Bradford or Reading to meet Arsenal in FA Cup Semi-Final

Monday 09 Mar 2015
Reading and Bradford must go again for the right to face Arsenal

FA Cup holders Arsenal must wait until next Monday to find out who they will meet in this year's semi-finals at Wembley.

Shortly after seeing off Manchester United in an exciting Sixth Round tie at Old Trafford, Arsene Wenger's men were paired with the winners of Bradford City and Reading in the last-four.

Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel and Arsenal fan Dermot O'Leary made the draw for the semis, which drew out Aston Villa to face the victors of Liverpool and Blackburn Rovers' replay in early April  

The FA Cup

Semi-Final draw
Arsenal v Reading or Bradford City
Aston Villa v Blackburn Rovers or Liverpool

The two ties will be played on the weekend of 18 and 19 April at the national stadium, exact dates and times will be confirmed soon.

If the Gunners are to play the Royals, the Premier League side will certainly start the game as favourites having won all eight head-to-heads this century. Their last three meetings during the 2012/13 season ended 4-1, 2-5 and 5-7 all in Arsenal's favour.

Though Bradford are two divisions below Arsenal, they do have an edge after winning their last meeting - in the League Cup - on penalties two seasons ago.

Aston Villa v Liverpool or Blackburn

Will Villa meet Liverpool or Blackburn at Wembley?

After a victory over Midlands rivals West Brom on Saturday, Aston Villa can relax knowing their last-four berth is secure. 

If Liverpool prevail at Ewood Park next month, they meet the Villans for the first time in The FA Cup since a semi-final tie in 1996, which the Reds won 3-0. But this campaign the two League games between them have resulted in a win apiece.

But there could be a tasty reunion on the cards if Rovers come through the replay. Tim Sherwood, who helped the Lancashire outfit to win the Premier League as a player in 1995, is now boss at Villa Park.

The Semi-Final draw

1 Bradford City or Reading v Arsenal
2 Aston Villa v Liverpool or Blackburn Rovers

By FA Staff