One of the biggest weekends in English football is just around the corner. It’s FA Cup semi-finals time, and in 2025 the competition is as exciting as ever.
Of the four teams heading to Wembley, three are on the bring of ending long waits for silverware. Aston Villa haven’t won a major trophy since 1996, Nottingham Forest since 1990 and Crystal Palace have never won major silverware. The other team, Manchester City, are all too used to winning – and last lifted the FA Cup in 2023.
As with the earlier rounds of the 2025 FA Cup, the two semi-finals will both be broadcast on free-to-air channels by BBC and ITV. Here’s everything to know about the games, from channels to kick-off times.
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Kick off times
Here are the two kick-off times:
- Crystal Palace v Aston Villa, Saturday April 26, 5.15pm
- Nottingham Forest v Manchester City, Sunday April 27, 4.30pm
What channel is the Crystal Palace v Aston Villa FA Cup semi-final on?
The Eagles’ game against Villa will be shown on BBC One.
What channel is the Nottingham Forest v Manchester City FA Cup semi-final on?
Forest will face City on ITV1.
What time does coverage start for Crystal Palace v Aston Villa?
BBC One’s coverage of Palace v Villa will start at 4.45pm. Gary Lineker leads the coverage, with Glenn Murray, Micah Richards and Wayne Rooney in the studio, and commentary from Steve Wilson and Alan Shearer.
What time does coverage start for Nottingham Forest v Manchester City?
ITV’s coverage of Forest v City kicks off at 3.30pm, with Mark Pougatch, Roy Keane, Joleon Lescott and Ian Wright. Commentating will be Sam Matterface and Ally McCoist.
How to watch the games online and on streaming
Palace v Villa will also be shown on BBC iPlayer, while Forest v City will be on ITVX.
When is the 2025 FA Cup final?
The winners of these two semi-finals will face each other in the FA Cup final on Saturday May 17 2025.
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