The FA cup semi final draw is out. Manchester City are set to play Arsenal while Chelsea would face Tottenham Hotspurs in the last four.
The dates for the games are 22nd and 23rd of next month. It would be Arsenal’s record 29th FA Cup semi final but they face a tough clash against Pep Guardiola’s men.
Chelsea fought Manchester United en route to making the last four of the tournament, defeating them 1-0 courtesy of N’Golo Kante. Spurs thrashed Milwall 6-0 on Sunday to set-up the meeting against the Premier League leaders.
Arsenal – champions in 2014 and 2015 – completed a 5-0 rout over non-League giant killers Lincoln City at the Emirates on Saturday. Manchester City would be in the semi final of the tournament for the first time in four years. They defeated Middlesbrough 2-0 to qualify.
Chelsea legend Frank Lampard says the clash would be an interesting one, since Spurs have been a source of worry for the Blues this term.
“Tottenham have given Chelsea problems this season and it is a London derby too so gives it an edge. They are two very form teams but I think Chelsea are slight favourites as it stands,” Lampard said.
Alan Shearer says that the Cup started slow with top sides resting their best legs but with the season winding down and only top teams left, they would put up all put up a strong squad in the semis.
In the last five meetings between Arsenal and Man City, from 2014 to 2016, the Gunners have the advantage over the Citizens. They played a draw in 2014, Arsenal won home and away the next year. In 2016, they played a draw in May before City won 2-1 late last year.
Chelsea have the advantage over Spurs, going by their last five games. In 2015, Chelsea won 2-0 at home then forced a draw at White Hart Lane. In 2016, Chelsea played a draw, and then got a win. They lost to Spurs in the opening game of the year.