Liverpool vs Manchester City: FA Cup Semi-Final Preview
When the draw was made for the semi-finals, many of us hoped that both Liverpool and Manchester were kept apart. That is because we want to see England’s two finest sides contest the final, but nonetheless, it is sure to be a fascinating battle to see which one of these titans qualify for the big occasion.
Liverpool recently added the League Cup to their growing list of accomplishments under Jurgen Klopp, while many view Pep Guardiola’s side as the front runners for both this season’s Champions League and Premier League.
With Liverpool on the hunt for a quadruple and City hoping to win the treble, this is a matchup that is worthy of a final and both sides will treat it as such.
Cup Form
Liverpool’s only top-flight opponent on the way to the semis was struggling Norwich in the fifth round. They dispatched of Shrewsbury with ease in the third round and as expected, brushed Cardiff and Nottingham Forest aside to reach this stage.
Credit must be given to Forest, who matched The Reds over many stages in that match, but just didn’t have enough to get by them in the end.
Manchester City has had a similar path to the last four, facing just one Premier League side in Southampton. They defeated Swindon, Fulham and Peterborough in their other games in the tournament.
City’s dominance was demonstrated by the fact that they have won their FA Cup ties this year by a combined scoreline of 14-3.
Head-to-Head
There is always excitement when these two sides meet, as they are simply two of the best teams of all time. Their last duel saw the sides play out a 2-2 draw, but it is interesting to note that Liverpool has gone four games against City without picking up a victory. Find all Liverpool vs Manchester City tickets here on SafeTicketCompare.com.
During that time, The Reds have drawn twice and faced a 1-4 drubbing at Anfield and another 4-0 hammering at the Etihad. Shockingly, they haven’t come against each other in this tournament since 2003, when Danny Murphy converted a spotkick to give Liverpool a 1-0 victory.
Star Men
Diego Jota
The Portuguese attacker has been a revelation since coming to Liverpool, regularly breaking opposition hearts in a similar fashion to how he did against Forest in the quarters.
When he arrived from Wolves, not many had tipped him to become such an integral part of Liverpool’s attacking options. However, Jota didn’t come to Anfield to play second fiddle to Mane, Salah and Firmino. Instead, he has become one of their most important players and one who will fancy his chances of influencing this game against City.
Phil Foden
When it comes to young English players, there is an embarrassment of riches out there right now. However, Foden might just be the best of the bunch. His diminutive stature is offset by a speed of foot and mind, which seems to give him an extra yard of space whenever he is in possession.
We imagine that he would be an absolute nightmare to play against. He also has an excellent history of influencing this fixture.
Final Thoughts
Not only is this a battle to reach the final of the FA Cup, but this is also the latest instalment of the rivalry between two of the greatest teams to have ever played the game. Liverpool already secured silverware this season and with the historic quadruple on the cards, they could blow City out of the water here. However, the Sky Blues are no mugs and Guardiola knows how to set-up a team for success.
We have no idea how this one will end, but it’s sure to be intriguing. Remember to see this and all other Emirates FA Cup Semi-Final fixtures, tickets and information alongside other major football (soccer) events. The other FA Cup Semi-Final is an game between West and South London teams Crystal Palace and Chelsea FC respectfully.
