Manchester City - Chelsea showdown; Manchester United favourites against Coventry City

The oldest football competition in the world - the Emirates FA Cup founded way back in 1871 (153 ago), is back to keep fans on the edge of their seats in what promises to be an enthralling semi-final stage.

In the first semi-final fixture, the reigning champions Manchester City FC (part of City Football Group which also owns Mumbai City FC in Indian Super League) take on London giants Chelsea FC in a clash of heavyweights. On the other hand, Championship side Coventry City face silverware hungry Manchester United. These blockbuster fixtures will be aired live from Wembley Stadium, exclusively on the Sony Sports Network on Saturday, 20th April.

Treble title-holders Manchester City who breezed past Newcastle United in their quarter-final clash in this competition, following a solid brace from Portuguese magician Bernardo Silva, that saw Pep Guardiola’s men book their ticket to Wembley.

However their quest for yet another treble came to end following their heart wrenching loss to arch rivals Real Madrid in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter final tie of the of the UEFA Champions League in a dramatic 4-3 penalty shoot-out at their home base in Etihad Stadium (formerly known as City of Manchester Stadium) in the wee hours of Thursday (IST) following a twin save by rival custodian Andriy Lunin from the spot-kicks of experienced Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic. The loss ended Manchester City their unbeaten record in their last 27 games across all competitions, after the latest match ended in a 1-1 draw at the end of 120 minutes of play and 4-4 on aggregate, following a 3-3 draw in an  away game at the Bernabeu last week.

Meanwhile, the London giants, Chelsea, overcame Leicester City in a thrilling encounter in the quarter-final stage of the Emirates FA Cup. Late goals from substitutes Carney Chukwuemeka and Noni Madueke in injury time sent the Blues through to the semi-finals. Attacking sensation Cole Palmer will be in spotlight for the Blues having scored 23 goals and provided 13 assists - the most goals and assists for the club across all competitions this season. This in addition to their 6-0 win against Everton in the English Premier League on Monday night, will definitely boost their team’s morale against their fatigued rivals.

Coventry City, the only non-Premier League side left in this season’s competition, have not featured in an FA Cup semi-final since their 1987 triumph and are pitted as the underdogs in this clash. The Sky Blues defeated Wolves in the quarter-finals, thanks to Haji Wright's winning goal late in the 100th minute. Ellis Simms, the joint second-highest scorer this season, has netted the opener for Coventry in four of their last five matches.

Meanwhile, 12-time winners Manchester United last lifted this coveted trophy in 2016 and were runners-up last season. In a mega quarter-final showdown, the Red Devils famously outmaneuvered Liverpool FC thanks to an incredible goal in the dying minutes of extra time from Amad Diallo.

The footballing world will be highly anticipating this incredible lineup of matches with their favourite superstars taking centre stage at the historic Wembley Stadium. All the high-intensity drama and goal fest can be witnessed live only on the Sony Sports Network. Additionally, fans can enjoy the insights, panellists' predictions, and much more on their favourite football show ‘Football Extraaa.’

 The Emirates FA Cup 2023-24 semi-finals can be streamed live on Sony LIV in India.