FA Cup semis: Southampton, underdogs, face City; Chelsea vs Leeds on tap
Southampton’s fairy tale continues as they take on Manchester City in the FA Cup semis this weekend, while Chelsea and Leeds clash Sunday. All eyes on the BBC for live broadcasts and radio coverage.
The FA Cup semifinals are set to deliver drama this weekend, with Southampton—football’s ultimate underdogs—facing seven-time winners Manchester City on Saturday at 5:15 p.m. BST. The Championship side has defied odds to reach the final four, marking the first time a second-tier club has done so since 1980.
The second semifinal pits Chelsea against Leeds United at 3 p.m. BST Sunday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Both ties will be broadcast live across BBC platforms, with radio coverage on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds, while digital highlights roll out Sunday night at 10:30 p.m. BST.
| Match | Date & Time (BST) | Broadcast |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester City vs Southampton | Saturday, April 25, 5:15 p.m. | BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website/app |
| Chelsea vs Leeds United | Sunday, April 26, 3 p.m. | BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website/app |
Southampton’s journey has captivated neutrals, but Pep Guardiola’s City remain favorites with a squad stacked with world-class talent. The Saints, managed by Russell Martin, will need a near-flawless performance to upset the odds.
📋 By The Numbers
- 26 — Years since a non-Premier League team last reached the semifinals
- 7 — FA Cup titles won by Manchester City
- 0 — FA Cup semifinals appearances by Southampton in their history
For fans unable to tune in live, BBC Sounds will offer full radio commentaries, while BBC Sport’s website and app provide live text updates. Highlights packages will be available on BBC iPlayer and social media channels, ensuring no one misses a moment.
Key Points
- ✅ Southampton’s historic run under Martin’s leadership
- ⚡ Chelsea vs Leeds offers a London-vs-North West clash
- 💡 BBC to broadcast all action live across TV, radio, and digital
TNT Sports and HBO Max will also carry the semifinals in select regions, expanding global access. Social media feeds will buzz with real-time reactions, making this a weekend of football fever.
💡 Pro Tip
Set up BBC Sounds alerts on your smart speaker for instant updates during the matches—no scrolling required.
The FA Cup semifinals have always been a stage for the unexpected, and this year’s lineup is no exception. With Southampton’s grit and City’s class colliding, and a London derby rounding out the weekend, the drama is guaranteed.
- Manchester City vs Southampton — Saturday, 5:15 p.m., BBC One
- Chelsea vs Leeds United — Sunday, 3 p.m., BBC One
- Live radio — BBC Radio 5 Live and local stations
- Highlights — Sunday, 10:30 p.m., BBC iPlayer and social media
The semifinals kick off a week that could rewrite FA Cup history, with underdogs and giants all vying for a spot in the final.