Manchester City host Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final at the Etihad Stadium, a match widely regarded as the standout tie of the round, according to multiple reports. The exact date and time for this fixture remains uncertain due to Champions League scheduling conflicts, with multiple reports indicating it is not expected to take place at 4pm on Sunday. This high-profile encounter headlines a weekend that will determine the semi-finalists, with all matches to be played without replays this season, according to multiple reports.
Manchester City enter this match in strong form, having lifted the Carabao Cup before the international break after beating Arsenal in the final, according to multiple reports. City have won five of their last seven home matches, with their only setback coming against Real Madrid following Bernardo Silva's red card, according to multiple reports. The club advanced to the quarter-finals by beating Newcastle 3-1 in the FA Cup fifth round, according to multiple reports, and they bring considerable cup pedigree having won the FA Cup in 2023 and been beaten finalists in 2024, according to research.
Liverpool approach the quarter-final amid concerning form, having been beaten 3-1 by Brighton ahead of the international break, according to multiple reports. The Reds have lost three of their last four away matches in all competitions, including defeats to Brighton, Galatasaray, and Wolves, according to multiple reports. Liverpool's defensive vulnerabilities have been highlighted by their concession of eight Premier League goals in the 90th minute or later this season, their highest total in a single campaign, while their games have seen over 2.5 goals in five of their last seven matches, according to multiple reports.
Injury concerns compound Liverpool's challenges, with goalkeeper Alisson expected to miss at least the next four matches and targeting a return towards the end of the season, according to Liverpool boss Arne Slot. Alisson himself posted on social media that he did not suffer a new injury and plans to be in full playing condition by the end of April. The Reds are also missing Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, and Wataru Endo through injury, with Jeremie Frimpong a fitness check, though Mohamed Salah is fit and available according to Slot, while Alexander Isak is back in training but may not be ready to start.
Recent history favors Manchester City in this fixture, with multiple reports confirming they have already beaten Liverpool twice in the league this season, including a 3-0 victory at the Etihad. In their FA Cup quarter-final meeting, Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick and Antoine Semenyo also netted in Manchester City's win over Liverpool, according to multiple reports. This head-to-head dominance adds psychological weight to a match that could hinge on individual performances from key players like Haaland and Salah.
Southampton will host Arsenal in another quarter-final after beating Fulham 1-0 in the FA Cup fifth round thanks to a late penalty from Ross Stewart. The Saints represent the only other non top-flight side remaining in the competition alongside Port Vale, according to research from two sources. Their cup run now faces its toughest test against Premier League opposition, with the specific scores and details of this quarter-final match yet to be determined.
Arsenal advanced to this stage by beating Mansfield Town 2-1 in the FA Cup fifth round through goals by Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze, according to multiple reports. The Gunners have avoided drawing a Premier League side for the fourth consecutive time in the FA Cup, having previously beaten Portsmouth, Wigan Athletic, and Mansfield Town in earlier rounds, according to research. Arsenal most recently won the FA Cup in 2020, according to research, and will be looking to reclaim the trophy after several years.
Southampton strengthened their squad in the January transfer window by signing Cyle Larin and Daniel Peretz, according to multiple reports. Larin has made an immediate impact with four goals in 11 appearances for the Saints, providing additional attacking threat as they prepare to face Arsenal. The current status of injuries and player availability for both Southampton and Arsenal ahead of their quarter-final match remains unclear.
West Ham booked their FA Cup quarter-final place by beating Brentford on penalties after a 2-2 draw, setting up a match against Leeds United. Leeds United have reached this stage of the competition for the first time since 2003, according to research, marking a historic achievement for the Championship side.
West Ham have lost just three of their last 13 matches in all competitions, according to multiple reports, showing improved form under their manager. Leeds beat West Ham 2-1 when the sides met in the league earlier this season, according to multiple reports, though the Yorkshire club have won only four of their last 13 matches across league and cup. Leeds advanced to the quarter-finals by beating Norwich 3-0 in the FA Cup fifth round, according to multiple reports, and will face West Ham in what promises to be a competitive encounter.
Chelsea will host Port Vale in the quarter-finals after beating Wrexham 4-2 in extra time in the FA Cup fifth round, according to multiple reports. Port Vale advanced to this stage with a shock 1-0 victory over Sunderland in the fifth round, with Ben Waine scoring the decisive goal. The League One club represents the lowest-ranked team remaining in the competition, being bottom of their division, which adds a classic underdog narrative to their quarter-final against Chelsea.
Chelsea were defeated finalists in the FA Cup in 2022, according to research, and will be aiming to go one better this season. The Blues have already learned their potential semi-final opponent, with Leeds set to face Chelsea if both teams advance, according to multiple reports. The specific scores and details of Chelsea's quarter-final match against Port Vale will be determined this weekend.
The FA Cup quarter-final ties will be played over the weekend of April 4-5, with the semi-finals scheduled for Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26 at Wembley, according to multiple reports. The final will take place on May 16 at Wembley, capping a tournament that has seen significant format changes including no replays in any full rounds this season, according to multiple reports. The exact dates and times for the semi-final matches at Wembley have not been specified beyond the weekend dates.
Broadcasting changes have occurred with HBO Max becoming the new home for TNT Sports in the UK as of late March 2026, replacing Discovery+ as the primary streaming platform, according to multiple reports. Crystal Palace, the FA Cup holders, were knocked out in the third round by Macclesfield, according to multiple reports, ending their defense early. Richard Riakporhe, a Crystal Palace fan who attended their FA Cup final win over Manchester City last year according to his own account, is challenging Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva for the British heavyweight title on Saturday, April 11 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The FA Cup quarter-final draw took place at the London Stadium ahead of West Ham vs. Brentford, with ex-England internationals Joe Hart and Joe Cole drawing the balls, according to multiple reports. This set the stage for the weekend's matches, though uncertainty remains about several match details including exact kickoff times. The tournament has already seen surprises, with Crystal Palace's early exit and Port Vale's advancement creating unexpected narratives.
According to other sources, the FA Cup semifinals have been drawn, though specific matchups beyond Chelsea vs Leeds remain unclear. Other reports suggest big clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool were eliminated from the FA Cup tournament, though this appears to reference earlier rounds rather than current status. Additional low-confidence claims indicate Manchester City and Chelsea impressed and advanced to the semifinals, Leeds United is Gabriel Gudmundsson's team, and the semifinals will be played later in the spring, though these details lack confirmation from established sources. The competition continues to captivate with its blend of elite clashes and underdog stories, though many details about specific match outcomes and player availability remain unknown as teams prepare for the quarter-finals.