The FA Cup semi-finals are shaping up to be a thrilling affair, with several teams vying for their first-ever title or a chance to end a lengthy drought.
Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, and Preston North End are all in contention, with Manchester City being the only traditional powerhouse remaining in the competition.
Palace breezed into the semi-finals with a 3-0 win over Fulham, while Forest edged Brighton on penalties. Bournemouth faces a tough task against Manchester City on Sunday, while Preston North End takes on Aston Villa.
Former Middlesbrough and Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer believes every team left in the draw has a chance. “Manchester City will be a really tough one for Bournemouth, but if that does go in Bournemouth’s favor, then all of a sudden the draw looks very different,” Schwarzer said.
The possibility of a new winner is exciting, with Schwarzer adding, “It would be a draw where a team could potentially win their first-ever major trophy and certainly the FA Cup.”
Preston North End is looking to achieve something no team has managed in 45 years – winning the FA Cup as a team playing outside the top flight. The last team to do so was West Ham in 1980.
The FA Cup semi-finals are set to take place, with the possibility of a new winner or a team ending a lengthy drought. Will this be the year for a surprise winner?
FA Cup Set for Potential New Winner as Draw Unfolds
