The FA Cup semi-final dates and kick-off times have been announced, with Manchester United vs Coventry moved forward. The semi-finals are due to take place at Wembley next month.
Chelsea will take on holders Manchester City in the first semi-final, with Manchester United taking on Championship side Coventry City in the second semi-final. The ties will be played on April 20 and 21.
Chelsea supporters can now plan their trips to Wembley, with the semi-final date confirmed as Saturday, April 20. The match will kick-off at 5.15pm, which could pose transport problems for Manchester City fans.
The following day, United will face Coventry at 3.30pm. United’s match against Coventry City has been rescheduled due to concerns from the Metropolitan Police. The Football Association initially wanted a 4pm kick-off, but agreed to change the time after discussions with the police.
City, who won last year’s final against United 2-1, are the defending champions. They completed a historic treble and are favourites to win their semi-final against Chelsea.
United, on the other hand, are expected to win the other semi-final. They secured their place after a thrilling quarter-final victory over Liverpool, winning 4-3 in extra-time.
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However, Championship side Coventry could surprise everyone after they defeated Wolves 3-2 to secure their spot at Wembley.
Coventry boss Mark Robins, an FA Cup winner with Manchester United in 1990, is eagerly anticipating facing his old club. “I honestly think that the teams that are left are just top, top sides, but my preference was United,” he told Coventry Live.
“At one point it looked like Liverpool were going to go through but then it just turned on its head. Obviously, I wanted United to win the game and then we got drawn out first and they followed us out, so perfect!
“But it would be a great game whichever team you pull out. They have got top players and individuals but it’s a game we can look forward to. It’s a Wembley trip and it’s brilliant for the supporters, the players and the staff and everyone involved, and we can go and have a go at Wembley against a top team with a top manager.
“They’ll be expected to win, 100 per cent, and we want to try and go and give a really good account of ourselves again, and enjoy it. At the end of the day, it’s a fantastic achievement just to get to this stage but it’s one of those things where you don’t want to just go and makeup the numbers.”
