Southampton will play Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley

Southampton's reward for beating Premier League leaders Arsenal is a semi-final against the second-placed team, Manchester City, at Wembley.

As difficult as Saturday night's tie against Arsenal was, Manchester City will be an even sterner test for Tonda Eckert's side.

History is not on Southampton's side

History is not on Southampton's side. The last time the two teams met in the FA Cup was in 2021-22 at the quarter-final stage. The Saints lost at St Mary's 4-1 after being level at half-time.

Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, and Riyad Mahrez were on target for City. Southampton's goal came via an Aymeric Laporte own goal.

The two teams have met only twice in the competition during the Premier League era. In 2006-07, Southampton lost 3-1 at the City of Manchester Stadium (now the Etihad) in the fourth round.

Kenwyne Jones put the Saints ahead in the first half, but goals from Darius Vassell, Joey Barton, and DaMarcus Beasley were enough to knock Southampton out.

City have a good FA Cup pedigree

Manchester City have won the FA Cup seven times in their history, most recently in 2022/23 when the Sky Blues beat Manchester United 2-1.

Their seven victories in the competition began in 1904 when they beat Bolton Wanderers 1-0 at the Crystal Palace, although Bolton got their revenge in the 1926 cup final at Wembley.

Pompey were vanquished in the 1934 cup final, but the final City will be remembered for more than any other was the 1956 final. City's goalkeeper Bert Trautmann famously broke his neck but continued to play on as City toppled Birmingham City 3-1.

Their 1968 FA Cup win over Leicester City came a season after they lifted the First Division title in 1967. That was City's second title.

All of City's other FA Cup wins have come in the Premier League era. 42 years separated their victory over Stoke and the 1969 win over Leicester.

Under Pep Guardiola, Manchester City have been the most consistent trophy winners in the Premier League. They will be formidable opponents for Southampton in the semi-final.

Matches will be played on 25th and 26th April.