More stories

  • in

    Wolves 3 Leicester 0: Cunha inspires hosts to big 3 points to leapfrog Man Utd in table against already-relegated Foxes

    MATHEUS CUNHA netted his 15th Prem goal of the season as Wolves brushed aside Leicester to leapfrog Manchester United. The Brazilian playmaker is a summer target for the Red Devils and lashed home a first-half opener at Molineux. Matheus Cunha (right) netted the opener as Wolves cruised to victory over LeicesterCredit: PAThe Brazilian fired home during a one-sided first half at MolineuxCredit: PAJorgen Strand Larsen doubled the hosts’ lead just after the breakCredit: GettyJamie Vardy won a second-half spot-kick after being felled by Jose SaCredit: AlamyLeicester, already relegated following a dismal season, struggled to cope with the hosts for much of the afternoon.And Jorgen Strand Larsen smashed in a deserved second shortly after the break.Jamie Vardy announced earlier this week he will leave the King Power at the end of the season.The former England forward hasn’t netted for over three months – but was given the perfect opportunity after being felled in the box by Jose Sa.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLVardy took the spot-kick but was foiled by the Portuguese stopper.To compound the Foxes’ misery, Rodrigo Gomes netted a late third, leaving Ruud van Nistelrooy’s men with just one away win in their last 15 attempts. BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKVardy missed from the spot as the misery continued for LeicesterCredit: PACunha is a summer target for a host of Prem clubs and now has 15 goals this seasonCredit: GettyRodrigo Gomes wrapped up the points late on in the West MidlandsCredit: PA Jamie Vardy reveals best XI he’s played with at Leicester with huge snub to England stars and entire current squadFULL REPORT TO FOLLOW.Most read in Football More

  • in

    Premier League history made as Ipswich RELEGATED to Championship… but Newcastle tighten grip on Champions League

    IPSWICH’S relegation to the Championship was confirmed as Newcastle ensured a perfect return for Eddie Howe after his health scare.Goals from Alexander Isak, his 26th of the season, Dan Burn and Will Osula secured a 3-0 victory on their manager’s comeback after his pneumonia battle.Ipswich confirmed Premier League history with their relegationCredit: ReutersAlexander Isak saw Newcastle strengthen their Champions League hopes as he kickstarted a 3-0 drubbingCredit: PADan Burn rose highest to nod home Toon’s secondCredit: AlamyWilliam Osula added his first Premier League goal for the MagpiesCredit: AFPWith Ipswich’s relegation, it is the earliest ever that all three relegated teams have been confirmedCredit: ReutersWhile that moved them third and bolstered their Champions League hopes, Kieran McKenna’s Tractor Boys were condemned to the second tier after ill-discipline caused their implosion.Despite all the odds being stacked against them, Ipswich looked anything but overawed and took the game straight to Newcastle.Dan Burn escaped lightly after his loose pass was pounced on by Jack Clarke, whose resulting shot just took a nick of Fabian Schar to divert it an inch the wrong side of the far post.Liam Delap, perhaps auditioning for a potential summer switch to the North East, had a strike blocked before he latched onto a Schar error only for the Swiss star’s recovery block. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNewcastle were flat and just could not get going, but a harshly disallowed goal on 22 minutes finally got a bee in their bonnet.Harvey Barnes knocked a cross towards the back post where the Brazilian stood his ground and turned his back as Alex Palmer darted out, only for the keeper to bounce off the Toon captain and fall to the ground after the slightest nudge.Frustration was growing around St James’ both in the stands and on the pitch as another VAR check was needed to clear both Town skipper Sam Morsy and Joe Willock after a coming together. The visitors were sitting deep, not allowing Isak to get behind.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIn fact, the hotshot Swede had to wait until after half hour for a sniff, firstly heading over Harvey Barnes’ cross and within a minute there were more groans as he volleyed high off target from Jacob Murphy’s knock in.Up the other end, Johnson had just gone into the book for simulation after diving over the legs of Dan Burn 20 yards out and seven minutes later he was off after tugging at Isak.Gary Neville tells Eddie Howe clear reason why he should QUIT Newcastle for ‘next step up’ in his careerKieran McKenna was furious as he was forced to sacrifice ex-Sunderland winger Clarke to bring on defender Ben Godfrey.The atmosphere was white hot now but his brave Tractor Boys refused to buckle as Luke Woolfenden denied Guimaraes the opener on the line and Sandro Tonali crashed an effort off the crossbar.Ipswich were on the ropes and desperate for the break but their hard work was further undone by another lack of discipline.Murphy got the wrong side of Julio Enciso and was sent flying after a pull, allowing Isak to send the resulting penalty kick past Palmer.Chants of “Premier League, corrupt as f***” rang out from the away end and at least their second half collapse ensured they won’t have to endure any more apparent injustice next term.Already facing a mountain to climb, things got even worse for Ipswich as their top-flight status was swept away in a Toon tidal wave.A short corner routine resulted in Kieran Trippier floating a cross towards the back post for giant Burn to nod in and double the advantage.Murphy’s long-ranger curled just wide as it turned into one-way traffic and the third eventually arrived.Osula, only on the bench for a matter of minutes, rose highest to head home Trippier’s corner for his first top-flight goal for the club.It should have been four, but Bruno Guimaraes hooked the ball high over the crossbar with the goal-gaping.Anthony Gordon also forced Palmer into a diving stop in the dying seconds but they were forced to settle for three as their focus switches to next week’s trip to Brighton.Read More on The SunAlthough the one downside for Newcastle and Howe was a booking for his assistant Jason Tindall during the second half.The man dubbed ‘Mad Dog’ had been on best behaviour while covering for Howe during his sickness, but this third caution of the campaign means he will be banned from the touchline against the Seagulls. More

  • in

    Southampton 1 Fulham 2: Sessegnon nets dramatic winner to complete comeback as Saints still risk worst-ever Prem season.

    SOUTHAMPTON may be already relegated, but they gave this a fair go.The Saints were four minutes away from avoiding the lowest-ever Premier League points tally.Fulham produced second-half comeback to boost hopes of European qualificationCredit: GettyRyan Sessegnon came up with the goods in the 92nd minuteCredit: RexClub captain Jack Stephens up the Saints 1-0 upCredit: ReutersEmile Smith Rowe’s deflected strike dragged the visitors levelCredit: ReutersBut Fulham produced second-half comeback to boost hopes of European qualificationClub captain Jack Stephens headed Southampton into an early lead in the 14th minute at St Mary’s.Before Emile Smith Rowe’s deflected strike dragged the visitors level in the 72nd.And Uefa Conference League-chasing Fulham’s persistence finally paid off.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSRyan Sessegnon’s cracking header snatched a dramatic late winner in added time.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

  • in

    Premier League LIVE SCORES: Newcastle SMASH Ipswich as Tractor Boys are relegated, Fulham BEAT Southampton late on

    SATURDAY’S Premier League action has concluded after five thrilling matches.In the early kick-off, Chelsea beat Everton as Enzo Maresca’s Blues regained their position back inside the Champions League spots. Ipswich’s fate was officially sealed as they were relegated back to the Championship following a 3-0 defeat at Newcastle, as the Toon move up to third.Elsewhere, late drama saw Fulham beat Southampton 2-1 and Brighton scored twice at the death to overcome West Ham 3-2.And Wolves brushed aside already relegated Leicester with a 3-0 drumming.Follow our live blog below…View from SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse at St James’ ParkAll over at Newcastle and so is Ipswich’s top-flight status.After a bright start, their ill-discipline left them with a mountain to climb in the second half following Alexander Isak’s penalty just before the break.Dan Burn and Will Osula made it three and now Ipswich can start planning for a promotion assault next term.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graham Thomas at St Mary’sDespair and yet another defeat for Southampton (2-1) after Emile Smith Rowe and Ryan Sessegnon score second-half goals to overturn Jack Stephens’ opener.It looked as if Saints would get the point they needed to avoid being bracketed with Derby County as the worst Premier League team ever, but Sessessgon struck in the 92nd minute.Copy linkCopiedFT: Southampton 1-2 FulhamAt half-time you wondered whether Southampton were going to get a long-awaited victory at St Mary’s.However, Fulham seemed to spark into life after the break and constantly looked a good threat when attacking.Smith Rowe got them back on level terms before Sessegnon grabbed a winner for Marco Silva’s side.Copy linkCopiedFT: Wolves 3-0 LeicesterA comfortable win for Vitor Pereira’s side who dominated this match from start to finish.Cunha was pulling the strings and he was simply too good for this Leiicester side to stop.Vardy missed a penalty for the visitors, following his social media comments, he may want to practice what he preaches in the future.Copy linkCopiedFT: Newcastle 3-0 Ipswich It is all over at St James’ Park and it is an emphatic win for returning boss Eddie Howe.Ipswich failed to register a single shot on target in this match, underpinning why they are getting relegated.The Tractor Boys have been treading water for some time in the Premier League and were severely out of their depth.Copy linkCopiedFT: Brighton 3-2 West HamWhat a second-half this was at the Amex Stadium.The Hammers dominated this game after the restart and managed to completely turn the game on its head.In the final stages of the game, The Seagulls threw caution to the wind and grabbed two late goals to seal victory.Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 1-2 Fulham90+2. Finally the visitors have got the goal they craved.Traore has caused all sorts of problems since coming on for Fulham and it was his cross into the box that was headed home by Sessegnon.It looks like The Saints are heading for yet another defeat.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedGoal – Ryan Sessegnon (Fulham)Copy linkCopiedBrighton 3-2 West Ham90+5. What a turnaround by The Seagulls in this match.Brighton have a corner and Gruda works it to Baleba on the edge of the box.He drills a superb shot into the bottom corner as the Amex Stadium erupts deep into added time.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Carlos Baleba (Brighton)Copy linkCopiedWolves 3-0 Leicester85. Cunha has tormented The Foxes all afternoon.His ball into the box picks out the advancing Gomes, who drills a right-footed shot into the bottom corner of the goal.The Foxes look like they could do with the season ending as soon as the full-time whistle goes.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Rodrigo Gomes (Wolves)Copy linkCopiedBrighton 2-2 West Ham89. What a time to grab an equaliser.As a cross comes in, Gruda heads it back across goal and Mitoma arrives to head home from close range.West Ham have thrown away the chance for a win on the road very late on at the Amex Stadium.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton)Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graham Hill at MolineuxThe unthinkable has happened – Jamie Vardy has missed from the penalty spot!Foxes legend Vardy is playing the first match of his farewell tour after announcing he will be leaving Leicester this summer.He has not scored for three months – but was presented with the perfect opportunity after tumbling under a challenge from Wolves keeper Jose Sa.Replays suggested the incident was more on Vardy than Sa, but ref Sam Barrott stuck with his decision.Vardy’s spot kick was a poor one though – and Sa could have thrown his cap on it.It would have brought Leicester back into the game though after Cunha left the Foxes standing again with a superb pass which allowed Strand Larsen to score his sixth goal in seven games.Looks like some fighting has broken out in the Leicester fans’ section.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse at St James’ ParkOne-way traffic now at St James’ as Newcastle continue to push for a third.Fair play to Ipswich, they are refusing to buckle and look to be fuelled by what they feel were the injustices of the first half.Jacob Murphy came closest to another goal but with had a host of subs now and the tempo has just slowed a little.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 3-0 Ipswich80. Game over at St James’ Park as Trippier’s cross is converted from substitute Osula.The Magpies have been rampant in this match, even when Ipswich had eleven players on the pitch.For the travelling fans, they will have a trip back home to ponder their relegation back to the Championship.Copy linkCopiedGoal – William Osula (Newcastle)Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-2 West Ham83. The Hammers would probably be looking at relegation themselves if it was not for Bowen.He lifts a cross into the back post and Soucek arrives to head home from close range.You felt this goal had been coming for some time now.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Tomas Soucek (West Ham)Copy linkCopiedWolves 2-0 Leicester72. It is always nice to see karma deliver in football.The Foxes were awarded a penalty when Vardy took it around the Wolves’ keeper and went to ground.As the replay showed, Jose Sa did nothing wrong and the Leicester striker kicked him and went over.Vardy stepped up to take it and Jose Sa went the right way and made an impressive save to protect their clean sheet at Molineux.Copy linkCopiedPenalty saved – Jamie Vardy (Leicester)Copy linkCopiedPenalty to LeicesterCopy linkCopiedSouthampton 1-1 Fulham72. Iwobi plays a great ball into Smith Rowe in the box.He takes one touch to get it under control before clamly slotting home.No more than Fulham have deserved with their second-half performance.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Emile Smith Rowe (Fulham)Copy linkCopied More

  • in

    Brighton 3 West Ham 2: Baleba screamer snatches dramatic last-gasp win after hosts trailed 2-1 with just MINUTE to play

    CARLOS BALEBA last-gasp 30-yard rocket heaped more misery on Graham Potter who was booed at his old stomping ground.West Ham are now without a win in TWO MONTHS as Baleba won it at the death on 92 minutes to add to Kaoru Mitoma’s 89th minute equaliser.Carlos Baleba won it at the death with a rocket from distanceCredit: GettyTomas Soucek thought he had netted a late winner for West HamCredit: ReutersMohammed Kudus scored West Ham’s equaliserCredit: GettySoucek scored a diving header from Jarrod Bowen’s brilliant crossCredit: PAThe Hammers couldn’t quite believe their eyes as up to Mitoma’s leveller, they had been on the cusp of a precious win after a woeful recent run of form.Tomas Soucek found the net with an 83rd-minute diving header in front of the boisterous Hammers fans, who had been giving ex-Brighton boss Potter jip all game.They had been chanting in support of Niclas Fullkrug and his outburst after the club’s woeful loss at struggling Southampton last time out.Fans were singing “The German’s right, we’re f***ing s***e” and “get the German on the pitch” as they showed their support for Fullkrug.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe chants came after an early 12th minute wonder strike from Yasin Ayari which was then cancelled out by Mohammed Kudus on 48 minutes to give the Hammers a glimmer of hope.Ayari looks as though he will be a monster next season and he broke the deadlock with a rocket strike which melted into the top corner like a knife in butter.Alphonse Areola had no hope of stopping the screamer – which no goalkeeper in the world could stop.Brighton were at it again and a pinball machine-like series of passes fell to Matt O’Riley who drilled a low shot but it was scooped up by Areola.Most read in FootballUp the other end Bart Vebruggen leapt like a salmon to keep out a bullet header from Tomas Soucek which kissed the woodwork.Brighton looked like they had inflicted more misery on the Hammers when Simon Adingra appeared to have doubled the lead, but it turns out Mats Wieffer was offside in the build up and VAR concurred with referee Darren England’s decision.’Give Fullkrug the manager’s job’ – West Ham star launches expletive-laden rant at team-mates for ‘not playing football’All eyes were on Niclas Fullkrug, who came on after the break for James Ward-Prowse following his fiery out-burst and subsequent ticking off from Potter in the aftermath.There was an early chance for Brighton as Adingra fizzed a ball across the face of goal, but there’s no blue and white shirts to make the crucial touch.Queue chants of “Big f***ing German, he says what he wants” aimed at the struggling Hammers players.The players took it in their stride though and Jarrod Bowen threaded the ball through a pile of Brighton defenders, to Mohammed Kudus who fired home from the edge of the six-yard box.Fabian Hurzeler was left with his head in his hands over his side’s questionable defending.Brighton were knocking on the door as a string of menacing crosses fell into the box, with Ayari nearly slotting home before he lost his footing.Local lad Hinshelwood also had a go, sending a shot dipping and curling just over the crossbar.West Ham hit back though as a pin-point delivery fell to Soucek who guided the winning header on smack bang in front of a boisterous away end.Read More on The SunBut it was all square again when Brajan Gruda headed the ball back across the face of goal and Mitoma was there in the six yard box to nod past Areola.The Seagulls were 2-1 down just moments before but a moment of magic fBaleba has put them in front as the ball soared into the top corner, giving Ayari a run for his money.Yasin Ayari opened the scoringCredit: PA More

  • in

    Man Utd star Andre Onana ‘in talks with and open to joining Neom SC’ after Saudi club’s promotion to nation’s Pro League

    MANCHESTER UNITED goalkeeper Andre Onana is keen to leave Old Trafford for Saudi club Neom SC.Onana, 29, has struggled in goal for United throughout the season following several clangers between the sticks.Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana is keen to leave Old TraffordAccording to Foot Mercato, the keeper has opened talks with the newly-promoted Saudi Pro League club.The Cameroon international’s representatives and Neom officials are discussing a potential summer move with the player’s contract running until 2028.The Saudi outfit’s team has been deemed “concrete” and the Onana is interested in a potential move.That could see him linking up with Manchester City rival Kevin De Bruyne, who is also being targeted by the same club.Read More on Man UtdDe Bruyne announced his imminent departure from City in June when his contract runs out after 10 years at the Etihad.This comes after a turbulent campaign for the ex-Ajax star that saw him being left out of Ruben Amorim’s squad two weeks ago.Man Utd manager Amorim stated that he made that decision in order to help the Cameroonian shot-stopper rest.Onana had endured some tough weeks that also saw his wife, Melanie, falling victim of a violent street robbery in Alderley Edge recently.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe ex-Inter Milan star was reinstated for the next game against Lyon in the Europa League.If Onana leaves then the Red Devils are certain to look for a new No1 this summer.Ruben Amorim responds to question about dropping Andre Onana after disasterclass against LyonThe Manchester giants have already been linked with the likes of Porto’s Diogo Costa, Espanyol’s Joan Garcia and Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

  • in

    Ex-England star, 58, unrecognisable in Premier League debut of completely different sport 20 years after retiring

    AN EX-England star has made his debut in the Premier League of an entirely new sport.Nigel Martyn is best remembered for spells at the likes of Crystal Palace and Leeds during his two-decade career.Nigel Martyn has swapped goalkeeping for wicketkeepingCredit: Knaresborough Cricket ClubHe did not bat in the game but took the glovesCredit: YouTube @Sheriff Hutton Bridge Cricket ClubHe helped the club win promotion last yearCredit: YouTube @Sheriff Hutton Bridge Cricket ClubMartyn spent time at Leeds United, Crystal Palace and Everton during his careerCredit: Getty Images – GettyMartyn, 58, hung up his goalkeeping gloves in 2006 after picking up 23 caps for England.Now, nearly 20 years later he has got himself a new type of glove as a wicketkeeper for a ECB Yorkshire Premier League North side.He made his first appearance of the season for Knaresborough CC against Sheriff Hutton Bridge CC.Martyn had even taken the gloves ahead of Jonathan Tattersall, though he still managed to knock a half-century.READ MORE ON SPORTThe cricketer is a specialist wicketkeeper and is playing for Knaresborough following his exit from Yorkshire CCC where he had been captain.Knaresborough CC scored 176/8 in their 50 overs while Martyn did not bat at Moor Farm Ground.Martyn started his footballing career back in 1986 at St Blazey in Cornwall.He joined Bristol Rovers in 1987 after reportedly being spotted by a club tea lady.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTwo years later, he made the move to Palace for a transfer fee worth £1million.This made him the most expensive goalkeeper in English football history.Jack Wilshere in race against time as he faces huge 350-mile commute from managerial debut to run London MarathonHe earned 23 caps for England in his careerCredit: GettyHe retired in 2006 after an ankle injuryCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe played 349 times for the South London club but tasted defeat in the 1990 FA Cup final to Manchester United.He then broke the previous transfer record in 1996 when he moved to Leeds United for £2.25m.He performed so well at Elland Road that he was voted as part of the club’s greatest ever team and the only player from after the Don Revie era.In 2003, he made the move to Everton despite interest from Chelsea.He retired in 2006 following a stress fracture in his ankle and was hailed by manager David Moyes as his “greatest ever signing”.Martyn earned almost two dozen caps for the Three Lions but spent most of his career as the second-choice behind David Seaman.Who are these famous footballers? More

  • in

    Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa LIVE SCORE: FA Cup semi-final updates with Rashford not in Villans squad due to ‘injury’

    CRYSTAL PALACE and Aston Villa battle it out in a mouthwatering FA Cup semi-final tie at Wembley.And the headline team news is that Marcus Rashford is not in the Villans squad due to a reported knock, while Ollie Watkins leads the line.Today’s FA Cup semi-final is of huge significance to both clubs, as seven-time winners Villa hope to end their 29-year drought for a major trophy this term, while Palace look to claim their first.Kick-off time: 5:15pm BSTFREE live stream: BBC iPlayerTV channel: BBC OneCrystal Palace team: Henderson, Munoz, Richards, Guehi, Lacroix, Mitchell, Wharton, Kamada, Sarr, Eze, MatetaAston Villa team: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Pau, Digne, McGinn, Tielemans, Asensio, Rogers, WatkinsBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFollow ALL the action from Wembley with our live blog below…Electric atmosphere The atmosphere is electric here at the home of football, with empty seats few and far between.The Eagles fans sang loudly behind their team’s lineup announcement, while Villa fans at the opposite end of Wembley met each Palace player with a resounding boo.Copy linkCopiedVilla looking to bounce backAston Villa will be hoping to regain momentum after falling victim to a last minute winner scored by Manchester City’s Matheus Nunes on Tuesday.With only four points between the Villans and Champions League football, a win here could propel them in the Premier League fight for Europe.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedCrystal Palace unbeaten in last four meetings with VillaThe Eagles have won three of the last four meetings between the two sides, with the one fixture ending as a draw. Palace knocked the Villans out of the League cup earlier this season and will be looking for more joy today.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa are outAnd, the Villans are out on the pitch warming up in front of a sea of claret and blue.Copy linkCopiedMarcus Rashford out with a ‘knock’Reports suggest Marcus Rashford’s absence is down to a ‘knock’ and the winger will not miss the remainder of the season.Fans were shocked to see the attacker’s name missing from Unai Emery’s team sheet.Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace are out on the pitchThe Eagles fans welcomed their side out to warm up with a roar as they prepare for a historic FA Cup semi-final clash.Copy linkCopiedKeepers warming upBoth sides are warming up their respective goalies as fans make their way into the stadium here at Wembley.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedRashford not in squad for VillaMarcus Rashford has not been included in the Aston Villa squad for this afternoon’s semi-final.The reason behind the Manchester United loanee’s disappearance is not yet clear, but Ollie Watkins has the chance to prove his worth up top.Watkins has grown frustrated in recent weeks after Rashford was preferred in the Champions League quarter-final matches against PSG.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa line-up CONFIRMEDAston Villa XI: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Pau, Digne, McGinn, Tielemans, Asensio, Rogers, Watkins.Subs: Olsen, Mings, Maatsen, Garcia, Barkley, Onana, Bailey, Malen, RamseyCopy linkCopiedCrystal Palace line-up CONFIRMEDCrystal Palace XI: Henderson, Munoz, Richards, Guehi, Lacroix, Mitchell, Wharton, Kamada, Sarr, Eze, MatetaSubs: Turner, Ward, Lerma, Chilwell, Clyne, Hughes, Esse, Devenny, NketiahCopy linkCopiedNot so PallyCrystal Palace have enjoyed the better of their last four meetings with Aston Villa.The Eagles have won three times and drawn once.Oliver Glasner’s men knocked Villa out of the EFL Cup earlier this season with a 2-1 win at Villa Park in the last-16.Should Palace eliminate the West Midlanders from the FA Cup too, they will become the first side since Tottenham in 1968/69 to knock Villa out of both domestic cup competitions in the same season.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedPalace’s route to WembleyThe Eagles have enjoyed a relatively straightforward route to the semi-finals, with three of their four FA Cup matches this season coming against teams from lower divisions.Palace made a very difficult quarter-final tie away at London rivals Fulham look easy, smashing the Cottagers 3-0 on their own patch to progress to the last-4.Palace 1-0 Stockport (3rd round)Doncaster 0-2 Palace (4th round)Palace 3-1 Millwall (5th round)Fulham 0-3 Palace (Quarter-finals)Copy linkCopiedEmery looking to end Villa’s trophy droughtAston Villa may be seven-time FA Cup winners, but only one of those triumphs has occurred during the last 100 years (1956/57).Since then, the West Midlands outfit have won the European Cup (1981/82), First Division (1980/81) and the EFL Cup (1995/96) – meaning their last major trophy came 29 years ago.Unai Emery will be determined to end Villa’s trophy drought, and he is well qualified to do so.The Spaniard has enjoyed success in many big cup finals, winning the Europa League four times with Sevilla (3) and Valencia (1) and both domestic cups in France during his time at PSG.Credit: AlamyCopy linkCopiedThird time lucky for Palace?The Eagles have made the final of the FA Cup twice in their history, losing to Manchester United on both occasions.The first came back in 1990, losing 1-0 to the Red Devils in a replay after the initial final finished 3-3 after extra time.26 years later, the two sides met again, with Man Utd running out 2-1 winners after extra-time.Could the third time be the charm for Palace as they look to secure the first major trophy in their history?Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdCopy linkCopiedHello and welcome to SunSport’s live blog of Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa!The first of two blockbuster FA Cup semi-finals is here as both sides look to take one step closer to silverware.Palace are seeking their first triumph in the iconic competition, while seven-time winners Aston Villa have their eyes on a spot in the final for the first time in a decade.Oliver Glasner will know that winning the FA Cup is his side’s best shot at securing European football for next season.But for the Villans, they are still well in the mix for qualifying for the Champions League through the league standings.Both sides played in the week, with Unai Emery’s men falling to top-five rivals Manchester City late on, while Palace snatched a 2-2 draw at Arsenal.The winner of today’s famous Wembley clash will meet either City or Nottingham Forest under the arch in the FA Cup final on Saturday, May 17th.Copy linkCopied More