Nottingham Forest have been the Premier League’s surprise package this season. Initially tipped for relegation, Nuno Espirito Santos’ team are now challenging for Champions League qualification and have the chance to reach their first FA Cup final since 1991. But they’ll need to beat a resurgent Manchester City in order to achieve that. The two sides will meet in the semi-final at Wembley on Sunday, 27 April. And after faltering in the league, the competition is now Pep Guardiola's only chance of silverware this year. The two sides have already faced each other twice this season, with City winning at The Etihad and Forest emerging victorious at The City Ground. However, former Arsenal midfielder and four-time FA Cup winner Ray Parlour believes Manchester City will be too strong for the Midlanders on this occasion. “I think Forest are having an outstanding season,” he says. “Defensively, they’ve been brilliant. The two centre-backs have been one of the best pairings of the season so far. “Chris Wood, Anthony Elanga and Morgan Gibbs-White have all impressed, adding goals and assists. But I think the season is catching up with them a little, and with Man City turning the corner with more consistent performances, I think they’ll come through this and head to Wembley for another FA Cup Final. “I don’t think Man City will feel any pressure. They’ve been the dominant team in English football for many years now, and with top players who have played in massive games like the Champions League final, they’ll go about their business as they normally do. “This is City’s seventh FA Cup semi-final in a row, so it’s normal territory for them. If anything, Nottingham Forest will be feeling some pressure, being in their first semi-final since 1991.” The midfielder won the FA Cup four times during his 12 years with the Gunners, famously scoring in the final against Chelsea in 2002. The team went on to win the Premier League that season and clinch the double. He was also named 'man of the match' in the 1998 cup final against Newcastle. And he’s now tipping Aston Villa to triumph in the other semi-final fixture, which sees Crystal Palace take on Aston Villa at Wembley on Saturday, 26 April. The Eagles have reached this stage of the competition twice in four years and were beaten finalists in 2015-16. Villa lost the 2014-15 final to Arsenal. The Londoners go into the match with an impressive record against Unai Emery’s team and are currently unbeaten in their last four meetings, including a 4-1 home win in February. “This is a massive game for both teams,” says Parlour. “Crystal Palace have had a strong second half of the season, and their quarter-final win over Fulham was excellent with Eze especially showing his class. “They’ve impressed me with how they move the ball and create chances, and have a massive chance to make it to the final. It took them a while to get into the season, but they can come into this game feeling confident. “For Aston Villa, they made two brilliant loan signings in January with Asensio and Rashford. “They come in favourites, and with the extra firepower up front, I think they can get through to the final. Watkins, Rashford, Bailey, Asensio and Rogers offer such a threat going forward, and with Torres back in defence, his experience is key. “McGinn in the middle is also a big player, with Martinez's experience in goal, I think Villa will come through this 2-1.” Nottingham Forest are currently 7/2 with NetBet to win their semi-final, with Manchester City 18/25 favourites. Palace are installed at 21/10 and Aston Villa 6/5. City are also the favourites to lift the trophy in May, with NetBet offering odds of 11/10 just ahead of Aston Villa at 11/4. Palace and Forest are both 9/2 to win the competition outright. 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Nowadays, the semi-finals are at Wembley, so more players get a chance to play in one of the greatest and notable stadiums. “It does make a difference for sure, but you must go about the same routine as you would for any other game, and as a team, you know you are one step away from an FA Cup final.” For more details, visit sport.netbet.co.uk (18+ only). *New customers only. £10 min deposit. Opt-in and bet £10+ on any slot, 100 free spins on Big Bass Splash, £0.10 per spin. Winnings paid as cash, £100 max win. Additional T&Cs apply and can be found here. **£5 free bet on FA Cup semi-final, place £5 Bet Builder at min odds 2/1 (3.00) on Crystal Palace v Aston Villa before 17:15 on 26 April 2025. Free bet to be used as a Bet Builder on the Nottingham Forest v Man City game on 27 April 2025. Wheel Of Sportune once per day, must have bet £5+ in previous four days. £5,000 Premier League jackpot requires four correct scores selected before kick-off, prize can be shared. 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