Southampton vs Arsenal FA Cup Semi-Final 2026: Preview, Team News & Expert Prediction
Arsenal face Southampton in what should be a one-sided FA Cup Semi-Final at Wembley Stadium on April 5, 2026. The Gunners are heavy favourites against a Southampton side rooted to the bottom of the Premier League, but FA Cup history is littered with famous upsets. Over 200,000 fans have already been searching for match information today.
Match Details
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Competition | FA Cup Semi-Final 2025-26 |
| Venue | Wembley Stadium, London |
| Date & Time | Sunday, April 5, 2026 — 15:30 BST |
| TV (UK) | ITV1 / ITVX |
| TV (India) | Sony Sports Network / SonyLIV |
| Winner plays | FA Cup Final, May 16, 2026 |
Context: Southampton vs Arsenal
Southampton have had a truly torrid 2025-26 Premier League season, sitting bottom of the table and already relegated. Their FA Cup run has been the one bright spot — surprising wins over Tottenham and Wolves set up this semi-final date. They have nothing to lose and everything to play for.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are in excellent form and desperate for silverware this season. After finishing as Premier League runners-up last season, the Gunners see the FA Cup as their best chance of ending their trophy drought under Mikel Arteta.
Team News & Injuries
Southampton
- Out: Cameron Archer (ankle), Mateus Fernandes (hamstring)
- Manager Russell Martin will set up defensively and target set-pieces.
- Adam Armstrong leads the attack hoping to cause an upset.
Arsenal
- Out: Gabriel Jesus (knee, long-term), Ben White (shoulder)
- Doubtful: Thomas Partey (knock)
- Available: Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, Leandro Trossard, David Raya
Predicted Lineups
| Southampton (5-4-1) | Arsenal (4-3-3) |
|---|---|
| GK: Alex McCarthy | GK: David Raya |
| RWB: Kyle Walker-Peters | RB: Ben White (or Timber) |
| CB: Jan Bednarek | CB: William Saliba |
| CB: Jack Stephens | CB: Gabriel Magalhães |
| CB: Taylor Harwood-Bellis | LB: Oleksandr Zinchenko |
| LWB: Ryan Manning | CM: Thomas Partey |
| RM: Stuart Armstrong | CM: Martin Ødegaard |
| CM: Joe Aribo | CM: Declan Rice |
| LM: Kamaldeen Sulemana | RW: Bukayo Saka |
| CF: Adam Armstrong | CF: Kai Havertz |
| LW: Leandro Trossard |
Key Stats & Head-to-Head
| Stat | Southampton | Arsenal |
|---|---|---|
| PL Position | 20th (relegated) | 3rd |
| PL Goals Scored | 27 | 67 |
| PL Goals Conceded | 78 | 34 |
| FA Cup Goals | 9 | 14 |
| Last 5 Results | W W L L W | W W W D W |
Key Battles to Watch
- Bukayo Saka vs Ryan Manning: Saka will be the most dangerous player on the pitch. Manning will have the toughest job of containing England's star winger.
- Adam Armstrong vs William Saliba: Southampton's best hope of a goal rests on Armstrong's pace catching Saliba on the counter-attack.
- Declan Rice vs Southampton's midfield: Rice's ability to dictate tempo will be crucial in Arsenal breaking down a deep defensive block.
🔮 Our Prediction: Southampton 0 – 3 Arsenal
Arsenal should be far too strong for a relegated Southampton side. Saka and Ødegaard to shine at Wembley. Arsenal to reach the FA Cup Final with a comfortable win.
FAQs — Southampton vs Arsenal FA Cup
Where is the FA Cup Semi-Final played?
Both FA Cup semi-finals are played at Wembley Stadium, London.
What time is Southampton vs Arsenal?
Kick-off is at 15:30 BST on Sunday, April 5, 2026 at Wembley.
Is the Southampton vs Arsenal FA Cup on ITV?
Yes, the match is broadcast live on ITV1 and ITVX in the UK.
Who is favourite to win Southampton vs Arsenal?
Arsenal are heavy favourites. Southampton are available at long odds to cause an upset.