FA Cup Quarterfinal Showdown: Can Man City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea Punch Their Tickets to the Semis?

Only eight clubs remain in the 2025–26 FA Cup, with a trip to Wembley on the line for those who come through this weekend's quarterfinal ties.

Playing beneath the famous arch will undoubtedly carry extra significance for a handful of the remaining sides, particularly English Football League (EFL) clubs Southampton and Port Vale. Both have caused upsets against Premier League opposition to reach this stage, yet their sternest challenges still lie ahead.

Meanwhile, West Ham United and Leeds United have each taken refuge in this tournament during difficult league seasons, though only one of them can book a place in the last four.

Another potentially thrilling weekend awaits, and here is how Sports Illustrated sees the matches playing out.

Manchester City vs. Liverpool

Manchester City headed into the first international break of 2026 in high spirits, having comfortably beaten Premier League pacesetters Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final.

Whether that victory breathes new life into the title race remains to be seen, but the Cityzens now have a domestic cup double in their sights. Pep Guardiola's side progressed to the quarterfinals with a commanding win at St. James' Park, and they now face a Liverpool side that has continued to disappoint in Arne Slot's second campaign at the helm.

A heavy win over Galatasaray turned out to be nothing more than a false dawn for the Reds, who then fell to Brighton & Hove Albion before the international break. Slot's squad looks weary and lacking in confidence, though they did manage a victory at the Etihad last season.

That win, however, came during a dominant title-winning campaign. This disjointed version of the champions were thrashed in Manchester back in November and look set to suffer another defeat this weekend.

Prediction: Man City 3–1 Liverpool

Chelsea vs. Port Vale

The fifth round was certainly not short of surprises, and none were more stunning than Port Vale's elimination of Sunderland.

The Black Cats have made a solid return to the top division and look set to retain their Premier League status, yet they were unable to cope with League One's struggling basement side.

Port Vale's prize for that fifth-round victory is a visit to Stamford Bridge, and Liam Rosenior's Chelsea, given their current form, look susceptible to a cup shock. That said, the Blues have rarely been knocked out by EFL opposition since their 4–2 home loss to Bradford City during José Mourinho's second spell in charge.

It will require something extraordinary from the away side to cause an upset, even with the hosts showing signs of vulnerability.

Prediction: Chelsea 3–0 Port Vale

Southampton vs. Arsenal

The Carabao Cup final was supposed to be Arsenal's moment, but Mikel Arteta's Gunners failed to deliver at Wembley. Their 2–0 loss to City was a heavy blow, and the international break came at a welcome time.

Although a number of players are managing minor knocks and fitness concerns, most appear to have avoided serious injuries and should be fit for Saturday's cup clash on the south coast.

Arsenal laboured through their fifth-round tie against Mansfield Town, and Tonda Eckert's Southampton are expected to pose a genuine challenge at St. Mary's. The Saints are currently on a 14-match unbeaten run, with Eckert's well-organised side having confidently dispatched Fulham in the previous round.

Championship leaders Coventry City have also been on the receiving end of their impressive form, and Saturday's hosts may well believe they can secure a swift return to the Premier League via the playoffs.

Prediction: Southampton 1–2 Arsenal

West Ham United vs. Leeds United

The bulk of the action takes place on Saturday, but the quarterfinals wrap up in a marquee Sunday afternoon slot.

West Ham United face Leeds United on the final day of the Premier League season in what could turn into a relegation decider. Both sets of fans will be hoping it never reaches that point, but their difficult domestic seasons have made this FA Cup quarterfinal all the more meaningful.

Wembley appearances have been rare for both clubs — West Ham last lifted this trophy in 1980, while Leeds, one-time winners, claimed it back in 1972. They will likely need to overcome tough opponents to go all the way, but an FA Cup semifinal berth would be treasured by either side.

While Daniel Farke's Leeds eased past Norwich City to get here, the Hammers were pushed all the way by Brentford before eventually winning on penalties.

Prediction: West Ham 2–1 Leeds

FA Cup Quarterfinal Predictions