More stories

  • in

    FA Cup semi-final draw confirmed as Aston Villa, Man City and Co learn path to Wembley glory

    THE FA CUP semi-final draw has been completed and Wembley will be hosting some smashing encounters.Manchester City or Bournemouth will lock horns with Nottingham Forest, while Aston Villa will battle Crystal Palace.The FA Cup semi-final draw has been completedCredit: ReutersWembley is set to host two stunning FA Cup encounters before the finalCredit: ReutersPalace were the first team to punch their ticket to the semis after beating Fulham 3-0 on Saturday at Craven Cottage.Oliver Glasner’s men made it through thanks to goals by Eberechi Eze, Ismaila Sarr and Eddie Nketiah.Forest followed the Eagles soon after as they won their third penalty shootout in the competition this season at Brighton after a goalless draw.The Tricky Trees’ captain Ryan Yates scored the winning spot-kick to make it 4-3, while goalkeeper Matz Sels made two big saves.Read More on FootballVilla just became the third team to make the final four as they destroyed Preston North End with a score of 3-0 at Deepdale.Marcus Rashford broke his goalscoring duck with the Villans after his January loan switch from Manchester United as he registered a brace before Jacob Ramsey added the third.City and Bournemouth will now lock horns for the final spot in the FA Cup semi-finals when they meet at the Vitality Stadium.The reigning Premier League champions are the only team left of the Big Six in the competition and will be chasing their eighth cup – same as Villa.Most read in FA CupForest, on the other hand, have only lifted the trophy twice in their history, with their last triumph taking place way back in 1959, while Bournemouth and Palace have never won it.The semi-finals are scheduled to take place on the weekend of April 26 and 27 at Wembley.Wayne Rooney furious at what Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo did before FA Cup tie And the winners will meet in the final at the same venue on May 17.FA Cup semi-final drawHere’s the final pairs for the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley:Nottingham Forest vs Bourmemouth/Man CityCrystal Palace vs Aston Villa More

  • in

    Bournemouth vs Man City live stream FREE: How to watch FA Cup quarter-final today

    MANCHESTER CITY make the mammoth trip to the South Coast for a huge FA Cup quarter-final clash with Bournemouth TODAY.Pep Guardiola’s side have endured a rare poor season with the Cityzens already out of the Champions League and the Premier League title race.Man City beat Championship strugglers Plymouth 3-1 in the last roundCredit: AFPBournemouth progressed to the quarter-finals with a win over WolvesCredit: GettyAnd Tottenham knocked City out of the Carabao Cup at the last-16 stage, meaning the FA Cup is their final chance of silverware this term.Meanwhile, Bournemouth have enjoyed a stunning campaign under Andoni Iraola, with the Cherries well in the hunt for European football as the season nears an end.The Spaniard will also be looking to lead the club to their first domestic trophy in their history, and a win over City would leave them two matches from unprecedented glory.How to watch Bournemouth vs Man CityBournemouth vs Man City will be broadcast live on ITV1.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe match will kick off at 4.30pm GMT on Sunday, March 30, with coverage beginning at 3.45pm.You can live stream all the action for free via the ITVX app/website.The Vitality Stadium will host the huge FA Cup quarter-final clash.When is FA Cup semi-final draw?The draw for the FA Cup semi-finals will take place on Sunday, March 30.Proceedings will begin following the conclusion of Preston vs Aston Villa.BBC One will broadcast the draw live after the match at Deepdale.You can live stream the draw for FREE via the Emirates FA Cup’s official social media channels.Most read in FA Cup More

  • in

    Preston 0 Aston Villa 3: Marcus Rashford finally breaks drought to leave Villans two wins from first trophy in 30 years

    FINALLY Marcus Rashford is making headlines for the right reasons again. It has been a troubled season for the England forward but his first goals in almost four months ensured it could still finish in glorious fashion.Marcus Rashford scored twice to help Aston Villa into the FA Cup semi-finalCredit: PARashford broke the deadlock in the 58th minuteCredit: GettyThe forward scored his second from the penalty spotCredit: PAJacob Ramsey sealed the win with a thirdCredit: AlamyWhat a month April could be for Villa as they face a Champions League quarter-final and will now head to Wembley for an FA Cup semi-final at the end of it. If they can get Rashford back to his best then who knows what could happen?He tapped home a Lucas Digne cross before converting a penalty six minutes later. Jacob Ramsey rounded things off with a long range effort for the third.And his confidence is clearly back again as shortly afterwards he stepped up to take the penalty which sealed Aston Villa’s ticket to Wembley.Of course this was against a team who lie 14th in the Championship.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRashford will be judged on how he performs in the bigger tests – such as the double header against Champions League opponents Paris Saint Germain next month.But these goals will have done him the power of good – and mean he is dreaming of a glorious end to a troubled season for him.Preston were playing at this stage of the competition for the first time since 1966 and there was a party mood among the Deepdale fans.That extended into the start of the game as many of the balloons stayed on the pitch due to the swirling wind – causing a few issues for the players.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSYet Villa – at the start of what could be a huge month for them – could not burst the home crowd’s enthusiasm.They had lots of the ball and a few good opportunities but could not make any of them count.Marcus Rashford sells Lamborghini supercar for £450,000 and buys incredibly rare £177,000 Audi The best one fell to England defender Ezri Konsa who got on the end a cross from Marco Asensio but guided his header wide.They won a string of free-kicks in promising positions but did nothing with any of them and Rashford was particularly culpable for wasting them.North End were well organised and had comfortably dealt with most things Villa had thrown at them in the early stages.And then Paul Heckingbottom’s men had a golden chance to take the lead.Robbie Brady’s chip to the back post was pushed away by Emi Martinez but then headed straight back into the danger zone.With the Argentine keeper stranded Stefan Thordarson probably had more time than he realised and steered his header wide.Even so, Heckingbottom would have been well pleased with his team going in goalless at the break.After all, this is a Villa team who will play in the quarter-finals of the Champions League in just over a week – and they had looked anything but.Preston had not lost at home since early November and they had shown why teams have found it so difficult here.Yet there were signs soon after the restart that gaps were starting to appear in the home defence.Rashford benefitted from a lucky deflection into his path to go clean through but was denied by home keeper David Cornell.Yet his long wait to find the net did not last too much longer.A fluent move down the left saw Asensio play in Digne and his low cross was tapped home by Rashford.What a relief for the England forward and it clearly did his confidence a power of good.Morgan Rogers – who had seen an effort cleared off the line moments earlier – went down under a challenge from Andrew Hughes.He made the most of it but a penalty was given and Rashford – with his trademark shuffle – sent Cornell the wrong way.With Villa fans singing about Wembley, PNE knew the game was up. The only question was how many the visitors would score.They got another one as Ramsey collected a short free-kick and was allowed far too much time and space to rifle his shot into the corner.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Rashford got a standing ovation from the visiting fans as he was subbed shortly before the end.The man who replaced him Ollie Watkins fluffed a golden chance to make it four late on but it didn’t matter – Rashford had already put the outcome beyond doubt. More

  • in

    Ruben Loftus-Cheek rushed to hospital for emergency surgery hours before AC Milan’s huge clash with Napoli

    AC MILAN star Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been rushed to hospital for emergency appendix surgery.The former England midfielder was expected to start in Milan’s crunch Serie A clash against second-placed Napoli at 7:45pm BST.Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been rushed to hospital for emergency appendix surgeryCredit: GettyLoftus-Cheek has struggled with a series of injury problems this seasonCredit: GettyLoftus-Cheek felt severe abdominal pains overnight while at the team hotel in Naples, according to Football Italia.Doctors sent him to the local hospital, where tests confirmed acute appendicitis with the need for emergency surgery.Appendicitis can be potentially fatal if left unchecked, as the appendix can become so inflamed that it bursts.The 29-year-old was slated for a start against his former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte’s side, with midfielder Yunus Musah suspended.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe travelled with the team from the north of Italy to the south before noticing something was wrong.Loftus-Cheek has struggled with a series of injury problems this season, making only 22 competitive appearances for Milan, in which he provided one assist.In fact, he had only just returned from a muscle injury to face Como in the Serie A on March 15.Before that, the former Chelsea star was out with a groin problem, leaving with only six starts from an available 14 league games this term.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Loftus-Cheek was involved in late drama with his former England team-mate Dele Alli upon his return.Alli – who plays for Como under manager Cesc Fabregas – was sent off 10 minutes into his club debut for a late lunge on his fellow countryman.Former Chelsea star Ruben Loftus-Cheek roasts Micah Richards live on TV with hilarious quip about his haircutThe former Spurs star’s initial yellow was upgraded to a red after VAR sent referee Matteo Marchetti to the monitor.But Loftus-Cheek and Alli found the funny side of it later that evening, with the latter sharing their WhatsApp conversation.Writing at 11pm on Saturday night, Alli wrote: “Picture looks bad, I just tried to clip your heel.”When the ref went to VAR I didn’t even know it was for me 😫😂.”Loftus-Cheek then added: “I stayed down because I was blowing.”The pair were part of Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the 2018 Russia World Cup.Milan have endured a poor campaign in Serie A this season and sit ninth, 14 points behind second-placed Napoli.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey started the season with Paulo Fonseca in charge, but he was replaced by former Porto boss Sergio Conceicao in December.Loftus-Cheek has scored 10 goals and provided three assists in 62 appearances since joining from Chelsea for £18.5m in 2023. More

  • in

    ‘Stadium ban for life’ – Sick moment vile supporter spits at player sees fellow fans demand harsh punishment

    FANS are calling for a supporter to be banned for spitting at a player during a match.There were unsavoury scenes during Willem II’s Eredivisie defeat to Almere City.A supporter in the Netherlands spat at a player during a matchCredit: ESPNHe gestured towards the Almere ace while firing words in his directionFans threw missiles onto the pitch in protest at a penalty appeal being turned down.One supporter took things even further and committed a disgusting act by spitting at a player.The incident occurred in the 41st minute as Almere star Vasilios Zagaritis ventured to the touchline to collect the ball for a throw-in with his side 1-0 up.A fan walked up to the defender and shouted at him while making a hand gesture.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe then spat at Zagaritis as he bent down to pick up the ball, much to the disgust of fans who saw the video of the incident online.One reacted saying: “What an incredibly pathetic figure.”Another added: “I say stadium ban for life!”A third wrote: “Disgusting.”Most read in FootballAnd another commented: “Too gross. Give them a stadium ban right away.”Willem II’s 2-0 loss leaves them just six points above Almere who are second bottom and in the relegation zone.Arsenal fans find video of new sporting director Andrea Berta SLAPPING Man City doctorThe Dutch side are in the relegation play-off spot but they have failed to win in ten games in a run that stretches back to before Christmas. More

  • in

    Trent Alexander-Arnold raking in millions off the pitch as Liverpool star’s sports firm posts huge profits

    TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD scored a huge win off the pitch – banking £8.5million from his sponsorship and image rights deals.The Liverpool defender – who’s almost certain to join Real Madrid this summer – has assets worth £8,577,321 in his sports firm All Star Sports Ltd.Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has banked £8.5m from his sponsorship and image rights dealsCredit: PAAlexander-Arnold is strongly linked with a move away from Liverpool with Real Madrid very interestedCredit: GettyTAA, 26, has £2,417,770 in cash and shrewdly pumped £2,503,550 into “listed investments and bonds”.The England star launched his image rights firm aged just 18.His company’s latest annual accounts show assets increased £1.9m.That is on top of his £180,000-a-week Liverpool pay, boot deal with adidas and Calvin Klein modelling contract.Read More on FootballThis comes amid intense reports suggesting Alexander-Arnold has agreed to join Real on a five-year contract worth £240,000 per week.It’s reckoned the right-back will pocket an annual salary worth £13m.That breaks down to around £240,000 a week – a tasty rise on his weekly salary at Liverpool.However, the full-back is also set to take home a lucrative signing-on fee as he will be a free agent in June when his contract runs out.Most read in FootballWhile the star can also boost his pay packet with a series of performance-related bonuses.The defender has won every trophy available for his boyhood club and looks set to win his second Premier League title with the Merseysiders.Top 10 highest paid footballersAlexander-Arnold has amassed a total of three goals and seven assists in 39 appearances this season.What happened to the Englishmen who joined Real Madrid?TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD looks set to join Real Madrid this summer and will join an exclusive club to pull on the famous white jersey.So had did those who came before him get on?LAURIE CUNNINGHAM (1979-1984)Real Madrid splashed out £950,000 to sign Cunningham from West Brom in 1979.As one of the “Three Degrees” alongside Cyrille Regis and Brendon Batson, Cunningham had left an unforgettable mark at the Hawthorns.The left winger became an instant hit in the Spanish capital, scoring twice on his debut.Cunningham helped his side to the LaLiga title in 1980, and played in the European Cup final against Liverpool the following year.Following a loan spell with Manchester United, Cunningham moved to Marseille in 1984.Having played for Leicester, Charleroi and Wimbledon, Cunningham returned to Madrid with Rayo Vallecano in 1988.The following year he tragically died in a car crash in the city aged just 33.STEVE MCMANAMAN (1999-2003)Like Alexander-Arnold is set to, McManaman left boyhood club Liverpool for the bright lights of Madrid in 1999.A silky winger, McManaman proved to be a hit in Madrid.The Bernabeu crowd immediately took to their new English hero, with his floppy hair and nonchalant flair.McManaman helped Real win six trophies in four years, and scored his side’s second goal in their victorious 2000 Champions League final.He went on to leave Madrid in 2003, spending the final two years of his career with Manchester City.After hanging up his boots, McManaman worked as a pundit for Setanta Sports, BT Sport and ESPN.Now 53, he can regularly be seen on TNT Sports’ football coverage, especially when Liverpool or Real Madrid are playing.DAVID BECKHAM (2003-2007)In 2003, Real Madrid made Manchester United superstar Beckham their latest Galactico.Golden Balls joined a squad boasting the likes of Ronaldo, Raul, Zinedine Zidane and Roberto Carlos in the Spanish capital.Despite his love for high-end fashion and the celebrity lifestyle, Beckham became much beloved in Spain for his incredible work rate, professionalism and of course, quality.Despite boasting a star-studded squad, the fabled La Decima – a tenth Champions League triumph – eluded Real Madrid during his four-year stint.He didn’t leave empty-handed, however, winning the LaLiga title in 2007 before leaving for LA Galaxy.Since Beckham hung up his boots in 2013 he has continued to have several endorsement deals; including the likes of Adidas, Armani, Pepsi and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Beckham, 49, also owns MLS side Inter Miami, and played a big role in their groundbreaking deal for Lionel Messi in 2023.MICHAEL OWEN (2004-2005)Like McManaman before him, Owen quit Liverpool for Real Madrid.But the former Ballon d’Or winner endured a frustrating season at the Bernabeu, finding himself stuck behind Ronaldo and Raul.Twelve months on from Owen’s £8million switch, Real Madrid doubled their money by flogging him to Newcastle.Owen then spent three years with Liverpool’s rivals Man Utd, before one final year at Stoke.Immediately after hanging up his boots, Owen signed up to be BT Sport’s primary co-commentator upon the channel’s launch.In addition to his punditry work, the former striker has enjoyed several other ventures.Owen, 45, has his own clothing range with Peacocks, while he also appeared on The Masked Singer.JONATHAN WOODGATE (2004-2007)Woodgate endured one of the most infamous debuts of all time after switching Newcastle for Real Madrid in 2004.The luckless defender went through injury hell following the £13.4m transfer, having to wait 17 months before playing his first game.Just 25 minutes in, the England international headed into his own net. Things then got even worse when he was sent off just after the hour mark.Woodgate played just 14 times that season, before a loan move to Middlesbrough effectively ended his Real Madrid career.After signing permanently for Boro, Woody earned a move to Tottenham in January 2008. He won the League Cup barely a month later, and remains the last Spurs player to score a winning goal in a cup final.Following spells with Stoke and back at Middlesbrough, Woodgate retired in 2016.He has since gone into coaching, managing Boro and Bournemouth.Woodgate, 45, returned to Middlesbrough once again in 2022, where he works as a first team coach under Michael Carrick.JUDE BELLINGHAM (2023-present)England superstar Bellingham sealed a blockbuster £115m transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid in the summer of 2023.The move has been a resounding success, with the midfielder immediately excelling in Spain.Bellingham scored on his debut, and went on net five times in his first four LaLiga matches.The image of the 21-year-old with his arms outstretched has quickly become an iconic one.Birmingham’s finest has already won LaLiga and the Champions League during his young career.And with Alexander-Arnold soon to be alongside him, Bellingham will feel that he can add plenty more to his already impressive trophy tally. More

  • in

    Man Utd join transfer race for ‘next Erling Haaland’ wonderkid Adejenughure who ex-Old Trafford boss approves of

    MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly set their sights on a new wonderkid who has caught the eye of Ralf Rangnick and earned comparisons to Erling Haaland.Oghenetejiri Adejenughure, 18, is in the midst of his first full professional campaign, playing as a striker for second-tier Austrian side FC Liefering, RB Salzburg’s reserve team.Adejenughure has been a fixture in Austrian youth sides and has caught the eye of Ralf RangnickCredit: GettyStill just 18, he is a remarkably well rounded playerCredit: AlamyUnited won’t want to miss out on Adejenughure after declining to sign Haaland before he blew upCredit: InstagramA product of Rapid Wien’s academy, Adejenughure moved to RB Salzburg’s youth setup in 2021 before making his professional debut in August.He has made eighteen appearances this season, scoring twice and assisting once.But his performances have caught the eye of several top clubs, with Man City, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund joining United in the race for his signature according to the Daily Star.Adejenughure has impressed in the Austrian national youth sides, earning the praises of first team head coach and former Man United manager Ralf Rangnick in the process.Read more Man UnitedUnited have already made contact with the player’s camp, first approaching him in June 2024 after he scored four goals in four matches at the European U17 Championships.Adejenughure was a force to be reckoned with at youth level, scoring every 83 minutes for Salzburg’s U18 side in 2023-24. Standing 6ft1in tall, Adejenughure is known for his pace and finishing, earning comparisons to Victor Osimhen.He is well-rounded for his age, also a competent dribbler and aerial threat.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSUnited are hoping to avoid missing out on the player after having turned down the opportunity to sign a young Haaland for just £17m as a teenager.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had recommended him to United when he was playing at Norwegian side Molde.Gary Lineker blames Sir Alex Ferguson for Man Utd’s decline as he points to ‘state’ club left inHaaland, who has scored 84 Premier League goals in just 94 appearances since moving to Manchester City in 2022, spent two seasons with Molde before moving to RB Salzburg.Solskjaer had been Haaland’s manager at Molde and saw his clear potential, saying: “It would have been a bargain. It was the cluib’s decision to not go for him then.”Should Adejenughure make the move to United, he would become just the second Austrian player in the club’s history after Marcel Sabitzer spent half a season on loan at Old Trafford in 2023. More

  • in

    FA Cup semi-final draw LIVE: Nottingham Forest to take on Man City or Bournemouth in Wembley thriller

    THE FA Cup draw for the semi-finals has concluded – and we’ve got some cracking Wembley ties in store!Last season’s runners-up Manchester City are still in the hunt and will take on Nottingham Forest should they navigate past Bournemouth this afternoon.While Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa completes the line-up.13′ Bournemouth vs Man City – latestDrama on the south coast!Tyler Adams is penalised for a handball in the area – it’s clearly accidental but his arm was in an unnatural position so the ref points to the spot.Up steps Erling Haaland… and it’s saved by that man Kepa Arrizabalaga! Big moment. Copy linkCopiedBournemouth vs Man City underwayWe know it is Nottingham Forest awaiting the winners of the fourth and final quarter-final.So Nuno Espirito Santo will no doubt be keeping a close eye on events at the Vitality Stadium.And you can, too, with our Bournemouth vs City live blog.Copy linkCopiedFinals this centuryIt is little surprise that the FA Cups won since the turn of the century are dominated by the biggest clubs in the country – with a few shock surprises mixed in…1999–2000 Chelsea 1–0 Aston Villa2000–01 Liverpool 2–1 Arsenal2001–02 Arsenal 2–0 Chelsea2002–03 Arsenal 1–0 Southampton2003–04 Manchester United 3–0 Millwall 2004–05 Arsenal 0–0 [5-4 on pens] Manchester United2005–06 Liverpool 3–3 [3-1 on pens] West Ham United 2006–07 Chelsea 1–0 AET Manchester United 2007–08 Portsmouth 1–0 Cardiff City 2008–09 Chelsea 2–1 Everton2009–10 Chelsea 1–0 Portsmouth2010–11 Manchester City 1–0 Stoke City2011–12 Chelsea 2–1 Liverpool 2012–13 Wigan Athletic 1–0 Manchester City 2013–14 Arsenal 3–2 AET Hull City 2014–15 Arsenal 4–0 Aston Villa 2015–16 Manchester United 2–1 AET Crystal Palace2016–17 Arsenal 2–1 Chelsea 2017–18 Chelsea 1–0 Manchester United2018–19 Manchester City 6–0 Watford2019–20 Arsenal 2–1 Chelsea 2020–21 Leicester City 1–0 Chelsea 2021–22 Liverpool 0–0 [6-5 on pens] Chelsea 2022–23 Manchester City 2–1 Manchester United2023–24 Manchester United 2–1 Manchester CityCopy linkCopiedNew name on the cup?So, City, Forest and Villa have all won the FA Cup – but never Palace nor Bournemouth. Who have won the most, though?Arsenal: 14Man Utd: 13Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham: 8Man City, Aston Villa: 7Newcastle, Blackburn: 6Everton, West Brom, Wanderers: 5Wolves, Bolton, Sheffield Utd: 4Sheffield Weds, West Ham: 3Preston, Old Etonians, Portsmouth, Sunderland, Nottingham Forest, Bury: 2Leicester, Oxford Uni, Royal Engineers, Derby, Leeds, Southampton, Burnley, Cardiff, Blackpool, Clapham Rovers, Notts County, Barnsley, Charlton, Old Carthusians, Blackburn Olympic, Bradford, Ipswich, Coventry, Wimbledon, Wigan: 1Copy linkCopiedCity winning machineAs for City, they have reached the semis for the last six seasons – including winning the trophy in 2019 and 2023. They also got to the final-four stage in 2017, 2013 and 2011 – but before that, it was 1981.City have won the FA Cup seven times. Copy linkCopiedForest long waitNottingham Forest are into their first FA Cup semi-final for the first time since 1991 when they went on to reach the final, losing to Tottenham. That was the end of a run of three semi-finals in four seasons, getting knocked out by Liverpool in the final four in 1988 and 1989. Copy linkCopiedVilla ambitionAston Villa got to the final in 2015 when they were stuffed 4-0 by Arsenal. They also lost the 2000 final and reached the semis in 2010.But going further back, they have lifted the iconic trophy five times, including their first appearance in the competition in 1887.Their other successes came in 1895, 1897, 1905 and 1957. Copy linkCopiedPalace into third semi-final in nine yearsAs for the Eagles, they reached the final in 2016, losing to Manchester United in Louis van Gaal’s last game.Then in 2022 they got to the final four but lost 2-0 to Chelsea. Before that, their other final appearance was in the famous 1990 final against United – losing in a replay.They remain without a major trophy in their history.Could that change on May 17?Copy linkCopiedBournemouth hoping to make historyAFC Bournemouth have never, ever reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup.They can change that today.By beating Manchester City. The Cherries reached the quarters in 2020-21, losing to Southampton 3-0. Copy linkCopiedOne match to goSo we have had three of the four quarter-finals.The one remaining is Bournemouth vs Manchester City. That gets underway in around 50 minutes’ time on the south coast.Copy linkCopiedWho is the favourite?The cup really is up for grabs this year, more so than any other in recent years. Of course, City are the standout team – but we all know about their nightmare season.So much so that Dion Dublin can’t call it.He says: “I can’t call a favourite from those!”Copy linkCopiedDates for your diaryAs I’m sure anyone supporting one of the remaining five teams left in the competition are well aware, the semi-finals will be played on the weekend of April 26-27. Four weeks away. Copy linkCopiedDraw in fullNottingham Forest vs Bournemouth/Man CityCrystal Palace vs Aston Villa Copy linkCopiedAgainst No2Aston Villa Copy linkCopiedNo1 nextCrystal Palace….Copy linkCopiedForest vs Bournemouth/Man CityForest get No3…That’s Bournemouth or Man CityCopy linkCopiedFirst out…Number 4Nottingham Forest Copy linkCopiedReminder of the numbersJust again to remind you on the numbers:Crystal PalaceAston VillaBournemouth or Man CityNottingham Forest2011 winner Joe Hart is doing the draw in his seat next to Mark Chapman in the Deepdale studio. Copy linkCopiedHere we go, then…Time for the 2024-25 FA Cup semi-final draw.This promises to be a belter.It won’t take long, too…Copy linkCopiedHart pumpingJoe Hart is very pumped in the BBC studio at Deepdale as he prepares to get involved in the draw. “Big moment,” he calls it.He’s not wrong. Who will he potentially pit his former side Man City against should they get past Bournemouth? Copy linkCopiedNumbers to look out forOkay, okay, there aren’t many to remember.But it’s always helpful to know them…Crystal PalaceAston Villa Bournemouth or Man CityNottingham ForestCopy linkCopiedFull-time at PrestonIt’s all over at Preston. Villa have secured a 3-0 win and are into the semis.Unai Emery’s men are off to Wembley…Copy linkCopiedWho else is in the draw?Well, Villa are pretty much home and hosed. They are 3-0 up and cruising into the final four.Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest booked their spots in the draw yesterday.Palace beat Fulham 3-0 away while Forest secured a victory on penalties at Brighton. So it bodes well for Man City – who play Bournemouth away at 4.30pm this afternoon… Copy linkCopiedPreston 0-3 Aston Villa – latestAfter Rashford’s double, Jacob Ramsey made it 3-0 with 20 minutes to go at Deepdale.His solo driving run through the middle was finished off with a shot that went through the goalkeeper. Ollie Watkins could, maybe should, have scored at least one after coming on late on. Copy linkCopiedPreston NE vs Aston Villa update – 0-2 – 69’The vistors’ Premier League quality has shown thanks to a brace from on-loan striker Marcus Rashford, his first goals for the club.Credit: RexCopy linkCopied More