Manchester City

Manchester City go into the match as clear favourites. Not surprisingly, they are one of the most talented sides in England and are playing against the only Championship side remaining in the FA Cup semi-finals. Furthermore, having won the EFL Cup, Pep Guardiola’s side are well aware of the importance of winning a second title to secure the domestic treble.

As such, no major changes are expected in the line-up fielded by the Catalan manager. Cherki is currently in superb form, leading the team in attack, whilst O’Reilly is making a name for himself at the highest level and Haaland arrives full of confidence after scoring the winning goal in the crucial victory over Arsenal in their battle to win the Premier League.

Manchester City players injured for the FA Cup semi-final

Rodrigo, Ruben Dias and Gvardiol

Manchester City players suspended for the FA Cup semi-final

Manchester City have no players suspended for this match.

Manchester City’s latest results

• Arsenal 0-2 Manchester City
• Manchester City 4-0 Liverpool
• Chelsea 0-3 Manchester City
• Manchester City 2-1 Arsenal
• Burnley 0-1 Manchester City

Southampton

Southampton, for their part, go into the match with two fronts open. On the one hand, playing the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley against Manchester City is a reward, as reaching this stage whilst playing in the second tier of English football is an achievement in itself. But the most important thing for the club is to return to the Premier League, and they are in the thick of the battle to achieve that. They have secured a play-off spot and still harbour hopes of securing direct promotion.

They have two games remaining and are three points behind the team in second place, with a better goal difference. Therefore, they must win both matches and hope for the best, although the home draw against Bristol City meant they dropped two crucial points. Despite this, they face the clash against Manchester City with the hope of returning to Wembley to play the FA Cup final.

Injured players at Southampton for the FA Cup semi-final

Rasmussen

Suspended players for Southampton in the FA Cup semi-final

Southampton have no suspended players for this match.

Southampton’s latest results

• Wrexham 1-5 Southampton
• Southampton 2-1 Derby
• Southampton 3-0 Blackburn
• Swansea 1-2 Southampton
• Southampton 2-2 Bristol City

Manchester City v Southampton: statistics

Manchester City have won their last five matches in a row. Furthermore, they have failed to score on just five occasions all season. Southampton, for their part, have conceded only four draws in their last 20 competitive matches. Moreover, they have not lost since 17 January. The last ten meetings between the two sides have resulted in one win for Southampton, three draws and six wins for Manchester City.

Manchester City - Southampton: predictions

Despite Southampton’s fine run of form, having gone more than three months without defeat, Manchester City are the clear favourites to reach the FA Cup final. It is no surprise that Pep Guardiola’s side are in their best form of the season. Winning the EFL Cup against Arsenal has boosted their confidence, as has their victory over the Gunners in the Premier League. It would be a huge surprise if City didn’t win within 90 minutes.