Chris Sutton Backs Man City, Tips Leeds to Upset Chelsea in FA Cup Semi-Finals

Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton has shared his predictions ahead of the FA Cup semi-final clashes, tipping Manchester City and Leeds United to secure places in the final.

City are set to face Southampton on Saturday at Wembley, and Sutton believes Pep Guardiola’s side will progress comfortably—provided they are clinical in front of goal. He predicted a 3-0 win, adding that he does not expect any surprises in the fixture.

In the second semi-final, Sutton is backing Leeds to edge Chelsea in a tighter contest. He forecasts a 2-1 victory for Daniel Farke’s men, suggesting the Blues may struggle to overcome their current inconsistencies.

Both matches will determine who advances to the FA Cup final, with Wembley Stadium hosting the decisive encounters this weekend.

Opinion: Form vs. Pressure—Why Sutton’s Picks Make Sense

Sutton’s predictions reflect current momentum more than reputation—and that’s what makes them interesting.

Manchester City remain one of the most consistent teams in Europe, so backing them against Southampton isn’t particularly bold. The only real question is efficiency: if City take their chances, the result should follow.

The more intriguing call is Leeds over Chelsea. On paper, Chelsea might still look like the bigger name, but football isn’t played on paper. Form, confidence, and cohesion often matter more—and right now, Chelsea appear to be lacking in those areas.

That said, cup football has a way of flipping expectations. Pressure at Wembley can inspire underdogs—or revive struggling giants.

If Sutton is right, it will confirm what many are starting to believe: this season, consistency is king, and reputation alone isn’t enough to win big games.