Man City 1-0 Chelsea – LIVE: Live score, updates and team news as Silva breaks deadlock late on in FA Cup semi-final

City do what City do best – toy with the opposition and keep possession inside their half.

The Chelsea engine room, led by Gallagher is fighting tooth and nail to get it back, but right now City are doing every necessary to run down the clock.

Will this be the goal that sends City one step closer to a domestic double?

Chelsea fans must have thought that was it!

Ben Chilwell breaks away with his fresh legs off the bench but simply doesn’t have the pace to match Akanji, who recovers brilliantly to cut out his cross.

EIGHT minutes added time. This isn’t over yet!

Pep Guardiola absolutely screams at Foden after the City star needlessly gave the ball away with an ambitious pass.

Both sides make changes in the aftermath, with Chilwell coming on to replace Cucurella and Sterling gracing the pitch for Fernandez.

Meanwhile for City, Bobb comes on for Alvarez.

De Bruyne is booked by Michael Oliver for a bad foul on Fernandez.

GOAL FOR MANCHESTER CITY!

De Bruyne unlocks the Chelsea defence with a clever run to the byline and drills a cross to the back post, which first evades Alvarez, but Bernardo Silva is there to take a touch and calmly slot the ball home.

City launch a period of extended pressure, camping in and around the opposition’s penalty area as they so often love to, before finding Alvarez inside the penalty area.

The Argentine can only just get a snapshot off, however, and his effort fires over the crossbar.

Neither striker on the pitch today has had their shooting boots on.

Ortega returns to his feet, okay to continue, but Pochettino takes the opportunity to make some changes.

Madueke and Gusto head to the bench, with Mudryk and Disasi coming on to replace them.

Cucurella shows excellent desire to pinch the ball off Foden and allows Gallagher to spark an attack, finding Madueke on the right.

He cuts inside and attempts to play Gusto in, but Akanji does ever so well to put the ball behind for a corner.

In a worrying sign for City, Ortega hits the deck with what appears to be a calf issue. He’d be a big miss for Guardiola should he have to make way.

Gusto goes down in pain and prompts a two-minute stoppage, with physios coming on to asses whether he can carry on.

He heads off before eventually returning to the pitch after Michael Oliver’s approval.

Chelsea find themselves in behind AGAIN – this time with Palmer releasing Caicedo on the right flank – but the £115m cannot find an effort on goal or a meaningful pass to Jackson. His weak effort blazes over the bar.

Moments later, new man Doku has an opening on goal in the box and drills an effort on goal, which is saved by Petrovic.

The City onslaught didn’t slow – and De Bruyne had a chance to whip one into the far corner from just outside the penalty box – but he uncharacterstically fired wide.

Is ANYONE going to score today?

Caicedo – who remember is already on a yellow card – catches Grealish clumsily with a follow through after clearing the ball, and the City star is furious with him.

There’s a short stoppage as Grealish is tended to by the Man City physios – and eventually replaced by substitute Jeremy Doku.

A solid performance from Grealish there. He’ll be disappointed to come up after a bright game so far.

Grealish is tackled on the edge of the area and Palmer instantly releases Jackson in behind, sparking a drag race between him and Walker.

Jackson looks to have beaten Walker for pace but the City star just gets back in time, forcing the striker to tumble to the ground in the penalty area.

He’s desperate for a penalty but replays show there was little contact from Walker and City escape unscathed.

One thing’s for sure… Jackson can put the burners on when he wants to!

Which chance was easier? Let me know in the comments…

Alvarez picks up a yellow card for not retreating as Chelsea attempt to take a quick free kick.

Palmer takes a free kick and Chelsea are SCREAMING for a penalty! His effort hits the City winger on his arm in the defensive wall, but it’s down by his side, and VAR decide not to award a penalty, agreeing with Michael Oliver’s on-field decision.

I think that’s the right decision for me. But let’s see if it spurs Chelsea on…

A good save from Petrovic keeps Chelsea level. Grealish picks up the ball on the left and finds Foden superbly in the middle, who swivels with a snapshot on target.

Petrovic gets down quickly though and pushes the ball away from danger to the relief of all Blues fans in the stadium.

This semi-final is hotting up!

TWO MASSIVE CHANCES FOR JACKSON!

Gallagher threads him through with a great pass and he has another one-on-one to lay the ghost of his first half horror show, but Ortega comfortably gets down to save with a strong left hand.

Seconds later, the ball is fired back into the box and he has a header from point blank range, but it strikes Ortega in the body and City survive without a scratch.

This feels like a big day for Jackson. If Chelsea lose, they won’t forget his misses in a hurry…

Ruben Dias comes on for John Stones at half time.

We’re back underway at Wembley!

England manager Gareth Southgate is at Wembley today, and no doubt he’s there for more than just the entertainment.

The Three Lions boss is currently chewing over his squad for this summer’s European Championships, with Cole Palmer, John Stones, Jack Grealish, Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden and more all vying for a spot on the plane.

A big second half could make all the difference…

Pundits are continuing to wax lyrical about Cole Palmer at half time, despite him not yet finding the scoresheet…

‘There’s no use having the ability and not the right attitude. His attitude is refreshing, his hunger. Every single stat is exceptional. I love what he feels he is and how he feels he belongs in the Premier League. How he had the attitude to say to Pep: “I want to leave because I want to go out and play.” I think that’s a really refreshing attitude because he felt as if he should and does belong on the big stage. His decision has been proven absolutely right because he’s the superstar of this team and the team are looking up to him already at such a young age.’

‘It’s a good conundrum to have [for Southgate]. We’re talking about a player who has been outstanding. What he has on a Foden, he can be just as effective on the right-hand side as well. He’s got that low centre of gravity where he can take players on, link-up play. It’s just a joy to see him from where he was at Manchester City, not getting a kick to being one of the stars of the Premier League.’

With two minutes of added time called at 45 minutes, Chelsea launch a final attack of the half, but the move slows down with Madueke on the right flank, with Ake marshalling him expertly.

Plenty for both managers to ponder at the break, with Chelsea threatening towards the end of the of first half.

Just a minute after fouling Foden, Caicedo picks up a booking for tugging Grealish’s shirt outside the box.

He can have no complaints about that.

Foden and Grealish link up well and probe Chelsea’s penalty area, finding De Bruyne in the middle whose misplaced lay-off to Alvarez breaks down the move.

But Foden, clearly keen to get City back on the front foot, charges back towards the Chelsea back line moments later and forces a foul out of Caicedo – which in truth was a poor one to concede.

Fortunately Foden’s ball from the free-kick is a wasted one, and Chelsea survive.

It’s ALL Chelsea at the moment!

Cucurella and Fernandez play a beautiful one-two to release the Spaniard on the left hand side and he finds Jackson in a glorious position outside the box.

The forward cannot quite make use of the overlap by finding Madueke but works hard to keep the move alive and find Chalobah on the right flank.

The Frenchman cuts it back to Palmer in the penalty area, who chops past Rodri with ease and punches an effort towards the far post, forcing a save out of Ortega.

Pochettino will be delighted by the performance so far – bu this side NEED to be more clinical in front of goal.

Chelsea come close AGAIN but Man City survive with some superb defending.

Chilwell breaks forward as Chelsea get in behind the City defence once again and cuts a ball across to Jackson, but before it can get to the striker Walker manages to recover with some excellent recovery pace.

Madueke keeps the move alove with some bright play and almost fashions an effort on goal, but Stones stands tall to block it and avert the danger.

HUGE chance for Jackson but he doesn’t show anywhere near enough conviction there!

Fernandez does brilliantly to release Jackson in behind with all the time in the world, and the striker opts to take the ball round Ortega, giving the defenders a chance to get back.

By the time he goes to shoot, City’s players have recovered from the break and nullified the threat, much to the disappointment of Chelsea fans.

That move sums up Jackson’s season really… needs to be far more clinical there.

Silva nearly puts City ahead!

Fernandez catches Rodri on the calf and gives De Bruyne a chance to whip in one of his dangerous crosses.

He sends it to the far post towards Ake, who seems for a second as if he’ll get to the cross, but Jackson does well to convert it behind for a corner.

From the subsequent corner, Grealish is found in the box and he lifts a great cross towards Silva, who forces a save out of Petrovic, but Foden is adjudged offside anyway for attempting to head it from an offside position.

City growing into the game well here…

Oh, that was great opening for Chelsea there…

Fernandez looks clean through as Jackson takes the ball off Ake, but he cannot find the right pass and the Argentine is forced to run wide, squandering the opportunity.

They certainly look capable of hurting City this afternoon.

Alvarez dazzles Chelsea’s defence with quick feet in the box and fires an effort with his left foot on goal, but it strikes De Bruyne on the way through and the Belgian is adjudged offside.

• Man City have lost THREE of their last five matches at the semi-final stage.
• City come into the Chelsea fixture on the back of an EIGHT fixture unbeaten run against the Blues.
• City and Chelsea drew both league fixtures this season. Prior to those draws, City had won SIX fixtures in a row against Chelsea, however.
• Chelsea unbeaten in their last EIGHT PL matches.
• This will be Chelsea’s 27th FA Cup final – only Man United (32) and Arsenal (30) have competed in MORE.
• Chelsea have been eliminated from FIVE of their last seven FA Cup fixtures against Man City.

What a move from City and they so nearly take the lead through Foden.

Foden starts the move with a sumptious long ball to Alvarez, who brings it down on a dime, and finds De Bruyne just outside the box.

The Belgian gets his head up and threads one through the Chelsea back line to Foden, who takes it round Petrovic in an effort to score into the open net. But he takes it slightly too far and can only hook it back into the danger area, allowing Cucurella to clear.

Alvarez plays a short corner with De Bruyne and whips a deep cross towards Rodri at the far post, but the midfielder cannot quite direct the ball back into the danger area and Petrovic collects it comfortably.

Shortly after, Jackson pips Alvarez in midfield and finds Palmer just inside the Man City half. The in-form forward has a speculative effort from distance but doesn’t quite catch the ball as he would want to.

It shows he’s in a confident mood though!

Chelsea boast the first effort on goal – and it’s Conor Gallagher who sparks the move with a great tackle.

Quickly after winning the ball in midfield, Gallagher lays it into Palmer, who manages to find Jackson on the left to set up a half chance.

The striker can’t quite get enough power on the effort to test Ortega, and the goalkeeper makes a comfortable save.

Chelsea fans had a minor scare when they noticed Cole Palmer limping in the early stages, but the Blues star seemed more than comfortable during his first run with the ball.

City looking the more positive of the two sides early on, with Pep Guardiola’s side unsurprisingly dominating possession and Kevin De Bruyne picking up dangerous positions on the edge of the area.

Marc Cucurella makes a fast start with a promising run down the left flank, but he’s unable to find Nicolas Jackson in the middle.

Moments later, Julian Alvarez nearly pounces on a sloppy error from the Spaniard, but Thiago Silva spares his team-mates blushes with a great interception.

Michael Oliver blows his whistle and Phil Foden gets us underway at Wembley.

The teams are out on the pitch, the atmosphere is electric – and we’re moments away from kick-off in the FA Cup semi-final.

A six-pointer in every sense of the term, Burnley left Bramall Lane with a genuine hope of survival.

Meanwhile, it’s almost curtains for Sheffield United.

Mail Sport’s ROSS HEPPENSTALL reports.

Brentford break records and, in turn, break Luton hearts…

Mail Sport’s DOMINIC HOGAN reports from Kenilworth Road.

Luton grab a late consolation goal at Kenilworth Road, with Luke Berry netting late in stoppage time.

Stand by for Mail Sport’s report…

Chelsea legend Frank Lampard urged his former side have made ‘small steps’ this season and says they should be confident ahead of facing Man City today.

‘I think small steps is right. It’s been a season for small steps. I’m not surprised with the way the squad has been put together. An eight-game run of not losing, not getting beaten, is good for confidence. Within those games you still see the inconsistency where they can’t control a game. Maybe a reliance on Cole Palmer who has been absolutely outstanding for them. A bit of momentum is a great thing. The last game they won 6-0 and they’ll be feeling good about that, obviously huge challenge for them today.’

Kevin Schade makes it FIVE for Brentford against Luton, marking the first time they’ve scored that many in a top flight away game in their history.

Why is Erling Haaland missing? What did Pep Guardiola say after City’s loss to Real Madrid and how will they shape up without him?

Read Mail Sport’s report on Haaland’s absence, covering answers to every question above. No doubt he’ll be a huge miss for City.

There’s no denying it’s been a troublesome season for Jack Grealish, especially as he was so crucial for Pep Guardiola during City’s Treble-winning 2022-23 campaign.

Grealish, who starred for City against Real Madrid in midweek, is now back in the starting lineup and will hope to have a major influence on his side’s domestic double prospects.

The England international opened up on his ‘difficult’ season and urged he is still ‘playing with confidence’ ahead of the run-in.

Second-half subsitute Johann Gudmundsson makes it a perfect afternoon as far as Burnley are concerned – his strike not only puts the Clarets two points off Luton, but three off that all-important 17th spot.

Surely that’s Sheffield United dead and buried in the relegation battle.

Keane Lewis-Potter gets his goal for Brentford after an excellent afternoon for him personally at Kenilworth Road. He’s been superb for the Bees and typified their high energy performance!

A hugely disapppointing day for the Hatters’ survival hopes.

That’s surely that at Kenilworth Road. Ethan Pinnock fires Brentford 3-0 ahead, converting Serge Reguilon’s cross into the back of the net with an excellent header.

Minutes after getting back into the game, Sheffield United find themselves two goals down again. And it’s more shoddy defending as far as the Blades are concerned.

Lorenz Assignon whips a ball in towards Lyle Foster, who takes the opportunity well to give Burnley a huge boost in the relagtion battle.

No Erling Haaland for Pep Guardiola to call upon today, as Julian Alvarez is trusted to lead the line for Manchester City.

Meanwhile, Trevoh Chalobah keeps his place alongside Thiago Silva at the heart of defence, with Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson called upon again after their penalty-taking quarrel on Monday.

The Blades have clawed one back! Excellent build-up play from Sheffield United and they find Gustavo Hamer on the flank, who chops inside and fires into the back of the net with a superb finish.

Reports coming in that Erling Haaland has not travelled with the Man City squad to Wembley after coming off early against Real Madrid in midweek.

What a major boost for Chelsea this afternoon.

Palmer didn’t take long to get out on to the Wembley pitch after arriving…

It’s half-time at both Kenilworth Road and Bramall Lane. Both away sides lead at the break.

Sheffield United 0-2 Burnley

It’s not going to plan for the Hatters. Brentford have simply been too good today, and Yoane Wissa gets his second of the afternoon to fire Thomas Frank’s side 2-0 ahead.

A real poacher’s finish inside the six-yard box, as he reacts quicker than all the Luton defenders in the penalty area.

Not long now until our attention turns to the FA Cup semi-final.

Manchester City have arrived at the stadium and look focused on the task at hand.

They’ve scored AGAIN! And it’s shocking defending as far as the Blades are concerned. Sheffield United have arguably been the better side in terms of possession but their woeful defending comes back to bite them once again.

Lorenz Assignon is the man who gets it – breaking past Ben Brereton Diaz before firing his effort beyond Grbic to make it 2-0.

Could that be the goal that kickstarts Burnley’s great escape? Jacob Bruun Larsen trickles an effort on goal – which admitted Ivo Grbic has to do better with – but the Clarets won’t care one bit.

Vincent Kompany’s side are ahead and just two points behind Luton, as things stand.

Luton are living dangerously here! Yoane Wissa looked to fire the Bees 2-0 up with a curled effort, but Teden Mengi just manages to hook the ball off the line.

All Brentford at the moment…

Mail Sport’s DOMINIC HOGAN with an update on the first half an hour at Kenilworth Road.

Luton have posed threats of their own, but Brentford have been the better side in this very entertaining first half, and Yoane Wissa’s opener is a just reward for their work. Thomas Kaminski had already been called into action before the goal and the Hatters failed to heed their warnings, with the Bees forward punishing them on the counter to take a well deserved lead. It’s taken the wind out of the fans’ sails for sure, but they can take confidence in the fact their side have had opportunities of their own – they just need to make them pay.

Yoane Wissa fires the Bees ahead with his ninth goal of the season!

Despite thrashing Everton 6-0, and Cole Palmer scoring four at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea’s triumph over the Toffees hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons: their players squabbling over who should a penalty.

It’s no secret Palmer is the Blues’ designated penalty taker, but Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson embarrassed themselves with a child-like quarrell on the penalty spot. Palmer and Gallagher intervened before handing the ball to the top scorer.

Former Chelsea star Cesc Fabregas had his say on the incident – do you agree?

My word, how’s he managed that?! Keane Lewis-Potter’s header looks set to fire Brentford in front but the Belgian manages to claw the ball from off the goal line.

What a player he’s been for the Hatter this season…

• Sheffield United have 84 goals in their 32 Premier League games so far this season – that’s the MOST of any top flight side at this stage since Ipswich Town in 1963-64.
• The Blades have conceded MORE goals this season than in any of their campaigns since 1954-55.
• Burley have DROPPED 24 points from winning positions this season, only Brentford have lost more (30).
• NO club have used more players in the Premier League this season than Sheffield United’s 33.
• Oli McBurnie has been involved in EIGHT goals in his last eight Premier League appearances, scoring six and assisting twice.

How hasn’t Oli McBurnie put Sheffield United ahead?! The striker look sure to fire the hosts in front from close range but Burnley’s goalkeeper makes a fine save to keep things level early on…

• The Hatters come into this game after ending a NINE-game winless run with their home win against Bournemouth last weekend.
• There have been 116 goals in Luton’s fixtures this season, making them the THIRD most entertaining team to watch in the league.
• FOUR of Luton’s six victories this season have come at home. Luton have scored more league goals (24) than Man United (23)

We’re underway around the grounds in the Premier League!

An update from our reporter at Kenilworth Road, DOMINIC HOGAN:

From Joy Division to Tag Team, Shakira to The Jam, the DJ here at Kenilworth Road is doing their utmost to get the stands bouncing ahead of what is a massive, massive game for both sides in the relegation battle. That being said, I’m not too sure they need go to the effort – it’s already a vibrant atmosphere; such is the power of the Kenny that so much noise can be generated by comparatively few voices. The Hatters have three of their last five games in front of their own fans – could it prove the difference for Rob Edwards’ side between playing Championship or Premier League football next term?

Pep Guardiola admitted he is ‘unsure’ whether Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne will be fit to start against Chelsea after the pair were substituted early during City’s Champions League defeat in midweek.

The truth is, with City’s next clash coming against Brighton on Thursday, there’s plenty of rest time to recover after today’s crucial semi-final. It’s likely Guardiola will do everything he can to get them into the starting XI.

As for Nathan Ake and John Stones, both are back fit and available, and therefore it’s likely one – if not both – will return against Chelsea. Josko Gvardiol’s solid form of late sees him return in our predicted lineup.

As for Chelsea, Mauricio Pochettino will no doubt go full strength with plenty of bodies in the engine room to negate City’s midfield threat. Expect Conor Gallagher to stick on De Bruyne like a leech, if the Belgian starts.

Manchester City predicted XI:
Ortega; Walker, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri; Foden, De Bruyne, Alvarez, Doku; Haaland

Chelsea predicted XI:
Petrovic; Gusto, Chalobah, Silva, Chilwell; Caicedo, Fernandez; Palmer, Gallagher, Sterling; Jackson

The decision to scrap FA Cup replays has upset many fans this week and with good reason. It hit me hard too…

It was an FA Cup fifth round replay that made me fall in love with football: my grandfather offered me his ticket to watch Portsmouth play Liverpool at Fratton Park on my birthday in 2004. The booming Pompey atmosphere, Shaka Hislop’s penalty save, Richard Hughes’ winner… it was the first time I truly understood the magic of the Cup.

Wolves boss Gary O’Neil, an unused subsitute in that game, had his say on the decision to scrap replays yesterday, along with an array of managers up and down the country.

How does the decision make you feel? Let me know in the comments…

It’s impossible to preview today’s FA Cup clash without talking about Cole Palmer.

The former Man City academy graduate has simply been sensational for Chelsea this season, netting 20 league goals and rivalling Erling Haaland for the Golden Boot.

It’s not just his goals that has been impressive. Palmer has lifted Chelsea to another level with his confidence and maturity, something Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson seemed to lack during their penalty-taking squabble on Monday. But more on that later…

Pep Guardiola must be dreading the thought of Palmer coming back to bite them today, and rest assured City’s lineup will be fully focused on neutralising his threat at Wembley.

Needless to say, this is a huge match for both sides at the foot of the Premier League and the Blades have opted for a front two of Ben Brereton Diaz and Oli McBurnie in search of goals.

As for Burnley, Lyle Foster leads the line with Arijanet Muric still preferred between the sticks over James Trafford.

Ivan Toney is the shock exclusion for Brentford today, with the England international not included in Thomas Frank’s matchday squad.

Meanwhile, Carlton Morris lead Luton again as Rob Edwards names a full strength side at Kenilworth Road.

It’s almost impossoible not to set your sights on the trophy once you’ve made it to the last four, especially if you’re in Manchester City’s or Chelsea’s position. Many will say City are clear favourites but remember, Chelsea were only an extra-time goal away from lifting the League Cup at Wembley in February.

Whoever triumphs today will have the luxury of facing either Manchester United or Coventry City in the final and take home football’s most historic cup competition.

With Coventry the only non-Premier League juggernaut left in the competition, Mail Sport’s IAN HERBERT dived into the Sky Blues’ incredible journey ahead tomorrow’s clash at Wembley.

If Man City went on to win the Treble AGAIN this season, it would have been one of the craziest stories ever in football.

Nevertheless, Real Madrid crushed any hope of a successive Treble on Wednesday as they knocked the Premier League leaders out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage, triumphing in the penalty shootout.

There was plenty to unpack from the game – Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland supposedly coming off because they were tired, Real Madrid’s shrewd penalty-taking tactics and whether City could rally themselves to go again.

If you missed any of the aftermath, take a look at some of Mail Sport’s popular stories over the last couple of days…

Of course, all eyes will be on Manchester City’s FA Cup semi-final a little later on, with proceedings getting underway at Wembley at the unusual kick-off time at 5.15pm.

Before that though, there’s a battle at the bottom of the Premier League for us to keep our eye on at 3pm.

Sheffield United take on Burnley at Bramall Lane, with the loser almost certain to seal relegation to the Championship next season.

Meanwhile, Luton host Brentford at Kenilworth Road, with the Hatters able to climb out of the relegation zone with a much-needed win.

So, who’s coming out on top today? Let me know in the comments…

Good afternoon and welcome for what promises to be an entertaining day of football!

We’ve got loads in store – in particular Wembley’s enthralling FA Cup semi-final showpiece between Man City and Chelsea – but there’s all plenty of Premier League action for us to sink our teeth into.

We’ll be here throughout the afternoon and evening to bring you live updates, team news and match action from both competitions. Don’t go anywhere!