Latest news with #FACupSemi-Final
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace: Premier League Preview, Latest Team News and Score Prediction
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace: Premier League Preview, Latest Team News and Score Prediction Arsenal vs Crystal Palace: Gunners Eye Vital Premier League Win Amid Wembley Distractions With the Premier League title race reaching its critical juncture, Arsenal welcome Crystal Palace to the Emirates on Saturday in a fixture that could either maintain the pressure at the summit or render the Gunners' campaign a European sideshow. Advertisement The match arrives at a time when Mikel Arteta's side are basking in continental success, having dispatched Real Madrid over two legs to reach a Champions League semi-final for the first time in 16 years. Yet while Europe is thrilling, the Premier League remains the true barometer—and Arsenal know that any slip-up now could see their fading domestic hopes extinguished entirely. Momentum With Arsenal, But Rotation Looms There's no doubt Arsenal come into this game buoyed by recent performances. The dominant display against Ipswich last weekend showcased a side playing with rhythm, confidence and—crucially—depth. With fixtures coming thick and fast, rotation is inevitable. Arteta will need to balance the pursuit of silverware with preserving legs. Photo IMAGO Bukayo Saka, having escaped serious injury after a rough challenge from Leif Davis midweek, might be spared from the start. This opens the door for academy standout Ethan Nwaneri to feature from the off, while Myles Lewis-Skelly could return to midfield after his breakthrough showing against Madrid. There's also a possibility of starts for Thomas Partey and Jurrien Timber as Arteta manages workloads and minutes. Crystal Palace Face Test of Focus Ahead of FA Cup Semi-Final Crystal Palace arrive in north London still smarting from consecutive thrashings before a goalless draw against Bournemouth steadied the ship—if only slightly. Their hopes of European qualification through the league now appear faint, and with an FA Cup semi-final on the horizon, Roy Hodgson's side may understandably have one eye on Wembley. Advertisement That distraction, combined with selection problems—most notably the suspension of Chris Richards—leaves them vulnerable. Nathaniel Clyne may be pressed into a back three, and while Jean-Philippe Mateta is likely to retain his place up front, ex-Gunner Eddie Nketiah could make an appearance off the bench. Photo: IMAGO Prediction: Arsenal to Keep Title Dreams Flickering In situations like this, Arsenal tend to impose themselves early. Their home form has been impressive, and their ability to rotate without a significant drop in quality speaks to how far this squad has come under Arteta's guidance. Palace, though spirited, appear weakened both physically and mentally. The looming FA Cup semi-final complicates matters, and their makeshift defence will have to contend with an Arsenal attack that remains dynamic, even without its usual starters. Advertisement Expect Arsenal to control possession, probe patiently, and strike clinically. With the title race potentially coming down to goal difference, don't be surprised if Arteta urges his side to keep the pressure on with a comprehensive performance. Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace Key Details and How to Watch
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Yahoo
Train provider issues warning ahead of FA Cup Semi Final and London Marathon clash
London is expected to be plunged into travel chaos at the end of this month as the FA Cup Final and London Marathon clash on April 27. Trains will be "extremely busy" with many likely to be unable to sit or board their required services, warns East Midlands Railway. The sporting events will also clash with planned engineering works taking place on the Midland Mainline in the London St Pancras International area which will see some lines closed. London St Pancras International Low Level will be closed, and Thameslink services will be diverted to the High-Level platforms. Intercity services will be "extremely busy" and customers are likely to experience long delays and queues at both London St Pancras International and Nottingham. Travellers may also be unable to find a seat for some or all of their journey, say the train operator. READ MORE: The South London neighbourhood named 1 of UK's best places to live that feels like a secret village READ MORE: Bloody 72 hours on London's streets sees 7 stabbings and 3 crashes On 27 April, EMR services to and from London are expected to be incredibly busy due to the FA Cup Semi Final and the London Marathon, as well as planned engineering works that will limit services to one train per hour, all taking place on this customers not attending… — East Midlands Railway (EMR) (@EastMidRailway) April 7, 2025 There will only be one train per hour between London St Pancras International and Sheffield (vis Beighton), Nottingham, Corby and on the shuttle service between Kettering and Corby. Customers may not be able to board their required service, especially before or after the FA Cup Final, which will take place at Wembley Stadium at around 4.30pm on April 27. If the match goes to extra-time there will be a "very limited" number of services back to Nottingham. Anyone who is able is being asked to not make their journey on Sunday and EMR say will honour tickets for travellers with a Sunday ticket change to a service a day either side. Customers who must travel between Nottingham and London St Pancras on Sunday, 27 April, are advised to travel after 2pm from Nottingham and before 7pm from London. Philippa Cresswell, Customer Experience Director at East Midlands Railway, said: "Services will be extremely busy on Sunday, 27 April, due to engineering works, the marathon, and Nottingham Forest fans travelling to the FA Cup Semi-Final. "Unfortunately, customers should expect delays, queues, and standing. Customers should know that if the Semi Final was to go to extra-time the number of services back to Nottingham are very limited. "We advise those not attending the match to travel after 2pm from Nottingham and before 7pm from London to avoid peak times. "We would like to thank customers for their patience during these engineering works and would like to apologise for any inconvenience." Got a story? Please get in touch at Stay updated on the latest travel news for London's roads with our London Traffic and Travel newsletter. Sign up HERE.
