FA Cup

MANCHESTER CITY have taken the lead inside TWO minutes in this mouthwatering FA Cup semi-final tie against Nottingham Forest.A lot of the focus before kick-off surrounded 18-year-old Zach Abott who is making his full debut for Nuno’s side.However, Forest fell behind inside TWO minutes courtesy of a sublime strike by Man City teen Rico Lewis.FREE live stream: BBC iPlayerTV channel: BBC OneNottingham Forest starting XI: Sels; Toffolo, Milenkovic, Murillo, Abbott; Dominguez, Oliveira; Gibbs-White, Danilo, Hudson-Odoi; WoodMan City starting XI: Ortega Moreno; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Lewis, Kovacic; Bernardo, Savinho, Grealish; MarmoushBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFollow ALL the action from Wembley with our live blog below…33 – Nottm Forest 0-1 Man CityBit better for Forest who play direct through the middle of the park.Hudson-Odoi is then slipped in down the right and he slides a pass for Wood in the box but sensational last-ditch defending puts him off and prevents a certain goal.The flag then does go up but it would’ve been tight…Copy linkCopied30 – Nottm Forest 0-1 Man CityMilenkovic covers well when Savinho looked to get into the box in behind the defenders.The Forest man sees his clearance hit off the winger and go behind for a goal kick, before he waves his hands looking for more from the Forest supporters.The fans have given so much for over an hour and aren’t getting much to shout about from his teammates…Copy linkCopied27 – Nottm Forest 0-1 Man CityThis would’ve been one of THEE Wembley goals to remember.O’Reilly latches onto Gibbs-White and dispossesses him 15 yards inside the Forest half.His close control and strength is superb to evade two challenges with Maradona-esque footwork before unleashing a rocket of an effort from 25 yards which bounces a couple of yards wide.Copy linkCopied24 – Nottm Forest 0-1 Man CitySet piece for Forest this time as they’re enjoying a couple of minutes up the park, and a chance to get the big boys up.It’s wide on the left and about 45 yards from goal, when it’s clipped into the area for the team in red to attack.Until, the linesman’s flag goes up for offside. Dearie me.Copy linkCopiedLloyd Canfield at Wembley StadiumForest are slowly settling here. After what was a chaotic start to say the least, Forest are starting to settle a bit and their fans are reacting accordingly. The occasion may have been a little large for those players right from the off, but it seems like now they’re being a bit more patient on the ball which should pay dividends for them. It’s all going to depend on that final ball now – in my view they’re missing Anthony Elanga big time so far, who is on the bench. Anthony Elanga is on the bench for Forest vs Man CityCredit: GettyCopy linkCopied22 – Nottm Forest 0-1 Man CityNearly an opening for Forest for the first time this afternoon.Anderson did look in an offside position when trying to bundle his way beyond the City defence but the defenders come out on top in any case.Copy linkCopied19 – Nottm Forest 0-1 Man CityThey don’t really deal with that City corner initially and it’s only half cleared to Savinho out wide again.His next delivery is a good one but nobody in sky blue meets it and Sels comes out to claim.Copy linkCopied18 – Nottm Forest 0-1 Man CityKovacic is man of the match already. EVERYTHING is going through him and he’s already twice won the ball high up the park for City.Toffolo with an important tackle down his left side but at the expense of a corner.Copy linkCopied15 – Nottm Forest 0-1 Man CityAnother shot comes in on the Forest goal.Having said that, it was more at the Forest fans.Clever one-two between Marmoush and Grealish before the former strikes from 25 yards out but he’s a mile off target.Copy linkCopied14 – Nottm Forest 0-1 Man CityA rough 14 minutes for Forest to this point.Although, they’ve had 1% possession for every minute played so far…City with 86% possession in the opening quarter of an hour and I’m actually a tough surprised it’s not more.Copy linkCopied12 – Nottm Forest 0-1 Man CityThe corner is dealt with as Sels punches it away but it’s coming straight back.Marmoush has an effort from the corner of the area which is blocked and spins out to the City right where they win a free kick.Again, the set piece is dealt with before it’s knocked to halfway and City’s players work hard to win it back almost immediately.Copy linkCopied10 – Nottm Forest 0-1 Man CityKovacic running the show at the minute.And he’s almost in for a second City goal, taking a sublime touch to beat two Forest players on the edge of the box and get nearer goal before Forest scramble and get the ball behind for a corner.They look a complete bag of nerves back there.Copy linkCopiedLloyd Canfield at Wembley StadiumWhat a start that is. Exactly what Man City needed, as it’s kicked their fans into gear and quietened down what were a ferocious Forest fanbase. Forest have work to do now if they want to be playing in the final here…Rico Lewis netted within two minutes for Manchester CityCredit: GettyCopy linkCopied6 – Nottm Forest 0-1 Man CityNo change since the goal as City knock the ball about for fun while Forest deploy their formation inside their own half.City were almost in again down the right with Nunes but his attempted cross was blocked.Copy linkCopiedNottm Forest 0-1 Man City – GOAL DETAILI was just about to say this game has started perfectly for both these sides; City with possession and Forest out of possession.But that perfect start has been continued by City and it’s a nightmare for Forest.The defending is absolutely horrific.City are patient and Kovacic makes a darting ball through the middle, committing three Forest bodies when doing so.He finds Rico Lewis inside the D at the edge of the box and he’s given time to take a touch and fire low and hard into the bottom corner.So many red shirts there and nobody thinks to get close. Copy linkCopiedGOALLLL!!! Nottm Forest 0-1 MAN CITYInside two minutes and City are in front already!RICO LEWIS with it!Copy linkCopiedKICK-OFF!A spot in the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace is up for grabs!Nottm Forest vs Man CityCopy linkCopiedHuddledThe City XI group into a huddle with Ruben Dias delivering an impassioned final speech.Morgan Gibbs-White with the final message in the Forest huddle.Ready to go…Copy linkCopiedHere they comeA steely look on the face of the 22 players – and indeed the 22 mascots – as they make their way out at Wembley.The Forest tifo is unfurled just as they’re making their way out. Good stuff from both sets of supporters.A really brilliant atmosphere. Let’s hope it delivers on the park too!Copy linkCopiedFrom Lloyd Canfield at Wembley StadiumThe Nottingham Forest fans have absolutely blown the Man City faithful out of the water here at Wembley. To my left the stadium erupts at every mention of the word Nottingham, with almost every seat full, scarfs waving around and people singing as if they were using their final breaths. To my right, the City fans seem apathetic. This is their 28th visit here since the new Wembley was built, perhaps they’ve begun to take the importance of an occasion like this for granted. As for Forest, this is just their second visit since the stadium was built – the previous being a play-off final vs Huddersfield in 2022. I was sat here for the Carabao Cup final, where Newcastle’s atmosphere helped them beat champions elect Liverpool – and I’ve got a feeling we might see a similar story here today. Copy linkCopiedIn the tunnelA terrific noise from the fans in here, sky blue at one end and red on the other.The noise coming from those in red, mainly as they outnumber their City opponents.However, the Man City fans have unfurled a huge tifo behind the goals where they’re housed!Copy linkCopiedEnjoyNuno has urged his players to enjoy their ‘special occasion’ at Wembley afternoon.He said: “You don’t have to shield them, it is impossible to shield a squad of players when there is so much information and when it is such a special occasion for us.“We have to enjoy it, but we have to go as a group of players and staff to compete.“That’s the best way to enjoy the semi final of the FA Cup, if you are focused and committed to compete.”Copy linkCopiedWarming upIt’s getting warm inside Wembley – on the pitch and off it!The players are coming to the end of their warm-ups.And the Forest fans – who’ve been in here for quite some time – are the ones making all the noise!Copy linkCopiedMatch oddsCity the warm, warm favourites to win the tie in 90 minutes here.The value, almost certainly would be with Forest. You just can’t ignore City in these situations though.Nottm Forest 15/4Draw 29/10Man City 13/20Copy linkCopiedHow City line-upA few surprise selections from Pep Guardiola as Jack Grealish is brought back into the starting 11.The Spaniard has made two further changes from the side that beat Aston Villa on Tuesday with Rico Lewis and Savinho coming in for Iklay Gundogan and the suspended James McAtee.Copy linkCopied More

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