Gonzalez stunner completes late Manchester City turnaround to crush Southampton’s FA Cup dreams

Gonzalez stunner completes late Manchester City turnaround to crush Southampton’s FA Cup dreams Last updated 25 April 2026 7:56pm BST Save Share article Log in or Subscribe Copy link X Icon twitter Facebook Icon facebook WhatsApp Icon whatsapp email Add us as preferred source Add us as preferred source Copy link X Icon twitter Facebook Icon facebook WhatsApp Icon whatsapp email Nico Gonzalez celebrates scoring Manchester City’s late go-ahead goal against Southampton Credit: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images Alex Connor live updates. Mike McGrath. Jim White at Wembley Last updated 25 April 2026 7:56pm BST Save Share article Log in or Subscribe Copy link X Icon twitter Facebook Icon facebook WhatsApp Icon whatsapp email Add us as preferred source Add us as preferred source Copy link X Icon twitter Facebook Icon facebook WhatsApp Icon whatsapp email Pep Guardiola orchestrated this FA Cup semi-final wearing a bespoke hoodie emblazoned with “P” on his chest to commemorate 10 years at Manchester City. He has now led the club to a 24th appearance at Wembley. Having a self-inspired fashion collection feels more fitting of a manager who has already left the building. Some believe this could be Guardiola’s final season and if that is the case, he has made the national stadium a second home for City. Etihad South, it has been called.  Puma’s hoodies with Guardiola’s initial are “inspired by the most iconic moments of his reign” and Nico González added to those with his winner here, finding the top corner when extra-time was in sight after Jérémy Doku had cancelled out Finn Azaz’s opener.   Nico Gonzalez scores a stunning goal, and it could be a huge moment at Wembley ⚡ 📺 Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/llUcAmH8tu — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 25, 2026 There are bigger battles for City in the next month, with a Premier League title within their sights after looking unlikely at the start of the year when they could not string victories together.  Nobody at that stage would have thought that they would compete for a domestic Treble.  But here they are, still waiting to hit top form. Guardiola was slumped in his chair sipping water when Azaz scored, but eventually his decisions turned the game – bringing on the cavalry after a Cup shock looked a possibility.  Wonder goal from Azaz and Southampton lead 1-0 at Wembley ⚽ 📺 Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/ZZ3rBPYBSA — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 25, 2026 He did not particularly want to bring on Bernardo Silva or Doku on, yet those first-choice players were on the pitch to turn this tie around. They can look unconvincing at times and this might be why there are wild celebrations after victories.  They had to battle past a Southampton team who have finally been beaten after a long unbeaten run in the Championship. City’s players were tested and Guardiola will be thankful that some of his fringe players have been given such an examination. It could be needed in the next month during squeaky bum time in the title race.   Latest updates Alex Connor live updates. Mike McGrath. Jim White at Wembley 7:52PM Guardiola also speaks to TNT Sports Link copied to clipboard "It's phenomenal." ✅ Pep Guardiola reacts as Manchester City become the first side ever to reach four consecutive FA Cup finals 🏆 📺 Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/8zHew69itO — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 25, 2026 7:43PM Winning goal-scorer Gonzalez talks to TNT Sports Link copied to clipboard "We still had confidence in winning because we have so many good players up front." 💬 Nico Gonzalez reacts after scoring a brilliant goal at Wembley ⚽ 📺 Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/T2VxDXsTj7 — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 25, 2026 7:30PM Man City still on course for a domestic treble this season Link copied to clipboard Following Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Newcastle United this evening, Man City have dropped to second in the Premier League, but have a game in hand on the title-chasing Gunners. Man City could still win a domestic treble this season 🏆🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/ZxPw1Ne1CI — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 25, 2026 7:28PM Commiserations to Southampton Link copied to clipboard An FA Cup run, which yielded victories over Fulham and Arsenal, ends at the semi-final stage for Southampton, who have suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat against Man City at Wembley. A cup run and a team to be proud of 💛 pic.twitter.com/UFnCg1SuUZ — Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) April 25, 2026 This team 👏 pic.twitter.com/s0vih0OoBV — Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) April 25, 2026 7:26PM Doku reacts to Man City’s dramatic victory Link copied to clipboard "What a game… the last 15 or 20 minutes were unbelievable." 💬 Jeremy Doku reacts as Man City go through to the FA Cup final 💪 📺 Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/jIFdu14nty — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 25, 2026 7:18PM Man City reach another FA Cup final Link copied to clipboard It's four FA Cup finals in a row for Pep Guardiola and Man City 👏 pic.twitter.com/hoGuccR1K7 — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 25, 2026 7:13PM FT: Man City 2 Southampton 1 Link copied to clipboard Man City squeeze into the FA Cup final in extraordinary circumstances. Southampton appeared to be on the verge of an incredible upset, when Azaz curled in a sumptuous 79th-minute effort into the top corner to open the scoring. However, Man City didn’t panic and equalised a few moments later through Doku’s deflected strike. Man City’s comeback was complete in the 87th minute, when Gonzalez powered a thunderous shot into the top corner. What a game at Wembley. The Southampton players look gutted but can be incredibly proud of their defiant performance. Guardiola’s side will play either Chelsea or Leeds United in the FA Cup final on 16th May. Full-time scenes as Man City become the first side ever to reach four consecutive FA Cup finals 🏆 📺 Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/amv73a0kC8 — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 25, 2026 7:10PM 90+4: Man City 2 Southampton 1 Link copied to clipboard Can Man City hold on and protect their slender advantage? Southampton have pushed them every step of the way. 7:07PM 90+1: Man City 2 Southampton 1 Link copied to clipboard Unreal defending from Matsuki. Southampton have a corner and it’s cleared by Man City. Doku then beats Peretz to the ball on the halfway line, but the winger takes it too wide and can’t get a shot off. Southampton chase back and Doku tees up Savinho, whose near post effort is heroically cleared off the line by Matsuki. How have Manchester City not scored there?! 😮 📺 Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/wYHAz59KFp — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 25, 2026 7:02PM GOAL! Gonzalez puts Man City in front with a thunderous effort Link copied to clipboard This game is the gift that keeps on giving. Gonzalez picks the ball up and from an incredibly long distance, he unleashes a screamer which flies into the top corner. Peretz simply has no chance. The Man City midfielder hits it with so much power that he almost takes the net off. What a breathless finale to this game. Nico Gonzalez scores a stunning goal, and it could be a huge moment at Wembley ⚡ 📺 Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/llUcAmH8tu — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 25, 2026 Whatever Southampton can do, City can do better. What a cracker of a goal that was from Nico Gonzalez, spanked from outside the box, requiring neither deviation nor deflection as it sped into the top corner. Finally class tells.  7:02PM 85 min: Man City 1 Southampton 1 Link copied to clipboard Silva enters the action for Man City, replacing Reijnders. A couple minutes earlier, Matsuki had a fierce shot tipped over by Trafford. 6:59PM GOAL! City reply almost instantly through Doku Link copied to clipboard City are back on level terms just a few minutes later. Doku chops inside and dribbles into a central position before shooting. His effort takes a wicked deflection off Bree and agonisingly trickles into the bottom corner. Doku fires Manchester City level at Wembley ⚡ 📺 Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/pCUo4BDuzC — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 25, 2026 6:54PM GOAL! Azaz curls an incredible effort into the top corner Link copied to clipboard What a finish from Azaz, who opens the scoring for Southampton in unbelievable fashion. Southampton have been camped inside their penalty area for the entirety of this second half, but finally get forward through Matsuki. The substitute plays a pass behind Azaz. The playmaker turns, takes a touch, before curling an extraordinary shot into the top corner. Southampton fans are in dreamland and the FA Cup final now feels within touching distance. Wonder goal from Azaz and Southampton lead 1-0 at Wembley ⚽ 📺 Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/ZZ3rBPYBSA — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 25, 2026 Well that’s changed things. After a masterclass in the enduring art of the block and the intervention, the last minute tackle and the never say die resolve, Southampton produce a thing of beauty to take the lead. Finn Azaz’s screamer of a shot from outside the area is already as embossed on Southampton memories as Bobby Stokes’s winner in fifty years ago. 6:53PM 76 min: Man City 0 Southampton 0 Link copied to clipboard Welington foes down and takes his shin-pad off, signalling that he has an injury. As a result, he’s withdrawn for Matsuki.  6:52PM 75 min: Man City 0 Southampton 0 Link copied to clipboard Can Haaland make the difference for Man City at Wembley? Erling Haaland replaces Omar Marmoush as Manchester City continue their hunt for a goal Credit: BEN STANSALL/AFP 6:49PM 72 min: Man City 0 Southampton 0 Link copied to clipboard Charles’ careless pass is intercepted and Man City pounce. Cherki plays in Gonzalez, whose thunderous effort is saved by Peretz. Cherki then has a shot blocked and appeals for a penalty, before Reijnders slides a strike narrowly wide. Charles will be the most relieved man in the stadium.  6:46PM 71 min: Man City 0 Southampton 0 Link copied to clipboard Here he is. Haaland comes to a huge roar as he replaces Marmoush. O’Reilly also enters the action, coming on for Ait-Nouri. Guardiola is throwing everything at Southamptom now.  6:44PM 69 min: Man City 0 Southampton 0 Link copied to clipboard We are still waiting for our first goal in this FA Cup semi-final. Battling 💪 Who will break the deadlock? 🔓 pic.twitter.com/IfV7OdG8fy — Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) April 25, 2026 6:42PM 67 min: Man City 0 Southampton 0 Link copied to clipboard It’s wave after wave of Man City pressure at the moment. Harwood-Bellis is the latest Southampton player to put his body on the line as he brilliantly tackles Ait-Nouri inside the penalty area. 6:39PM 64 min: Man City 0 Southampton 0 Link copied to clipboard Southampton can’t clear a Man City and the ball eventually breaks to Savinho, who aims for the far bottom corner with a powerful curling effort. However, Peretz is alert and does well to make the save and push the ball out of danger. 6:38PM 63 min: Man City 0 Southampton 0 Link copied to clipboard Marmoush is so close to an opener... Cherki dribbles into the box and works some space with his superb trickery. He slides a cross to the back post. Marmoush throws himself as it, but it’s just out of his reach. Southampton are clinging on at the moment. 6:36PM 60 min: Man City 0 Southampton 0 Link copied to clipboard Doku’s defence-splitting pass plays in Ait-Nouri, who tees up Marmoush. From inside the penalty area, the attacker gets the shot completely wrong and he hits an effort over the bar. Marmoush is off balance and completely miscues his finish. Southampton make a double change as Larin and Charles replace Stewart and Bragg. 6:34PM 59 min: Man City 0 Southampton 0 Link copied to clipboard Doku instantly makes an impact as he draws the attention of two Southampton defenders, giving Reijnders some space to drift into. The midfielder shoots, bending a curling effort for the far corner, but his strike flies just wide. 6:33PM 58 min: Man City 0 Southampton 0 Link copied to clipboard Unbelievable defending from Wood, who makes two huge blocks to deny Cherki and Nunes. Man City also make their two changes, with Doku and Savinho replacing Foden and Kovacic. 6:31PM 56 min: Man City 0 Southampton 0 Link copied to clipboard There is activity on Guardiola’s bench, with some imminent Man City changes coming up. 6:29PM 54 min: Man City 0 Southampton 0 Link copied to clipboard What a touch from Kovacic, who kickstarts a Man City attack by releasing Marmoush. The Egyptian draws a foul off Harwood-Bellis, but Man City don’t make the most of the free kick, which Southampton comfortably clear.  6:27PM 52 min: Man City 0 Southampton 0 Link copied to clipboard Marmoush has to pick someone out there... Once again, he makes a piecing run and breaches the Southampton defence. The forward gets to the byline, but can’t find Cherki or Marmoush with his cross. Cherki then picks up the ball on the right, drives into the penalty area and flashes a dangerous delivery across goal. Man City are applying pressure to Southampton at the start of this second half. 6:24PM 49 min: Man City 0 Southampton 0 Link copied to clipboard Ait-Nouri does amazingly to juggle the ball and dribble into Southampton’s box. He tries to tee up Reijnders, but he’s smothered by the Southampton defence. Marmoush then latches onto a long ball, before his low effort is blocked. 6:22PM 47 min: Man City 0 Southampton 0 Link copied to clipboard Early chance for Southampton in the second half as Azaz touches the ball into Fellows’ path. The winger sprints into the penalty area, but Ake does brilliantly to track back and make the sliding tackle before Fellows can shoot. Early chance for Southampton after the break, but a strong tackle from Ake stops the danger 💪 📺 Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/vdFZYpxToW — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 25, 2026 6:21PM 46 min: Man City 0 Southampton 0 Link copied to clipboard We are back under way for the second half. Both sides are unchanged at the break. How long will Guardiola wait before introducing some substitutes? 6:14PM Man City’s star-studded bench waiting in the wings Link copied to clipboard For all Southampton’s determined aggression, their excellent tackling, their absolute refusal to be overawed, one significant problem remains for them. And it is not that on the pitch. They have coped with aplomb with everything City have thrown on them thus far. It is what lurks on the bench. Bernardo Silva, Jeremy Doku, Erling Haaland: it is surely only a matter of time before Pep Guardiola, losing patience with his second string, brings on the cavalry.  6:04PM HT: Man City 0 Southampton 0 Link copied to clipboard It’s half-time at Wembley, with score locked in at 0-0 between Man City and Southampton. A much-changed City have really struggled to find any rhythm. Southampton have done excellently to neutralise the threats of Cherki, Foden and Marmoush. Eckert’s men have also shown promise going forward, with Scienza having an early goal ruled out for offside. Man City are waiting to unlock Southampton, who have produced a highly-competitive first half performance. This match is so finely-poised as we await the second half. Tonda Eckert will undoubtedly be the happier manager at half-time Credit: Matt Watson/Southampton FC 6:02PM 45 min: Man City 0 Southampton 0 Link copied to clipboard Foden dances into the penalty area, but Southampton swarm the Man City man and stop him from unleashing a shot. When Guardiola’s side have had the ball out wide, they’ve really missed Haaland. There is no physical presence in the box. Cherki and Foden have struggled to find any space between Southampton’s midfield and defence. 6:00PM 44 min: Man City 0 Southampton 0 Link copied to clipboard Nunes is back on and he’s going to give it a go. Khusanov is warming up and is ready to be called into action if needed. 5:58PM 41 min: Man City 0 Southampton 0 Link copied to clipboard There is a break in play here as Nunes is down with an injury. Man City aren’t taking any chances and Khusanov looks like he is ready to enter the action. Whilst Nunes receives treatment, both sides get instructions from their managers. 5:56PM 38 min: Man City 0 Southampton 0 Link copied to clipboard Guardiola has cut an anxious figure at various points in this first half. Man City have been far from their best. Manchester City have struggled against Southampton in this first half Credit: VINCE MIGNOTT/Shutterstock Editorial 5:52PM 35 min: Man City 0 Southampton 0 Link copied to clipboard Kovacic plays in Marmoush, who sneaks in behind the Southampton defence. From a tight angle, the Man City forward shoots, but Peretz covers his near post well to make the save. Man City then recycle a corner and they clip a cross towards an unmarked Reijnders at the back post. The attacking midfielder attempts an audacious overhead kick, but it flies out for a goal kick. Daniel Peretz at his near post to deny Omar Marmoush 👊 📺 @BBCMOTD, @footballontnt and @SportsonMax pic.twitter.com/4V6q1L7MnQ — Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) April 25, 2026 5:50PM 33 min: Man City 0 Southampton 0 Link copied to clipboard Southampton’s tackling so far has been the very definition of committed. As exemplified just then by Cameron Bragg’s uncompromising slide in on Omar Marmoush as he sped forward on the counter attack.  5:47PM 30 min: Man City 0 Southampton 0 Link copied to clipboard Southampton full-back Bree swings a menacing cross into the box. Harwood-Bellis could have thrown himself at it, but the delivery drifts out for a goal kick. That’s another half-chance for Eckert’s men, who are applying some notable pressure to Man City. 5:46PM 28 min: Man City 0 Southampton 0 Link copied to clipboard It’s also a massive day for Foden, who has fallen down the pecking order at Man City this season. With Cherki, Doku and Semenyo the first choice attackers to support Haaland in Premier League games, this FA Cup match is a real opportunity for the Englishman, but he’s been non-existent so far. Phil Foden is yet to impact this FA Cup semi-final for Manchester City Credit: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe 5:43PM 27 min: Man City 0 Southampton 0 Link copied to clipboard Southampton can be incredibly proud of their performance in this opening 27 minutes. They’ve defended well, are working determinedly as a unit and have looked dangerous on the counter. Overall, it has been a confident display so far. 5:40PM 24 min: Man City 0 Southampton 0 Link copied to clipboard Cherki tiptoes into the penalty area and shoots, but his strike is blocked by a sea of Southampton bodies. The Man City technician has been relatively quiet so far at Wembley. 5:39PM 22 min: Man City 0 Southampton 0 Link copied to clipboard Scienza floats a cross towards Stewart. It’s just too high for the striker, who is always reaching for the cross as he heads it over the bar.  5:37PM 19 min: Man City 0 Southampton 0 Link copied to clipboard Kovacic drives into the Southampton penalty area and fizzes a powerful low effort across goal. It flashes across the six-yard box. It was begging for a touch. If Haaland was on the pitch he could of had a tap in. 5:33PM 15 min: Man City 0 Southampton 0 Link copied to clipboard That goal is the blueprint for Southampton. They need to hit Man City on the counter by launching the ball up to Stewart, who can hold it up, before bringing runners like Scienza, Azaz and Fellows into play. 5:31PM 12 min: Man City 0 Southampton 0 Link copied to clipboard Southampton score, but the offside flag is up. Their joy is cut short by the linesman. Stewart holds up the ball well and Scienza races through on goal, before calmly slotting his one-on-one effort into the bottom corner. However, the winger was a few yards offside. Southampton think they've taken the lead, but the flag cuts the celebrations short 😔 📺 Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/ChgsbZOmiO — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 25, 2026 Southampton’s fans are momentarily back in 1976. All around the stadium they are bouncing. But Leo Scienza’s neat finish is undermined by the linesman’s flag. And rightly so.  5:27PM 10 min: Man City 0 Southampton 0 Link copied to clipboard Fellows strides forward and threads a pass through towards Jander, who is under pressure from Reijnders. The Southampton midfielder goes down, but there is very little contact and no one appeals for a penalty. 5:25PM 8 min: Man City 0 Southampton 0 Link copied to clipboard Man City have had all the possession in these opening few minutes. They’ve got Southampton camped inside their own half at the moment. 5:23PM 5 min: Man City 0 Southampton 0 Link copied to clipboard How has that not gone in?! Marmoush breaches the Southampton backline and slips a pass through to Reijnders, who slams a close-range effort against the post. There’s a scramble in the six-yard box and Southampton then hook the ball off the line. However, upon the replays, Marmoush was offside, so even if it had gone in for Man City, it wouldn’t have counted. Big chance for Manchester City to go ahead, but the flag eventually goes up 😮 📺 Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/Px5hi8DAeJ — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 25, 2026 5:19PM 2 min: Man City 0 Southampton 0 Link copied to clipboard Stewart and Azaz link up well, and the latter passes to Scienza. The winger crosses the halfway line and you can hear the energy and enthusiasm from the away fans. The attack comes to nothing, but you can see Southampton’s intent. 5:16PM Kick-off Link copied to clipboard Man City get us under way at Wembley. Which side will book the first place in the 2026 FA Cup final?  5:12PM The teams are out Link copied to clipboard Man City and Southampton emerge from the tunnel to an electric reception from both sets of fans. Kick-off is just minutes away. City are back! City are back! Hello! Hello! - reads the massive Tifo at the City end of the stadium, with images of the Gallagher brothers singing. 5:04PM Premier League results Link copied to clipboard Friday 24th April Sunderland 0 Nottingham Forest 5 Saturday 25th April Liverpool 3 Crystal Palace 1 West Ham United 2 Everton 1 Wolverhampton Wanderers 0 Tottenham Hotspur 1  5:01PM Southampton fans out in full force Link copied to clipboard Southampton fans are generating an incredible noise inside Wemley Stadium Credit: Paul Childs/Action Images via Reuters Southampton supporters are enjoying themselves in North London Credit: BEN STANSALL/AFP 4:56PM Southampton in blue and yellow for this Wembley showdown Link copied to clipboard Throwing it back to 1976 🤝@SouthamptonFC will wear their commemorative kit again today, honouring the last time the club lifted the FA Cup 🏆 pic.twitter.com/PboOFrGPrR — Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) April 25, 2026 4:53PM Man City out for their warm up Link copied to clipboard John Stones has not played since early March but captains Man City today Credit: Dylan Martinez/REUTERS Manchester City duo Nico Gonzalez and Rayan Ait-Nouri emerge for the warm up Credit: Dylan Martinez/REUTERS 4:47PM Can Southampton take advantage of Man City’s rotated line-up? Link copied to clipboard Southampton are surfing the nostalgia of their glorious FA Cup victory here at Wembley 50 years ago. They are wearing the same colour change kit as they did that day despite the fact there is no colour clash with City’s sky blue. And the talk among their fans coming up Wembley Way was of history repeating itself. For those of us with longer memories, what was most remarkable about that match 50 years ago was Manchester United’s woeful complacency, half their players were convinced that just turning up would land them the Cup. That is one thing nobody could accuse Pep Guardiola of being. But then you look at the City team selection and you begin to wonder whether those Southampton fans may have a point. 4:40PM Pep Guardiola also speaks to TNT Sports Link copied to clipboard "Definitely so" Pep Guardiola on how additions to his coaching staff give him more energy as a manager 👏@laura_woodsy | TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/LyrFApBror — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 25, 2026 4:38PM Tonda Eckert’s pre-match thoughts Link copied to clipboard "When we have the ball, we need to make sure we are brave enough" Southampton manager Tonda Eckert previews their FA Cup semi-final clash with Man City 🗣 🎙 @Becky_Ives_ | TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/ifp1VxZspI — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 25, 2026 4:36PM Tonda Eckert with one eye on the Championship Link copied to clipboard Southampton are captained by ex-City centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis but Shea Charles, who also came through the Academy at the Etihad Stadium, is on the bench. Tonda Eckert also has a big Championship game on Tuesday when they face promotion rivals Ipswich Town. 4:34PM Pep Guardiola names a heavily rotated line-up Link copied to clipboard Mateo Kovačić is back in the Manchester City team for his first start of the season after suffering an ankle injury. The Croatia midfielder, 31, has come off the bench after recovering from his long-term injury but this is his first start, with Pep Guardiola making sweeping changes from the team that defeated Burnley in midweek. Matheus Nunes, Rayan Aït-Nouri and Rayan Cherki are the only players to keep their place from the Turf Moor win. Erling Haaland is on the bench for City. 4:32PM The teams in full Link copied to clipboard Man City: Trafford, Matheus Luiz, Stones, Ake, Ait Nouri, Gonzalez, Kovacic, Cherki, Reijnders, Foden, Marmoush.  Subs: Donnarumma, Haaland, Doku, Guehi, Silva, Savio, O’Reilly, Khusanov, Lewis.  Southampton: Peretz, Bree, Harwood-Bellis, Wood-Gordon, Welington, Bragg, Jander, Fellows, Azaz, Scienza, Stewart. Subs: Long, Quarshie, Jelert, Charles, Matsuki, Robinson, Archer, Edozie, Larin.  Referee: Craig Pawson. 4:16PM Southampton team news Link copied to clipboard Tonda Eckert has named six alterations to the side which drew 2-2 with Bristol City in midweek. Leo Scienza starts on the wing, while Welington, Cameron Bragg and Casper Jander are also in the line-up. Flynn Downes and Ryan Manning are both suspended, while Jack Stephens isn’t fit enough to make the squad. Your YELLOWS 💛 pic.twitter.com/hjjRLMB4T2 — Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) April 25, 2026 4:15PM Man City team news Link copied to clipboard Pep Guardiola has dipped into his tremendously deep squad and made eight changes to the team which squeezed past Burnley.  John Stones captains the side, with the likes of James Trafford, Phil Foden and Omar Marmoush all starting. The Spanish coach has an immensely talented bench to fall back on, with players such as Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku, Bernardo Silva and Nico O’Reilly amongst the substitutes.  Man City are without Rodri, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol, who are all missing with injuries.  Lining up at Wembley 🫡 XI | Trafford, Nunes, Stones (C), Ake, Ait-Nouri, Nico, Kovacic, Reijnders, Cherki, Foden, Marmoush SUBS | Donnarumma, Haaland, Doku, Guéhi, Bernardo, Savinho, O'Reilly, Khusanov, Lewis 🤝 @etihad pic.twitter.com/SNJkq2dAob — Manchester City (@ManCity) April 25, 2026 4:06PM Tonda Eckert has been an inspired appointment for Southampton Link copied to clipboard The German coach took temporary over Southampton back in November, with the club just one place above the relegation zone in the Championship. The following month, he was appointed on a permanent basis. Now, Southampton are firmly in contention for the play-offs and have this FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City. Telegraph Football Reporter Mike McGrath analyses Southampton’s rise under the 33-year-old. Manager Tonda Eckert has turned Southampton’s around in style Credit: Andrew Matthews/PA 3:58PM Their paths to this stage Link copied to clipboard Man City Third round: Man City 10 Exeter City 1 Fourth round: Man City 2 Salford City 0 Fifth round: Newcastle United 1 Man City 3 Quarter-final: Man City 4 Liverpool 0 Southampton Third round: Doncaster 2 Southampton 3 Fourth round: Southampton 2 Leicester City 1 Fifth round: Fulham 0 Southampton 1 Quarter-final: Southampton 2 Arsenal 1 3:51PM The four remaining sides Link copied to clipboard Man City will play Southampton today, with kick-off at 17:15. The other semi-final will see Chelsea face Leeds United at Wembley on Sunday afternoon at 15:00. 17 #EmiratesFACup trophies between our semi-finalists 😮 Who's going to add one more to the collection? 👀 pic.twitter.com/gbf5LHxXQX — Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) April 23, 2026 3:49PM What a glorious setting Link copied to clipboard The stage is set ☀️ pic.twitter.com/CWNVHBhjdu — Manchester City (@ManCity) April 25, 2026 3:45PM Can Southampton cause an upset against Man City? Link copied to clipboard Hello and welcome to our live blog for the first of this season’s FA Cup semi-finals as Manchester City take on Southampton at a sun-soaked Wembley Stadium. It’s the business end of the season, and Pep Guardiola’s sky blue machine is purring. Man City head into this contest on a five-game winning run, where they’ve collected two victories over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final and the Premier League, while also beating Liverpool, Chelsea and Burnley. Having already ticked the Carabao Cup off their list, Man City are charging towards a domestic treble. They’re now top of the Premier League and are the overwhelming favourites to win the FA Cup as they’re expected to bulldoze Southampton here at Wembley, and whoever gets to the final out of Chelsea and Leeds United. Despite all Guardiola’s glittering success at Man City, this season’s FA Cup is an opportunity for redemption after losing the competition’s last two finals against Manchester United and Crystal Palace in 2024 and 2025, respectively. Southampton stand in Man City’s way, and they’re in phenomenal form. Tonda Eckert’s men are on a stunning 20-match unbeaten streak, dating back to January when they lost 2-1 against Hull City. This run has catapulted Southampton into the play-offs as they sit fifth in the Championship. FA Cup victories over top-flight duo Fulham and Arsenal have also been standout moments for the club in 2026, and they enter this fixture with confidence, knowing they’re perfectly capable of causing an upset. While promotion to the Premier League is probably Southampton’s ultimate aim, an unlikely FA Cup triumph would put this current group of players in the history books and etch them into the club’s folklore. This game is an all-conquering force against a team with absolutely nothing to lose. For Man City, trips to Wembley are a regular occurrence and happen each season, while for Southampton, they will dream of an extraordinary upset. Kick-off is at 17:15, with team news on the way shortly.