With the FA Cup reaching its final stages, there’s a real chance that a fresh name—or one long absent—could be etched onto the historic trophy.
The semi-final lineup is shaping up in a way that could produce a first-time winner or a club ending a decades-long drought.
Crystal Palace made a strong case for themselves with a commanding 3-0 win over Fulham, moving one step closer to their first-ever FA Cup triumph. Nottingham Forest also kept their dream alive, edging past Brighton on penalties to reach the final four. A win this season would mark their first FA Cup success since 1959.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth are looking to secure their maiden FA Cup title but must first navigate a daunting quarter-final clash with reigning Premier League champions Manchester City. Elsewhere, Championship side Preston North End and Aston Villa, who play each other in the quarters, are both chasing long-awaited glory—Preston last won in 1938, while Villa’s most recent triumph came in 1957.
“If Bournemouth manage to pull off an upset against City, then suddenly the final four looks very different,” said former Middlesbrough and Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer. “It could open the door for a first-time winner.”
Though Manchester City remain favorites, their elimination would ensure an FA Cup final without the usual dominant clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, or Manchester United—something that hasn’t happened since Portsmouth’s victory over Cardiff in 2008.
With surprises unfolding in the Premier League this season, could the FA Cup be next? For fans of the remaining underdogs, the dream is well and truly alive.
