Who needs an FA Cup semi-final win the most?

This weekend sees Wembley take centre stage as host of the 2026 FA Cup semi-finals. 

Four teams head to the iconic arch, looking to book their place in next month's showpiece and become the newest holders of English football's most famous trophy. 

Last year, it was Crystal Palace who celebrated their first major trophy with an FA Cup win, but which of the four semi-finalists needs a win more to validate their 2025-26 campaign? 

Manchester City 

One trophy already in the bag and now top of the Premier League for the first time in 2026, you could forgive Manchester City for going into cruise control on Saturday against Championship Southampton. 

However, that is usually not Pep Guardiola's style, particularly when there silverware in the offering and City have the chance to do something no other side has done in English football. 

If they do manage to topple Arsenal and make it to Wembley to win another FA Cup, they'll be the first-ever English team to do the domestic treble for a second time. 

A feat that would stick two fingers up at those who have questioned City and the manager's approach this season and also cement this latest evolution under their legendary boss. 

@ManCity

Southampton 

Three months ago, the Saints would have taken Championship solidity as they remit for the season, but the turnaround under boss Tonda Eckert has been incredible. 

Saints are now on an unbeaten run in the league stretching back to the middle of January and in the mix for automatic promotion, while an FA Cup semi-final has been an added bonus. 

Would most fans take a return to the Premier League over a second day out at Wembley in an FA Cup Final? Possibly? Especially as they could be back at the stadium in the play-offs, too. But is there a world where they can do both? 

Palace fans will attest to their day in the sun last year, which will live long in the memory, and an upset win over Manchester City could really fuel their final push for promotion. 

Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images

Chelsea 

Just 48 hours ago, it could have been argued that Chelsea needed a semi-final win more than anyone, such was the thin thread that Liam Rosenior's job was hanging by. 

Instead, Chelsea have already cut ties with the latest manager, and so it falls upon caretaker Calum McFarlane to navigate a way for the Blues to salvage something from the remainder of the season. 

Ironically, McFarlane will get much more leeway ahead of this game and for the rest of the season, given that the damage has 'already been done', so it's an excellent opportunity for him to get an FA Cup win on his CV.

He has a squad that can beat Leeds and whoever awaits in the final, but he must turn around a run that has seen them without a win or even a goal in their last five. 

Leeds 

With Premier League safety almost completely assured, Leeds go into a first FA Cup semi-final since 1987, in good form and ready to pile more misery on old foes Chelsea. 

In what is a repeat of the 1970 final in this competition, the days of Ron Harris and Norman Hunter may be long gone, but there could be plenty of needle in this one for fans to enjoy. 

Chelsea have failed to beat Leeds in both league meetings this season, giving Daniel Farke's men a psychological advantage against a fragile Blues team. 

Survival may have been the aim, but Leeds haven't won a major trophy since lifting the league title in 1992, so there is a huge incentive for this generation to go on and become club legends with an FA Cup triumph. 

Matt McNulty/Getty Images

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