FA confirm semi-final dates - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

FA confirm semi-final dates

The Football Association have confirmed the potential FA Cup semi-final derby between Arsenal and Chelsea will take place at Wembley on Saturday, April 18 with a 5.15 kick-off.

If Arsenal overcome Hull at the Emirates Stadium next Tuesday, they will tackle Chelsea in the first semi-final, with Manchester United tackling Everton the following day (4pm).

Although Hull have already won at the Emirates once this season, Arsenal will be favourites to advance, completing a last four line-up that should open up a European spot to the side that finishes seventh in the Premier League.

Setanta will screen the first match, with ITV covering Everton's bid to repeat their 1995 final victory over United.

The FA are to meet representatives of the respective clubs before finalising ticket allocations, although they have confirmed prices will range from £24.50 to £53.80.

While fans have criticised the decision to hold both games at Wembley, with Everton boss David Moyes joining the chorus of disapproval, the matter was effectively settled when the FA were working out the costs of paying back the new stadium when it was still in the planning stage.

And, with a 90,000 capacity, they will point to the increased number of supporters able to attend the matches as an important positive in the move.

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