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    FA Cup semi-final draw LIVE REACTION: Leicester to play Southampton, Chelsea face Man City – latest updates

    THIS season’s FA Cup is reaching a crescendo – and the draw for the semi-finals have been made.
    Semi final ties: Leicester vs Southampton
    Chelsea vs Man City

    Follow all the reaction with our live blog below…

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    BRILLIANT FOXES
    It’s fair to say the best side won at the King Power Stadium as Leicester defeated Manchester United 3-1.
    Kelechi Iheanacho opened the scoring in the 24th minute when Fred, making an awful error of judgement, presented him with the ball in front of goal.
    Mason Greenwood equalised for the visitors shortly before half-time, finishing off a nice move.
    The draw for the semi-finals was done at the interval, with the winners of this tie pitted against Southampton.
    The other semi-final will see Chelsea take on City, which means we could have seen the two Manchester giants meet in the final.
    That prospect was short lived, however, as Youri Tielemans made it 2-1 in the 52nd minute.
    Iheanacho then scored his second and Leicester’s third, punishing some poor United defending with 12 minutes to go.
    ALL OVER!
    Leicester are through to their first FA Cup semi-final in 39 years.
    They will face Southampton at Wembley.
    AT THE DOUBLE
    Here is Iheanacho’s second for Leicester.
    He’s now scored seven in his last four outings.
    Remarkable form.

    3-1 LEICESTER!
    The Foxes are on the verge of reaching Wembley.
    Unbelievably, Iheanacho was left unmarked at the far post to head home.
    Leicester are just 10 minutes away from facing Southampton in the FA Cup semi-final.
    YOUR IT
    Here’s Youri Tielemans’ goal – the one separating the sides currently.

    BOOM! LEICESTER LEAD
    Youri Tielemans has put Leicester ahead.
    Can the Foxes hold on to set up a semi-final against Southampton at Wembley?
    HOW’S YOUR LUCK?
    Everybody wanted to dodge flying Man City but Chelsea were the unlucky party.
    Who do you fancy to make the final?

    CONFIRMATION OF THE DRAW
    Leicester or Manchester United vs Southampton
    Chelsea vs Manchester City
    The two matches will take place on Saturday April 17 and Sunday April 18 at Wembley.
    TIE OF THE ROUND
    Thomas Tuchel’s unbeaten Chelsea will face quadruple-chasing Manchester City in April.
    Either Leicester or Manchester United will have what on paper looks an easier draw against Southampton.
    Bring it on!
    SECOND SEMI
    Chelsea vs Manchester City
    What a huge game that is!
    FIRST GAME!
    Leicester or Man Utd vs Southampton!
    DUBLIN TO DRAW
    Dion Dublin the one man tasked with the draw for social distancing reasons.
    Should be fairly straight forward just the four balls.
    DRAW TIME!
    Southampton, Manchester City, Chelsea and one of Leicester and Manchester United are moments away from finding out their fate.
    Reminder of the all-important numbers:

    Manchester City.
    Southampton
    Leicester or Manchester United
    Chelsea

    HALF-TIME
    Here are the two goals as Leicester and Manchester United go in level at 1-1.
    Draw coming up!

    GET YOUR DIARY READY
    Here are the semi-final dates for your diary, if your team has already secured their place.
    The two matches will take place on Saturday April 17 and Sunday April 18 at Wembley.
    GOALLLL!!!!
    Mason Greenwood has equalised for Manchester United.
    A ding-dong battle for a spot in the FA Cup semi.
    Both sides will find out their potential opponent at half-time in five minutes or so.
    QUADRUPLE LIVES ON
    Manchester City kept their quadruple hopes alive as they stung Everton late on to secure a 2-0 win on Saturday.
    The Toffees had held the runaway Prem leaders at bay for 84 minutes before Ilkay Gundogan broke the deadlock.
    Kevin De Bruyne secured the win in the 90th minute to end Carlo Ancelotti’s side’s resolute resistance.
    Who will Pep Guardiola’s side get in the last four?
    SAINTS SURGE
    Southampton saw off Championship side Bournemouth 3-0 yesterday to book their semi-final spot.
    Nathan Redmond’s double helped Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men overcome the Cherries.
    Moussa Djenepo’s goal had opened the scoring for the Saints who came away from their South Coast rivals’ Vitality Stadium with a comfortable victory.
    GOAL!
    Kelechi Iheanacho strikes for Leicester after Fred’s howler.
    Can Brendan Rodgers’ side hang on to take the last semi-final spot?
    QUARTERS RECAP
    Chelsea scraped past Sheffield United 2-0 today to stretch Thomas Tuchl’s unbeaten run to 14 games and give him a taste of Wembley.
    Oliver Norwood’s own goal and a late stoppage-time strike for sub Hakim Ziyech saw off a spirited Blades.
    NUMBERS
    Here are the numbers you need to know for the draw.

    Manchester City.
    Southampton
    Leicester or Manchester United
    Chelsea

    AFTERNOON FOOTY FANS!
    It is nearly time for the all-important FA Cup semi-final draw.
    Who will join Manchester City, Chelsea and Southampton in the last four.
    Leicester host Manchester United for a spot at Wembley.
    And the crucial balls will be drawn at half-time! Stay with us to find out who your side will play.
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    Leicester 3 Man Utd 1: In-from Iheanacho punishes dreadful Red Devils to fire Foxes to Wembley clash with Southampton

    WELL, there will be no ego boost for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the FACup after this.The Manchester United boss had downplayed the significance of winningknock-out competitions – then backed up his words by benching his bestplayer, Bruno Fernandes.
    Kelechi Iheanacho terrorised United all game and finished with two goalsCredit: Getty
    It was a real head-in-hands game for United boss Ole Gunnar SolskjaerCredit: Paul Marriott
    And the result was a comprehensive defeat by an outstanding Leicesterside, who booked their first FA Cup semi-final for 39 years thanks toa double from their in-form striker Kelechi Iheanacho.
    It was United’s first domestic away defeat for 14 months and it was ahorror show for midfield man Fred, as well as skipper Harry Maguire,who produced a car-crash showing on his return to the King Power.
    Solskjaer had claimed that league form is the true measure of progressand that winning Cups can often be used to boost managerial egoes -and we all wondered which Portuguese predecessor of his he could havebeen referring to.
    But, really, after four semi-final defeats in the past two seasons,who was he trying to kid?
    When the winners of this quarter-final were paired with Southamptonduring the half-time draw for the semis, both would have come outsmiling, knowing they have thrashed the Saints 9-0 in the recent past.
    Yet Leicester dominated for the opening hour, Iheanacho benefittingfrom a horrible mix-up between Maguire and Fred, then Youri Tielemansnetting a classy second after Mason Greenwood’s equaliser.
    The Foxes weathered a brief storm after the introduction of Fernandes,before Iheanacho wrapped it up, unmarked from a set-piece to sum upUnited’s dozy overall performance.
    Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers has never reached a major Cup Final inEnglish football – with semi-final defeats against Aston Villa withboth Liverpool and Leicester.
    United were all at sea after Fred’s shocking pass presented the ball to IheanachoCredit: AFP
    Iheanacho is in brilliant form and proved too hot for United to handleCredit: Reuters

    But he will fancy his chances now. Despite a raft of injuries,Leicester are enjoying a hell of a season – on roure for ChampionsLeague qualification and an FA Cup Final.
    Solskajer had taken the bold move of benching his great creativeinfluence Fernandes, giving a rare start to Donny Van de Beek – akaVan de Bench – at the front of a midfield diamond.
    The United boss also dropped his in-form left-back Luke Shaw – newlyrestored to the England squad.
    Rodgers was ballsy from the off, with a front three of Jamie Vardy,Iheanacho and Ayoze Perez.
    And Vardy had the first clear sight on goal after 17 minutes forcingDean Henderson to plunge and push out a shot after Fred sloppilyconceded possession to Iheanacho.
    United’s defence – and Fred – discuss the shocking error that led to the game’s opening goalCredit: Getty
    Then another Fred slip and Vardy was bursting forward again – thistime having a shock blocked by his old mate Harry Maguire.
    And on 25 minutes, the third scoring opportunity of the match – andthe third provided by a Fred mishap – brought the opening goal.
    As United attempted to play it out of their own area, Maguire sentsomething of a hospital ball to Fred – under pressure from Tielemans.
    The Brazilian panicked with a weak back-pass, snapped up by Iheanachowho rounded Henderson to tap home.
    It was a shocker for United but Iheanacho’s sixth goal in four gameswas no more than Leicester deserved for the tempo and intent of theirplay.
    Mason Greenwood some hope when he equalled things up in the first halfCredit: Paul Marriott
    Maguire was then booked for bringing down Iheanacho, who had kipperedhim on the edge of the box.
    United were floundering in defence and devoid of inspiration goingforward – until they suddenly levelled on 38 minutes.
    Paul Pogba neatly turned Wesley Fofana on the left and his centre wasdummied by Van de Beek, allowing Greenwood to lash home first time.
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    Youri Tielemans scored the goal of the game to fire Leicester 2-0 aheadCredit: Getty
    Solskjaer almost looked embarrassed, such had been the paucity of hisside’s play until that point.
    After another wildly mistimed attempt at a tackle from Fred, Perezcurled a powerful shot narrowly wide.
    After the break, Leicester were straight back at United’s throats.
    Tielemans drove forward, exchanged passes with Iheanacho, taking out asluggish Nemanja Matic in the process then steering home pastHenderson from the edge of the box.
    There had been a failed attempt at a tackle from – you guessed it – Fred.
    20 – Alongside Sergio Agüero (21), Kelechi Ịheanachọ is the only other player within the English game to have netted 20+ goals across the two domestic cup competitions since his debut for Manchester City in August 2015 (12 in the FA Cup, 8 in the League Cup). Leading. https://t.co/NlebcmNO2X— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 21, 2021

    Alex Telles thundered a shot narrowly wide as United showed a littleattacking intent.
    But Vardy should have buried United soon after, Wilfried Ndidi winningpossession, Iheanacho releasing last season’s Golden Boot winner, whoskinned Maguire but shot wide and kicked the goal-post in frustration.
    Vardy has scored just once since Christmas, the idea that he carriesthis team is old hat.
    Then a quadruple substitution from Solskajer – Fernandes, Shaw, ScottMcTominay and Edinson Cavani on for Pogba, Telles, Matic and Van deBeek – Fred somehow escaping the cull.
    Iheanacho sealed Leicester’s safe passage into the FA Cup semi-finalsCredit: Reuters
    United instantly livened up – Fernandes pinging crossfield balls, Shawrampaging, McTominay commanding and Cavani menacing.
    But after they’d enjoyed their best spell of the match, United fellasleep at a set-piece and conceded the third.
    Marc Albrighton delivered the free-kick from the left and Iheanachosnuck in behind McTominay and beyond the far post, to head home.
    The Foxes are on their way to Wembley – as United look to end afour-year trophy drought, it is the Europa League or bust.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Mason Greenwood did his bit by scoring – sadly his team-mates were well off the paceCredit: Getty
    Man Utd outcast Sergio Romero returns home to Argentina having not played for Solskjaer in seven months More

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    Man Utd ratings: Pogba looks sharp but Fred and Matic toil in midfield as Foxes dump Red Devils out of FA Cup

    MANCHESTER UNITED avoided another cup semi-final showdown with rivals City… before sidestepping the next round entirely.The Red Devils missed out on a Wembley trip to face Southampton following a 3-1 defeat to Leicester City on Sunday.
    Mason Greenwood scored but Manchester United crashed out of the FA CupCredit: Getty
    United were the architects of their own downfall as defensive mistakes led to goals from Kelechi Iheanacho and Youri Tielemans that spelled the end for their time in the cup.
    Here’s how SunSport’s Joe Brophy judged the efforts from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men…
    Dean Henderson – 6
    Stitched up by Fred for the Foxes’ opener but failed to put down a marker as he conceded two more times with David de Gea in the stands.
    Made one important first-half save from Jamie Vardy but arguably could have done more to get a hand to Tielemans’ strike.
    Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6
    Typical outing for the right-back. Generally solid in defence but largely absent in attack.
    Victor Lindelof – 6
    Coped well with Vardy in the first-half but the veteran striker gradually started winning the battle after the break.
    Wasn’t at fault for any of the goals with defensive howlers elsewhere.
    Harry Maguire – 5
    Looked uncomfortable against his old side. Fred was at fault for Leicester’s first but it was his centre-back’s hospital pass that put him in trouble.
    Clumsy booking and slow to react when Vardy went through after the break only for his former team-mate to drag his shot wide.
    Fred dropped a disasterclass as United failed to make the FA Cup semi-finalsCredit: AFP
    Alex Telles – 6
    Much more assured performance than the last time he deputised for Luke Shaw in the Europa League first-leg draw against AC Milan.
    Perhaps the only one of the four starters that were subbed early to have a complaint.
    Fred – 3
    An unmitigated disaster. Conceded possession cheaply a number of times early on before he was finally punished by Kelechi Iheanacho.
    The Brazilian then failed to get back and make a challenge on Youri Tielemans for Leicester’s second.
    In the words of Real Madrid star Karim Benzema, United fans may feel that Fred was ‘playing against us.’
    Nemanja Matic – 4
    Brought in for his experience but on this evidence his powers are waning.
    Anonymous in the first-half and got nowhere near Tielemans for his goal. Deservedly subbed for the energy of Scott McTominay.
    Paul Pogba, Donny van de Beek and Mason Greenwood were all involved in United’s goalCredit: AFP
    Paul Pogba – 6
    Naturally looked a bit rusty as he continues to work his way back to full fitness but reminded fans of his quality with his involvement in the opener.
    A lovely drop of the shoulder deceived Wesley Fofana before his cross found Greenwood, via van de Beek’s dummy.
    Donny van de Beek – 6
    Tidy footballer but understandable why he’s struggling to get chances in this United team.
    Clever dummy for the equaliser but struggled to impose himself on the match. Naturally frustrated to be hooked early.
    Mason Greenwood – 6
    Ended his own recent drought in front of goal with a smart finish past Kasper Schmeichel for his first in 16 games.
    Quiet in the second-half but not helped by a lack of involvement from United’s attackers that emerged from the bench.

    Anthony Martial – 5
    Often isolated for long periods of the first-half as the Frenchman made several diagonal runs that weren’t found by his team-mates.
    Never troubled Jonny Evans or Caglar Soyuncu and was similarly ineffective out wide when Edinson Cavani took up the No9 role.
    Subs
    Luke Shaw (For Telles) – 6. Didn’t affect the game.
    Edinson Cavani (For VDB) – 5. Built match fitness.
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    Bruno Fernandes (For Pogba) – 6. Took a good free-kick.
    Scott McTominay (For Matic) – 4. Switched off for Leicester’s third.
    Amad Diallo (For Fred) – N/A
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    Watch Van de Beek’s brilliant dummy to set up Greenwood vs Leicester as Dutchman shines on rare Man Utd start

    DONNY VAN DE BEEK lifted the world from his shoulders in a rare start for Manchester United with a brilliant dummy to tee-up Mason Greenwood’s FA Cup equaliser at Leicester.The under-pressure Dutchman showed amazing understanding and quick thinking to shimmy out of the way after Paul Pogba capped his own superb work down the left with a byline cross.
    Midfielders Donny Van de Beek and Paul Pogba celebrate after their instinctive brilliance proved Mason Greenwood with the Man Utd equaliserCredit: Getty

    Greenwood instantly completed a piece of amazing instinctive play from the trio as he arrived at speed for a lashing left-footer into the bottom corner.
    That 38th minute goal cancelled out a huge blunder from Van de Beek’s midfield partner Fred.
    The Brazilian slotted the ball back towards his six-yard area for Dean Henderson but Kelechi Iheanacho nipped in to round the keeper and slip Leicester in front amid a thrilling quarter-final at the King Power Stadium.

    Van de Beek’s decisive intervention 12 minutes later left the former Ajax superstar looking relieved as well as delighted – as he celebrated joyfully with Pogba and Co after a bleak start to his Old Trafford career.
    However, Greenwood’s strike was ultimately in vain as Tielemans and Iheanacho, again, struck after the break to send the Foxes to Wembley, and a clash against Southampton.
    While Van de Beek was replaced by Bruno Fernandes in a quadruple change just after the hour mark.
    Nonetheless, Van de Beek’s golden moment should help him shrug off some of the speculation over his future.
    That talk spiralled last week when Ajax legend Ronald de Boer claimed the 23-year-old was “not happy” with his Old Trafford situation.
    But Ronald, brother of Van de Beek’s Holland boss Frank, denied the playmaker was already seeking a transfer.
    He told TalkSport 2: “I spoke to Ajax and they said there’s no truth in it at all.
    “He didn’t ask to speak to them. He’s just focusing on his recovery on his ankle. and it’s not true that he asked Man United to leave.
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    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    “His agent also told me that of course he’s not happy that he’s not playing.
    “He’s not worried, of course he wants to play every game. But he’s not worried that he can’t succeed.
    “But he’s not panicking at all, he told his agent he’s so happy at Man United because the club is one of the best in terms of how they treat him, he feels loved.”
    Man Utd outcast Sergio Romero returns home to Argentina having not played for Solskjaer in seven months More

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    Chelsea face Man City in FA Cup semi-final draw with Leicester up against Southampton

    MANCHESTER CITY will face Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals.Sunday’s draw took place at half-time of Manchester United’s last-eight match at Leicester.
    Manchester City and Chelsea will square off in April’s FA Cup semi-finalsCredit: Getty
    Both clubs have enjoyed success in the competition in recent yearsCredit: EPA
    The Foxes’ 3-1 win in that tie earned a match-up with Southampton in the next round.
    And City will be the ‘away’ side as they face Chelsea, with both games taking place at Wembley.
    The semi-finals are due to take place behind closed doors on the weekend of April 17.
    Both Chelsea and City were tested en route to 2-0 wins in the quarters.
    An Oliver Norwood own goal helped the Blues beat Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge, before Hakim Ziyech’s late strike sealed the win.
    And Everton held out until the 84th minute before an Ilkay Gundogan header sent Pep Guardiola’s men into the final four.
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    Kevin De Bruyne hit a second on the break to ensure their fourth trip to the semis in five years.
    Southampton booked their first trip to Wembley since 2018 by beating Bournemouth 3-0 on Saturday.

    Nathan Redmond scored twice after a Moussa Djenepo opener at the Vitality Stadium.
    But Leicester a far longer wait for a semi-final appearance as they qualified for the first time since 1982 thanks to Kelechi Iheanacho’s brace against Manchester United.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Leicester beat Southampton 2-0 in their last meetingCredit: Ian Hodgson – Daily Mail
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    Watch Fred blunder gift Kelechi Iheanacho a Leicester opener in nightmare start for Man Utd in FA Cup quarter-final

    FRED made an absolute shocker of a blunder to gift Leicester an early lead in their FA Cup win over Manchester United.The Brazilian saw his lame backpass to Dean Henderson intercepted by Kelechi Iheanacho who lashed home in the 24th minute.
    Fred had no-one to blame but himself for the shocking passCredit: AFP
    Kelechi Iheanacho could barely believe his luck as he fired homeCredit: AFP

    It was a deserved lead for Leicester who dominated the early stages at the King Power Stadium.
    That was Iheanacho’s 15th goal in 22 starts in English domestic cup competitions.
    And it was his 10th in 11 FA Cup games.
    But for Fred, there was no praise incoming.
    United fans were furious on social media for the sloppy play of the 28-year-old midfielder.
    Farahan Omar wrote on Twitter that she will ‘celebrate the day Fred leaves this football club’.
    Another added that he should ‘be sold this summer’ as he is ‘not getting any better’.
    And United fan ‘Ryan’ hilariously tweeted: “I see Fletcher and Carrick on the bench. Can we sub one of them on for Fred?”
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    I really will celebrate the day Fred leaves this football club— Farahan Omar (@UnitedsTrophy) March 21, 2021

    I see Fletcher and Carrick on the bench. Can we sub one of them on for Fred?— ʀʏᴀɴ (@Utd_Ryan_) March 21, 2021

    Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had his head in his hands at Fred’s errorCredit: Paul Marriott

    ‘Dreadful’, ‘assist of the season’ and ‘horrible’ were just some of the other tweets describing Fred’s error.
    Harry Maguire also came in for some criticism for his pass into the Brazilian, but it’s Fred who will have to take the flack for this one.
    And it set United on the wrong course as the uncharacteristally lethargic Red Devils slumped to a 3-1 defeat as Youri Tielemans, and Iheanacho again, netted in the second half to earn the Foxes a semi-final clash vs Southampton.
    Mason Greenwood levelled for United in the first after Donny van de Beek’s smart dummy.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds More

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    Leicester vs Man Utd LIVE: Stream free, TV channel, teams and kick-off time for big FA Cup quarter-final match

    MANCHESTER UNITED are at Leicester for a big FA Cup quarter-final clash. The Red Devils are hoping to make it to their second successive FA Cup semi-final, having lost to Chelsea in last season’s Wembley clash.
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is hoping to win his first trophy as Man Utd bossCredit: Reuters
    What time does Leicester vs Man Utd kick-off?

    Man Utd’s clash with Leicester will get underway from 5pm UK time on Sunday, March 21 – TODAY.
    The game will take place in Leicester at the King Power Stadium.
    There will be no fans in attendance at the clash because of the nationwide coronavirus lockdown.

    What TV channel is Leicester vs Man Utd on and can I live stream?

    Leicester’s home clash with Man Utd will be shown live on BBC One.
    You can live stream all of the action from the BBC iPlayer app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.

    Can I watch for FREE?

    Yes, the game is available for FREE on BBC One, so long as you have a TV licence.
    You can also catch the action on the BBC iPlayer, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.

    What is the team news?

    🚨 𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲’𝐬 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬 🚨Here’s your #MUFC XI to face the Foxes 🦊🏆 #FACup— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 21, 2021

    Odds

    Leicester – 15/8
    Draw – 12/5
    Man Utd – 27/20

    *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication.
    MANCHESTER UNITED SUBSTITUTES
    1 De Gea, 7 Cavani, 18 Fernandes, 19 Diallo, 21 James, 23 Shaw, 33 Williams, 38 Tuanzebe, 39 McTominay
    MANCHESTER UNITED XI
    🚨 𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲’𝐬 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬 🚨Here’s your #MUFC XI to face the Foxes 🦊🏆 #FACup— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 21, 2021

    LEICESTER CITY SUBSTITUTES
    12 Ward, 18 Amartey, 20 Choudhury, 24 Mendy, 26 Praet, 28 Fuchs, 33 Thomas, 38 Leshabela, 46 Daley-Campbell
    LEICESTER CITY XI
    1 Schmeichel; 3 Fofana, 6 Evans, 4 Soyuncu; 11 Albrighton, 25 Ndidi, 8 Tielemans, 27 Castagne; 17 Perez; 14 Iheanacho, 9 Vardy

    THE TEAMSHEETS ARE IN!
    FOXES SHARING THE SPOILS
    Leicester City have been seen as something of a one-man team when it has come to their scoring in recent seasons, but the Foxes have been sharing the goals around as far as this FA Cup campaign has been concerned.
    Excluding own goals, only Bristol Rovers and Spurs (9) have had more players find the net in this season’s competition than the Foxes. Their eight goals across three ties have each been scored by different players. They are as follows:

    James Justin
    Marc Albrighton
    Ayoze Perez
    Harvey Barnes
    Cengiz Under
    Youri Tielemans
    James Maddison
    Kelechi Iheanacho

    Not a Jamie Vardy strike in sight.
    SEMI-FINAL SPECIALISTS
    Twelve-times FA Cup winners Manchester United are looking to reach the semi-finals of the competition for what would be a record 31st occasion.
    The Red Devils have made the semis in three of the last five seasons, and are currently level with Arsenal for appearances (30) in the last four of the competition.
    GOOD AFTERNOON FROM THE KING POWER STADIUM
    Welcome to our live coverage of Leicester City versus Manchester United in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
    This weekend, these two clubs take a break from battling it out for a Champions League place in the top four, and instead turn their attention to the quest for silverware.
    Brendan Rodgers would certainly love to add a cup to his evolution in the East Midlands, however history is against the Northern Irishman. The Foxes have lost each of their last five FA Cup quarter-finals, and haven’t reached the last four of the competition since 1982.
    Meanwhile, despite only one place and one point separating these sides in the Premier League, Leicester have won just one of their last 25 meetings with Manchester United, and none of the last 13.
    The hosts will be without Ricardo Pereira, who is struggling with a hamstring strain, but Dennis Praet is back in contention after ten weeks out with a similar injury.
    Manchester United have already enjoyed one cup success this week following their 1-0 victory at AC Milan in the Europa League on Thursday.
    Paul Pogba marked his return to fitness with the winning goal at the San Siro, and his rehabilitation may well continue with a starting spot in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side here.
    However, Marcus Rashford was taken off in Italy as a precaution, and neither Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial are considered fully fit, which may mean a shortage of attacking options for the visitors as they plot to reach what would be a record 31st FA Cup semi-final.
    Southampton, Manchester City and Chelsea have already made it through to the final four, who will join them?
    We’ll have confirmation of today’s starting line-ups shortly as well as more build-up ahead of kick-off at 5pm.
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    Chelsea 2-0 Sheffield United LIVE RESULT: Ziyech wraps up win as Blues book FA Cup semi-final spot against brave Blades

    CHELSEA are into the FA Cup semi-final after a hard-working victory over Sheffield United.A brilliant cross from Ben Chilwell was deflected in off the unfortunate Oliver Norwood to give the Blues the lead.
    But the basement Blades had much the better of the second half and will wonder what might have been after great chances were missed by David McGoldrick and Rhian Brewster.
    Their efforts were all in vain however when Hakim Ziyech made the result safe in stoppage time.
    THAT’S ALL FROM CHELSEA
    Chelsea advanced to the FA Cup semi-finals after beating Sheffield United 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.
    The Blues opened the scoring after 24 minutes when Mason Mount’s corner-kick down the right flank found Ben Chilwell completely unmarked on the edge of the box.
    Chilwell fired a left-footed shot that deflected off Oliver Norwood’s foot and went behind Aaron Ramsdale’s net.
    Sheffield United fought back in the second half and came close to an equaliser twice with David McGoldrick.
    McGoldrick missed an unbelievable chance when he got in front of Kepa Arrizabalaga following a brilliant cross from John Lundstram down the right flank but his header just missed the target.
    The striker then cut inside Chelsea’s box from the left flank but his clever shot was saved by Kepa.
    The Blues put the tie to bed on the second minute of stoppage time when Mateo Kovacic found Chilwell on the left side and the full-back delivered a crisp cross to Hakim Ziyech inside the box.
    Ziyech got a lovely touch and beat Ramsdale to send his team to the final four.
    That’s all from us here at Stamford Bridge, have a lovely day!

    PULISIC REACTS
    Chelsea star Christian Pulisic admited that Sheffield United gave them a hard afternoon at Stamford Bridge.
    Pulisic said: “They didn’t make it easy on us. We knew they had quality, and we had to suffer a bit [in the] second half. But yeah, it’s a clean sheet, a good performance.
    “We knew it was going to be a bit uncomfortable. Sometimes, you know, there’s going to be a bit of pressure and we just have to defend and be strong as a team and I think we did that today, so in the end, I was happy.
    “They’re a good defensive side as well, we had a couple of chances where we could have done a bit better but in the end we got the two goals and that’s a good result.
    “We definitely have a confident bunch of guys. Obviously when you go on a streak like this, we’re feeling really good, we feel like we can beat anyone, so that’s a good feeling”
    GETTY IMAGES
    HAK-ING THROUGH
    Here’s how Hakim Ziyech put the tie to bed and sent Chelsea through to the FA Cup semi-finals.
    Mateo Kovacic found Ben Chilwell on the left and the full-back’s crisp cross found Ziyech inside the box.
    The star winger got a beautiful touch and beat Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale to double the hosts’ lead.
    Check it out:

    TUCHEL REACTS
    Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel admits his team was “lucky” not to concede in the second half.
    Tuchel said: “It was a tough match, we had a good first half where we controlled everything, but second half, we lost control.
    “We were clearly tired now. I could see after 14 matches consecutive, I could ‘feel us’ tired, and a bit of lack of concentration, many little faults, and a strong opponent in the second half. So we were lucky in the second half to keep the clean sheet.
    “It was not the first time in 14 matches where we were lucky, and we allowed too many chances, but it’s important in the end in the cup to go through. This was the target, and we reached it.
    “Honestly I could feel it in training, since some days, we feel a bit tired, and a lack of concentration, it can happen in a game. I’m happy that we got help from the bench. In the end we have a win”
    GETTY IMAGES
    CLEAN WIN
    Chelsea are through to the FA Cup semi-finals and have made it in style.
    The Blues have kept seven successive clean sheets and equalled their most recent record from 2005.
    They are now after their all-time greatest record of nine, which they achieved in 1905.
    More below:
    7 – Chelsea have kept a clean sheet in seven successive matches, their longest run since December 2005 (also seven); they’ve only had one longer run in their history – nine games ending in December 1905. Impenetrable. pic.twitter.com/yl6fTOUz5x— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 21, 2021

    WHO’S NEXT?
    Chelsea are going to find out their next FA Cup opponents later on today at around 5.45pm as the semi-final draw takes place when Manchester United’s clash with Leicester reaches half-time.
    Southampton also made it through as they eliminated Bournemouth away thanks to a 3-0 win yesterday.
    The same goes for favourites Manchester City, who defeated Everton 2-0 away in their quarter-final tie.
    The final participant in the competition’s final four will be decided when Leicester and United collide in the evening
    GETTY IMAGES
    STATS
    Chelsea dominated 63 per cent of possession throughout the FA Cup encounter following a late surge by Sheffield United.
    The Blues completed 602 passes, which was almost double than the Blades’ 352.
    The west Londoners produced a total of eight shots, three of which were on target.
    The visitors, on the other hand, got seven shots, four of which were on target

    FT: CHELSEA 2-0 SHEFFIELD UNITED
    Chelsea advanced to the FA Cup semi-finals after beating Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge.
    The Blues opened the scoring after 24 minutes when Mason Mount’s corner down the right side found Ben Chilwell unmarked on the edge of the box and the full-back’s left-footed shot deflected off Oliver Norwood to go behind Aaron Ramsdale’s net.
    The Blades came close to equalising twice in the second half with David McGoldrick who failed to head the ball in goal following a beautiful cross by John Lundstram down the right flank.
    McGoldrick also didn’t manage to beat Kepa Arrizabalaga with a clever shot down the left flank.
    And so Chelsea put the tie to bed on the second minute of stoppage time when Chilwell delivered a crisp cross from the left and found Hakim Ziyech who got a beautiful touch and beat Ramsdale to send the west Londoners to the semi-finals
    GETTY IMAGES
    PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
    AND THAT’S FULL-TIME AT CHELSEA!!!!!!
    CHELSEA 2-0 SHEFFIELD UNITED
    90+2 Chelsea break into a counter-attack after Sheffield United get dispossessed in midfield.
    Chilwell delivers a beautiful cross from the left flank and finds Ziyech who gets a beautiful touch and beats Ramsdale with a fine finish

    GOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLL!
    CHELSEA DOUBLE THE LEAD WITH ZIYECH!!!!!!!!!!!
    CHELSEA 1-0 SHEFFIELD UNITED
    90+1 WHAT A CHANCE!
    Sheffield United miss another incredible opportunity! How is that even possible?
    Brewster gets the ball at the edge of the box and fires a brilliant shot that just misses Kepa’s bottom right corner!
    Three minutes of added time to go!!
    CHELSEA 1-0 SHEFFIELD UNITED
    90 SUBSTITUTION
    Last throw of the dice for Sheffield United as Mousset replaces Bogle.
    Mousset enjoyed a brilliant campaign last year, but can he save this tie?
    CHELSEA 1-0 SHEFFIELD UNITED
    88 Ziyech is down after Baldock’s arm brushed on the Chelsea star’s face.
    But the Blues ace gets back up on his feet
    CHELSEA 1-0 SHEFFIELD UNITED
    85 Chelsea are dominating down Sheffield United’s third now that they have Ziyech’s pace, as well as Havertz and Kante who are holding on to possession.
    But Sheffield United can strike out of nowhere, as proven twice before
    CHELSEA 1-0 SHEFFIELD UNITED
    83 SUBSTITUTION
    Chelsea boss Tuchel is playing his insurance policy as Kante comes on for Pulisic.
    The Blues manager needs a player that can hold on to possession and create some major opportunities to put the tie to bed
    CHELSEA 1-0 SHEFFIELD UNITED
    80 Just 10 more minutes to go until full-time.
    Chelsea have improved with Ziyech and Havertz on the pitch.
    But Sheffield United still believe in a late equaliser that would set the tie on fire!
    CHELSEA 1-0 SHEFFIELD UNITED
    79 SUBSTITUTION
    Another switch by Heckingbottom as he brings on Brewster for Norwood.
    The visitors still believe in a late equaliser
    CHELSEA 1-0 SHEFFIELD UNITED
    78 WHAT A CHANCE!
    Sheffield United miss another major opportunity to equalise.
    Mcgoldrick outmuscles Azpilicueta down the left flank and fires a shot that Kepa just manages to save before Chilwell clears
    CHELSEA 1-0 SHEFFIELD UNITED
    78 Chelsea manager Tuchel has halted Sheffield United’s momentum with his last two substitutions.
    Ziyech has added pace in the hosts’ attack and Havertz controls midfield.
    CHELSEA 1-0 SHEFFIELD UNITED
    76 SUBSTITUTION
    Sheffied United manager Heckingbottom makes his first switch as Burke replaces McBurnie
    CHELSEA 1-0 SHEFFIELD UNITED
    75 Tuchel is asking his players to calm down on the pitch and wait before they deliver a cross or switch the ball.
    As time goes by the Bloues become more confident with advancing in the semi-finals
    CHELSEA 1-0 SHEFFIELD UNITED
    72 SUBSTITUTION
    Tuchel makes another double switch as Havertz and Ziyech replace Hudson-Odoi and Gilmour respectively
    CHELSEA 1-0 SHEFFIELD UNITED
    70 Sheffield United have gained immense courage after the last two misses.
    However, Tuchel is looking to put the tie to bed as he prepares Ziyech and Havertz downt he touchline
    CHELSEA 1-0 SHEFFIELD UNITED
    68 CHANCE!
    Sheffield United have picked up the pace as they create another opportunity!
    McBurnie unleashes a venomous shot from the edge of the box and forces a lunge from Kepa who saves it
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