Ultimate guide to FA Cup semis: City to excel Brighton, Wolves and Watford ready for war
Watford vs Wolves
Watford
Watford ready for their trip to Wembley with a 4-1 triumph over Fulham that confirmed the Cottagers will be relegated. After reaching a club record Premier League points tally of 46, manager Javi Gracia said:
«To win was the best way to prepare for the next game. In the second half, we felt better. More possession, more chances, scoring more goals. It was the key to winning the game»
Watford beated Wolves 2-0 at Molineux in the league back in October. In the Cup they won away at Woking, Newcastle and QPR before edging out Crystal Palace 2-1 at Vicarage Road. The Hornets always look capable of causing problems up front, so a draw is another tempting option.
Watford road to Wembley. A thing to remember
Wolves
Wolves travel to Wembley on a high feeling after a 2-1 comeback vs Manchester United in the Premier League on Tuesday night. Wanderers also beat the Devils in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and Nuno Espirito Santo said:
«Two very good results against such a good team requires a lot and the boys worked very well. I’m pleased with the performance, that’s what is important. To do it twice makes the effort worthwhile. It’s not easy to play against Man United»
Wolves began their campaign with a 2-1 triumph over Liverpool, before needing a replay to see off Shrewsbury and then finally beating Bristol City 1-0.
They are at their best when making the pressure against better teams and striking before the break, but this could be more of a cagey contest. Just watch an epic W vs Manchester United:
The Odds are
- Watford win at 2.94
- Draw at normal time 3.34
- Wolves to win at 2.61
Manchester City vs Brighton
Manchester City
City had to survive the scare when coming from 2-0 down with just over 20 minutes left to excel Swansea 3-2 in the quarter-finals. There was a hint of good fortune about a soft penalty decision that helped them draw level, while Sergio Aguero appeared to be just offside for the decider. Never mind< a win is a win.
However, the character, self-belief and boldness shown at Liberty Stadium still shone through and there is clearly a steely determination to pick up all four major trophies available. Guardiola said:
«The players are not stupid, about the fact we’re trying something so difficult to achieve…but mentally they are ready»
City had previously allowed Newport to grab a consolation goal in the fifth round but were earlier ruthless in beating Rotherham 7-0 and Burnley 5-0.
An epic comeback vs the Swans
Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton began their FA Cup campaign with a fine 3-1 success at Bournemouth in round three, but they have since been pushed hard by Championship opposition.
The Seagulls needed a replay and extra-time before finally getting the better of West Brom, before edging out Derby 2-1 on home turf. Albion were then taken all the way to penalties by Millwall at The Den, but held their nerve to secure a first semi-final appearance since 1983. Chris Hughton:
«I think that was what you call a proper cup tie. But it’s about character and we had a group of players that decided they desperately wanted to stay in this competition»
Hughton has made some pivotal substitutions in this competition, highlighting an improved strength in depth this term. However, they have failed to score before the interval in three of their last four FA Cup fixtures and may face a similar fate here.
How Brighton Reached their second FA Cup Semi Final
The Odds are
- City win at 1.141
- Draw at normal time at 9.40
- Brighton to win at 25.00
Ready to roar?