Last August, predicting Manchester City’s 2024/25 season would spiral into a fight for any silverware seemed unthinkable. Fresh off a fourth consecutive Premier League title, Pep Guardiola’s squad was the untouchable favorite to dominate yet again.

Villa’s pursuit for a return to the Champions League through a top-five finish in the Premier League takes a back seat as they head to Wembley.

An intriguing array of clubs have made the last four in a semi-final line-up that raises questions about football’s future