Man City vs Southampton Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2025-26 English FA Cup | Semi-Final
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Manchester City are on the hunt for another domestic treble as the Cityzens take on Championship promotion chasers Southampton at Wembley Stadium.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – BBC & TNT Sports / USA – ESPN+
How to watch online: UK – BBC iPlayer & HBO Max / Cannot be streamed / USA – ESPN+
Man City preview: Pushing for the treble
Manchester City come into this one on the back of getting themselves to the top-of-the-table in the Premier League, for the time being, as they defeated Burnley by a goal to nil at Turf Moor, courtesy of an early winner scored by Erling Braut Haaland.
Their current winning streak, which began by defeating Arsenal in the EFL Cup final last month, is now at five matches, having also beaten the Gunners in the Premier League after victories against Chelsea and Liverpool more than comfortably.
Southampton preview: Saints on the march
In midweek, Southampton shared a 2-2 draw with Bristol City at St Mary’s, pegging them back in the race for automatic promotion in the Championship ahead of an enormous clash with fellow contenders Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Tuesday.
Since mid-January, the Saints have been magnificent with victories over Premier League sides Fulham and Arsenal in this run to Wembley contributing to what is now a run of 20 matches without a defeat across all competitions.
Man City team news: Rodri a doubt
2024 Ballon d'Or winner Rodri missed out in midweek, having rediscovered some form and rhythm of late, but Pep Guardiola did say he could be available for this weekend.
It wouldn't be a massive surprise to see a hint of rotation, even in a semi-final, with Phil Foden potentially getting a start, perhaps ahead of the in-form Rayan Cherki.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Trafford; Nunes, Khusanov, Ake, Ait-Nouri; Rodri, O'Reilly; Silva, Foden, Semenyo; Haaland
Unavailable: Dias (Injured), Gvardiol (Injured)
Questionable: Rodri (Injured)
Southampton team news: Matsuki fighting Fellows
Southampton can name the same team that defeated Arsenal in the quarter-finals but Kuryu Matsuki is fighting hard to take the spot of Tom Fellows and may well get the nod.
The visitors do have a couple of confirmed absentees for this one, though, albeit not necessarily big ones, as Alex McCarthy remains sidelined alongside Mads Roerslev.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Peretz; Bree, Harwood-Bellis, Wood, Manning; Downes, Charles; Matsuki, Azaz, Scienza; Archer
Unavailable: McCarthy (Injured), Roerslev (Injured)
Questionable:
Man City vs Southampton prediction
That crucial contest with Ipswich may well distract Southampton from what remains a marquee day out for supporters. They have shown they can beat the best, or close to, in England with their victory over Arsenal but, on the big stage, this is a City side that know how to win and when to raise their game and, even if City do rotate slightly, it is still expected to be a comfortable City win.
Man City vs Southampton tip: Man City to win -1 handicap
