome
Manchester City continue their chase of a second consecutive FA Cup crown as they take on Chelsea at Wembley.
The semi-final clash comes hot on the heels of Manchester City’s Champions League exit on penalties to Real Madrid.
It means there will be no repeat treble, but their chances of twin trophies were boosted by league slip-ups for both Arsenal and Liverpool last weekend.
Chelsea, though, will have designs on silverware of their own as they bid to make a strong finish to a mixed first campaign under Mauricio Pochettino.