Summary

  • Premier League & FA Cup news conferences on Friday

  • Arsenal's Leah Williamson suffers ruptured ACL and says World Cup dream is 'over'

  • Chelsea's Millie Bright also 'out for weeks'

  • Paratici resigns as director of football at Spurs

  • Gossip: Chelsea hold talks with Pochettino

  • Man Utd out of Europa League after 3-0 defeat in Sevilla (agg 2-5)

  • West Ham set up Europa Conference League semi-final against AZ Alkmaar

  • Get Involved - #bbcfootball, WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

  1. Postpublished at 16:43 British Summer Time 21 April 2023

    We've got Man Utd's news conference coming up at 17:30 BST.

    My colleague Emma Smith will be taking you through that. That's me (Harry) signing off....

  2. Brighton won't change the way they play - Sutton's predictionpublished at 16:39 British Summer Time 21 April 2023

    Brighton v Man Utd (Sun, 16:30 BST)

    Chris Sutton

    Manchester United played very well in their win over Forest last week. I thought Erik ten Hag's side were stretched by injuries and I had gone for a 1-1 draw, but I called that one completely wrong.

    But it's still hard to judge exactly how good United were in that game because of how bad Forest were, and I think Brighton are a completely different proposition.

    They just got on with it against Chelsea and they won't change the way they play in this game - I think they will have too much for United.

    Sutton's prediction: Brighton 3-2 Man Utd

    See all of Sutton's FA Cup and Premier League predictions here.

  3. 'We must focus on ourselves'published at 16:32 British Summer Time 21 April 2023

    Brighton v Man Utd (Sun, 16:30 BST)

    Brighton & Hove Albion

    Brighton, fighting to secure European football in the Premier League, will be full of confidence having won their last two meetings with Manchester United in all competitions

    "We just need to focus on ourselves, while respecting the opponent. Manchester United are one of the best teams in the UK," Roberto De Zerbi says.

    "If you want to improve and become better, you have to play this type of game. We are speaking about Europe, so we need to compete to become bigger."

    On the significance of the FA Cup, he adds: "Since working in the UK, you understand the importance of the FA Cup and how people feel about this competition. It's special."

  4. 'Playing this type of game is an honour'published at 16:21 British Summer Time 21 April 2023

    Brighton v Man Utd (Sun, 16:30 BST)

    Brighton & Hove Albion

    On the semi-final, Roberto de Zerbi adds: "We are excited, we are ready to play the semi-final at Wembley. We are focused only on the game.

    "We want to play with our quality, our style, our DNA. With emotion.

    "Football is first of all emotion, but we also have to be clear and relaxed.

    "We have to love the pressure, we have to get used to it. Playing these type of games is an honour, and I have no doubts in my team."

  5. 'Team news not yet clear'published at 16:16 British Summer Time 21 April 2023

    Brighton v Man Utd (Sun, 16:30 BST)

    Brighton & Hove Albion

    Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi has been speaking before his side meet Manchester United in their FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Sunday.

    First, on his latest team news, he said: "The injury situation is not clear yet. We will see tomorrow morning.

    "We have another two days, so we have time to understand the situation and analyse our situation."

  6. Tottenham 1-5 Chelsea (2012)published at 16:09 British Summer Time 21 April 2023

    FA Cup semi-final classics

    The debate over goalline technology gathered further pace when Tottenham and Chelsea squared off in 2012.

    Chelsea were the beneficiaries this time when Juan Mata's strike, which replays appeared to show was cleared off the line, was awarded as a goal to open up a 2-0 lead, sparking furious complaints from Spurs.

    Tottenham pulled one back through Gareth Bale early in the second half but Chelsea kicked on to earn an emphatic 5-1 win.

    Caretaker boss Roberto di Matteo guided Chelsea over the line in the final against Liverpool before also leading them to glory in the Champions League.

    See the rest of the semi-final classics all in one place here.

  7. Hull City 5-3 Sheffield United (2014)published at 16:04 British Summer Time 21 April 2023

    FA Cup semi-final classics

    Hull players celebrate during their 5-3 FA Cup semi-final win over
    Image caption,

    Hull players celebrate during their 5-3 FA Cup semi-final win over

    There hasn't been a third-tier club in the FA Cup final since the Football League expanded beyond two divisions, but Sheffield United were hoping to seal their place in the history books.

    The Blades, deep into a third successive campaign in League One, led Premier League Hull 2-1 at half-time.

    However, Hull struck twice in the opening 10 minutes of the second period to swing the pendulum in their favour.

    Stephen Quinn pulled Hull further clear, making it 4-2, but Jamie Murphy hit back for the South Yorkshire side to set up a tense finale.

    As the Blades threw bodies forward in search of an equaliser, the Tigers grabbed a fifth through David Meyler to reach their first-ever FA Cup final.

    See the post match reaction of the Hull players here as they booked their place in the final

    See the rest of the semi-final classic all in one place here.

  8. Chelsea 4-2 Tottenham (2017)published at 15:57 British Summer Time 21 April 2023

    FA Cup semi-final classics

    Another semi-final and another big impact from the bench.

    Chelsea boss Antonio Conte opted to shuffle his pack for the match with Tottenham as Eden Hazard and Diego Costa were named among the substitutes.

    The game proved to be a pulsating back-and-forth encounter with Tottenham twice coming from behind.

    Hazard emerged from the bench just after the hour mark and needed only 14 minutes to stamp his mark on the game, driving powerfully beyond keeper Hugo Lloris to restore Chelsea's lead.

    The Belgian also had a hand in the fourth as he teed up Nemanja Matic to fire home in spectacular fashion.

    See the rest of the semi-final classics all in one place here.

  9. Watford 3-2 Wolves (2019)published at 15:50 British Summer Time 21 April 2023

    FA Cup semi-final classics

    Media caption,

    FA Cup: Watford 3-2 Wolves (aet) highlights

    Gerard Deulofeu's cameo performance from the bench in Watford's comeback win over Wolves ranks among his career highlights.

    With 66 minutes on the clock and trailing 2-0, Deulofeu was thrown on to try to salvage something.

    It took just 11 minutes for the winger to score and captain Troy Deeney then slotted home a 94th-minute penalty to force extra-time.

    Deulofeu sealed hero status among Watford fans in the 104th minute, grabbing his second of the game, and subsequently sealing the club's first FA Cup final appearance since 1984.

    See the rest of the semi-final classics all in one place here.

  10. 'The World Cup dream is over for mepublished at 15:47 British Summer Time 21 April 2023
    Breaking

    Leah Williamson is forced off injuredImage source, Getty Images

    England and Arsenal captain Leah Williamson has reacted to news of her injury on Instagram: "Until I have words to express my feelings properly I will struggle to verbalise them. The noise around the situation is loud and I need some quiet time to let it all sink in.

    "Unfortunately the World Cup and Champions League dream is over for me and everyone will think that is the main focus, but it's the day to day of what I am about to go through that is the most draining of my thoughts.

    "I had my tears and made my peace with it the night it happened and since then I have been following the steps I'm told to, in order to best help myself in the sport and long term.

    "Ultimately, I think it's just my time. In the past couple of years alone I have watched teammates beat serious illnesses and adversity with the biggest of smiles on their faces. I also hold perspective that globally there are much greater difficulties and therefore my circumstances right now are just that, circumstantial, and I've seen a lot worse.

    "I haven't had a day since last October when I've walked on to the pitch without physical or mental question mark over me, and that's professional sports. So now I have to listen to my body, give it what it needs and if everything happens for a reason then we'll see what road this turn sends me down.

    "I have given and will continue to give everything that my body, mind and heart possibly has to the Arsenal and Lionesses, I will still be there for all of my teammates and their biggest supporter, so thank you all! I feel your love and support, so thank you! All I ask is for a little bit of time and space to deal with all that is to come...xxx."

  11. Manchester City 2-3 Liverpool (2022)published at 15:41 British Summer Time 21 April 2023

    FA Cup semi-final classics

    Media caption,

    Highlights: Manchester City 2-3 Liverpool

    With the Carabao Cup already in the cabinet, Liverpool were looking to maintain their quest for a historic quadruple.

    Liverpool were ruthless in the first half as they raced into a 3-0 lead, courtesy of a goal from Ibrahima Konate and a Sadio Mane double.

    City came back fighting in the second half and it took just two minutes for Jack Grealish to pull a goal back.

    Goalkeeper Alisson made two crucial saves to deny Gabriel Jesus before Bernardo Silva netted in the 91st minute.

    A tense additional time period followed but Liverpool held their nerve to reach the final.

    See the rest of the semi-final classics all in one place here.

  12. Postpublished at 15:39 British Summer Time 21 April 2023

    Before we get into some more PL news conferences and more, lets have a look at some more classic FA Cup semi-finals from down the years.

    We are here later than usual today, so plenty more to come, including the latest on Chelsea's manager hunt...

  13. Manchester City 1-0 Manchester United (2011)published at 15:34 British Summer Time 21 April 2023

    FA Cup semi-final classics

    After three years of heavy investment, "noisy neighbours" Manchester City were starting to flex their muscles.

    A win over cross-city rivals Manchester United set up a first FA Cup final appearance in 30 years.

    Yaya Toure's goal was the difference in a 1-0 victory in a fiery affair, with Paul Scholes sent off, and Mario Balotelli involved in a post-game flare-up with Rio Ferdinand and Anderson as he showed his badge to the United fans.

    City went on to win the FA Cup - the first piece of silverware in a trophy-laden era.

    See the rest of the semi-final classics all in one place here.

  14. Team news - Ake not fit for tomorrow's gamepublished at 15:31 British Summer Time 21 April 2023

    Man City v Sheffield United (Sat, 16:45 BST)

    Manchester City

    Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola updates on defender Nathan Ake's fitness: "I don't know. He is not ready for tomorrow, but I don't know how bad the damage is.

    "I think today they will make the final test to know exactly what he has."

  15. 'We'd have loved it if they could play'published at 15:27 British Summer Time 21 April 2023

    Man City v Sheffield United (Sat, 16:45 BST)

    Manchester City

    Pep Guardiola is asked about James McAtee and Tommy Doyle, both on loan from City at Sheffield United: "Tommy Doyle has played from the beginning, Macca has struggled but is playing a lot of games.

    "The Championship is a great test to prove yourself. We are incredibly delighted. Unfortunately they can't play; we'd have loved it if they could because we loan them to get experience. What is better experience than an FA Cup semi final against a Premier League team? That would be incredible for the development. But the rule is the rule."

  16. I have many doubts tomorrow about the line-up - Guardiolapublished at 15:22 British Summer Time 21 April 2023

    Man City v Sheffield United (Sat, 16:45 BST)

    Manchester City

    Pep Guardiola is not sure on the team he will pick: "I have to see how they players feel today. After the game, in the locker room, they could not really celebrate because we could have had more sequences of passes in Munich that helped us to rest with the ball, but we did not rest with the ball a lot.

    "In previous seasons I have rotated a lot and it was not good. I have to think about it, I have many doubts tomorrow about the line-up.

    "I have to see the training session today and talk with them to see what I am feeling. Of course they are going to deny and say 'I want to play'. It's difficult to find players that never want to play. But we have to find players that are in god condition. We will have to see."

  17. JUST 11 games... we are far away from a treble - Guardiolapublished at 15:13 British Summer Time 21 April 2023

    Man City v Sheffield United (Sat, 16:45 BST)

    Manchester City

    Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola responds to questions about a possible treble: "We still start to talk about a treble when we have won the Premier League, the FA Cup and then before the final of the Champions League.

    "Look how far away that is. JUST eleven game, JUST... We are far away.

    "I have said many times, in this country 'how many times in this country have someone won the treble.'

    When asked about if he was excited about a treble he responded: "About a treble? Not at all'."

  18. I'm optimistic before every game - Hodgsonpublished at 15:13 British Summer Time 21 April 2023

    Crystal Palace v Everton (Sat, 15:00 BST)

    Crystal Palace

    Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has been speaking to the media before the home Premier League against Everton on Saturday.

    Here are his main lines:

    • On Palace's form and playing Everton: "I'm optimistic before every game. We're fully aware the game ahead of us will be a tough one. We have every respect for Everton. It will simply be a case of whether we can reproduce some of the performances of the past few weeks."
    • On reports earlier this week he could stay on to mentor a new manager, Hodgson said: "I don't have any thoughts on it - it’s news to me. I have no idea where that story came from. I refuse on this occasion to make comments on what will happen with me at the end of May."
    • On the team scoring freely since his return to the dugout: "We’re not Manchester City. I'm pretty certain that Manchester City feel confident they are going to score a couple of goals every game, but that's not where we are."
    • Team news: "We haven't recovered anybody since last time and we haven't lost anybody either. We hope we will get Nathaniel Clyne on the training pitch and we’re hopeful we will get Wilf [Zaha] back too."
    • On Sam Johnstone's performances: "He's done extremely well. His performances in the Leeds first half and the Southampton first half show we have a top-class goalkeeper - the club knew that when they signed him. He's had stiff competition from other clubs having made his way into the England squad. We knew we were signing someone who could compete strongly with Vicente."

    Everything Palace in one place – bookmark the page or if you’re using the app hit the bell icon for club notifications

  19. Guardiola expects 'difficult' Blades challengepublished at 15:10 British Summer Time 21 April 2023

    Man City v Sheffield United (Sat, 16:45 BST)

    Manchester City

    Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been facing the media before his side meet Sheffield United in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday.

    "Sheffield United, when I watched them after we landed from Munich, is similar to the way they played under Chris Wilder. There are a lot of similar patterns; they are one game away from promotion.

    "It will be an extremely difficult game."

    We'll have much more from Guardiola later.

  20. Watkins form 'doesn't surprise me' - Frankpublished at 15:05 British Summer Time 21 April 2023

    Brentford v Aston Villa (Sat, 15:00 BST)

    Brentford

    Brentford manager Thomas Frank on the form of former Brentford striker Ollie Watkins for Saturday's opponents Aston Villa: "He is doing fantastically. When you spend time with people, you form a relationship with them. He works very hard as a player and a person. It doesn't surprise me that he scores a lot of goals. We need to do our very best to close him down."