The magic of the FA Cup returns to Wembley Stadium today, Saturday, April 25, 2026, as Manchester City takes on Championship high-flyers Southampton in the first semi-final of the season.
Manchester City arrives in London with immense momentum after reclaiming the top spot in the Premier League following a midweek win over Burnley.Pep Guardiola's side is bidding to become the first team in FA Cup history to reach a fourth consecutive final.However, they face a resilient Southampton outfit that has already “slayed” Arsenal and Fulham to reach this stage.The Saints, unbeaten since January, are channelling the spirit of 1976 as they aim for a historic upset against the seven-time champions.
Manchester City vs Southampton: FA Cup Semi-Final Match Details
| Match | Manchester City vs Southampton (FA Cup Semi-Final) |
| Date | Saturday, April 25, 2026 |
| Venue | Wembley Stadium, London |
| Kick-off Time (UK) | 5:15 PM BST |
| Kick-off Time (India) | 9:45 PM IST |
| Broadcaster (UK) | BBC One / TNT Sports |
| Broadcaster (India) | Sony Sports Network / SonyLIV |
Manchester City vs Southampton Injury News: Rodri Ruled Out Of Wembley Clash
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed a significant blow to his midfield, announcing that Rodri will not feature today.The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner suffered a groin injury during the high-stakes 2-1 win over Arsenal and was not risked for the midweek trip to Burnley.While Guardiola noted that Rodri is “better,” the club is unwilling to take any risks with the Premier League title race in its final stretch.
Additionally, City remains without defensive stalwarts Ruben Dias (ankle) and Josko Gvardiol, both of whom are still in the treatment room.Southampton also faces selection headaches as Flynn Downes and Ryan Manning are both unavailable due to suspension.Captain Jack Stephens remains a major doubt after missing their recent draw with Bristol City, leaving coach Tonda Eckert with a makeshift backline to contain Erling Haaland.
Manchester City vs Southampton Predicted Lineups: Who Will Start At Wembley?
With Rodri sidelined, Pep Guardiola is expected to entrust the midfield to young star Nico O’Reilly alongside captain Bernardo Silva. In goal, Gianluigi Donnarumma is likely to continue his cup run after his heroics against Liverpool in the quarter-final.
Manchester City Predicted XI (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper:James Trafford
Defenders: Rico Lewis, John Stones, Marc Guéhi, Nico O’Reilly
Midfielders: Bernardo Silva (c), Nico Gonzalez, Tijjani Reijnders
Forwards: Rayan Cherki, Phil Foden, Erling Haaland
Southampton Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Gavin Bazunu
Defenders: Kyle Walker-Peters, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Jan Bednarek, James Bree
Midfielders: Shea Charles, Joe Rothwell
Attacking Midfielders: Will Smallbone, Samuel Edozie, Cyle Larin
Forward: Ross Stewart
Manchester City vs Southampton Prediction: Who Will Reach The Final?
Despite the absence of Rodri, Manchester City’s squad depth and clinical finishing make them overwhelming favourites. Erling Haaland, fresh from his match-winner against Burnley, thrives on the big stage at Wembley. While Southampton has shown incredible resilience and an efficient counter-attack-led by Adam Armstrong-maintaining that discipline for 90 minutes against City’s “pure domination” style is a tall order. The Saints may find the net through a set-piece or a breakaway, but City's experience in semi-finals should see them through to May 16.
Match Prediction:Manchester City to win 3-1.