The FA Cup quarter-finals are almost upon us, and football fans across England are buzzing with anticipation as Manchester City and Liverpool prepare to lock horns in what many are calling the tie of the round. While the full schedule is yet to be finalized, one thing is certain: the weekend of April 4 and 5, 2026, will see some of the country’s biggest clubs battle it out for a coveted spot at Wembley.
Manchester City’s path to the last eight was anything but straightforward. Pep Guardiola’s men secured a 3-1 victory away at Newcastle United on Saturday, March 7, 2026, with standout performances from Omar Marmoush, who netted twice, and Savinho, whose composed finish sealed the win. That result marked City’s eighth consecutive appearance in the FA Cup quarter-finals, a testament to their remarkable consistency in domestic cup competitions. Before dispatching Newcastle, City had already seen off Exeter and Salford at the Etihad Stadium, showing their depth and determination across the earlier rounds.
Liverpool, on the other hand, punched their ticket to the quarter-finals with a 3-1 away win over Wolves on Friday, March 6, 2026. The Reds’ journey to this stage has included victories over Barnsley and Brighton, highlighting their ability to navigate tricky fixtures. For manager Arne Slot and his squad, this marks their first return to the FA Cup last eight since the 2023/24 season—a campaign Liverpool would rather forget after a dramatic 4-3 defeat to Manchester United, having twice thrown away the lead.
The upcoming City vs Liverpool clash is set to take place at the Etihad Stadium, with Liverpool drawn as the away side. The fixture is scheduled for the weekend immediately following the March international break. However, the exact date and kick-off time remain unconfirmed, largely due to both clubs’ potential involvement in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. Manchester City face Real Madrid in their Champions League round of 16 first leg on Wednesday, March 11, with the return leg at the Etihad on Tuesday, March 17. Liverpool, meanwhile, travel to Turkey for their first leg against Galatasaray on Tuesday, March 10, before hosting the Turkish giants at Anfield on Wednesday, March 18. Should either side progress, their European commitments will sandwich the FA Cup tie, adding another layer of complexity to an already congested fixture list.
If recent history is any guide, the FA Cup quarter-finals are typically spread across Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday slots, with broadcasters eager to maximize viewership. Given the Champions League schedule, it’s likely that City vs Liverpool will be scheduled for either Friday or Saturday, April 4. The match is almost certain to be selected for live UK TV coverage, with TNT Sports, the BBC, or both expected to broadcast the high-profile encounter.
For both teams, the stakes could not be higher. Manchester City, currently trailing Premier League leaders Arsenal by seven points but with a game in hand, face a daunting run of fixtures in April. If they progress in Europe, City’s calendar will include not just the FA Cup quarter-final but also a Champions League quarter-final first leg and a crucial Premier League showdown against Chelsea, all within the space of a few weeks. The second leg of the Champions League quarter-final would then come just before a potentially decisive league clash with Arsenal—a gauntlet that will test Guardiola’s squad depth and tactical acumen to the limit.
Liverpool’s April is shaping up to be equally demanding. After the FA Cup quarter-final, the Reds could find themselves traveling for the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final, followed by a home Premier League tie against Fulham, the second leg of their European tie, and then critical league fixtures against Everton and Crystal Palace. It’s a schedule that leaves little room for error, with trophies on multiple fronts still up for grabs.
Looking at their recent head-to-head record, Liverpool will be keen to reverse their fortunes against City. The Reds have lost both Premier League meetings this season, falling 3-0 at the Etihad and 2-1 at Anfield. The last time these two giants met in the FA Cup was the 2022 semi-final at Wembley, where Liverpool raced into a three-goal lead before City fought back with two second-half strikes, setting up a nervy finish that ultimately saw the Reds through. This time, with both clubs in strong form and hungry for silverware, the stage is set for another memorable showdown.
Elsewhere in the quarter-final draw, Chelsea will host League One’s Port Vale at Stamford Bridge. Port Vale, the lowest-ranked team left in the competition and eight points adrift at the bottom of League One, are enjoying a fairytale run, having knocked out Sunderland in the fifth round. This is their first appearance in the FA Cup quarter-finals since 1954—a remarkable achievement for the club and its supporters. Arsenal, record 14-time winners of the FA Cup, have what appears to be a favorable draw as they travel to Championship side Southampton. The Gunners have yet to face Premier League opposition in this year’s tournament, having previously eliminated Mansfield, Wigan, and Portsmouth. West Ham, who needed penalties to overcome Brentford, host Leeds United in the final quarter-final tie. If all four English clubs advance in the Champions League, it’s possible that West Ham vs Leeds could be moved to the later Sunday timeslot to accommodate TV schedules and player recovery.
The road to Wembley is never easy, and this year’s FA Cup quarter-finals promise drama, tension, and unforgettable moments. With the semi-finals set for April 25 and the final scheduled for May 16, 2026, every match now carries added significance. As teams juggle domestic and European ambitions, squad rotation and tactical ingenuity will be crucial. Fans, meanwhile, can only wait for the fixture confirmations—and hope their side emerges from this gauntlet with dreams of glory still alive.
As it stands, the exact date and kick-off time for Manchester City vs Liverpool are still to be announced, but one thing’s for sure: when these two titans meet, sparks will fly, and the footballing world will be watching.