Manchester City faces a crucial test this Saturday, April 4, 2026, when they host Liverpool FC at the Etihad Stadium in the FA Cup quarter-finals. Beyond the immediate goal of reaching the semifinals, the Citizens have a chance to make history by breaking a 145-year-old record, adding an extra layer of significance to the fixture.
City comes into this match riding a wave of confidence after recently lifting the EFL Cup. Their 2-0 triumph over Arsenal FC at Wembley not only added another trophy to their collection but also reinforced their ambitions for a historic treble this season.
Aiming for Eight Consecutive FA Cup Semifinals
Pep Guardiola’s squad now turns its focus to the FA Cup, where a victory against Liverpool would see them reach the semifinals for the eighth consecutive year—a feat unprecedented in the competition’s 145-year history. The consistency City has displayed in this tournament is a testament to Guardiola’s meticulous management and the team’s resilience.
In recent seasons, Manchester City’s performance in the FA Cup has been remarkable. The team has won 19 of their last 21 FA Cup matches, suffering only two losses in the 2024 and 2025 finals. Such dominance cements their status as one of the tournament’s most formidable sides in modern football.
Home Advantage and Historic Record
Playing at the Etihad Stadium, City enjoys another edge: an extraordinary home record in the FA Cup. The team has secured 17 consecutive home victories in the competition. A win over Liverpool would allow City to surpass the historic mark set by Clapham Rovers, who recorded 17 home wins between 1873 and 1881, setting a new benchmark for domestic dominance in the FA Cup.
Guardiola has emphasized that despite winning one trophy this season, complacency is not an option. Each competition carries its own prestige, and City aims to progress as far as possible in every tournament. “It may not be the most glamorous, but it is another chance to compete against some of the best teams in Europe in both the Premier League and the Champions League. It is a good test against a very good team,” Guardiola said.
Staying Focused on Consistency
The Spanish manager also highlighted the importance of maintaining consistency for long-term success. City’s achievements over the past few years are measured not just by trophies, but by the ability to reach the latter stages of multiple competitions, year after year.
Guardiola is well aware of Liverpool’s threat, calling them one of City’s biggest rivals in recent seasons. With a well-invested squad and top-tier talent, Liverpool remains one of Europe’s elite sides. “We have finished one competition and now we focus on the next. Tomorrow, we have a chance to achieve something extraordinary—eight semifinals in a row. This has never happened before. It is a prestigious competition against a special opponent,” he added.
Past Records and Current Form
While City has defeated Liverpool twice in the Premier League this season, including a 2-1 win at Anfield, the FA Cup tells a different story. Historically, City has lost its last four home matches against Liverpool in this competition, adding an intriguing layer to the upcoming clash.
Both sides approach the match with high stakes. Manchester City seeks to extend its dominance and secure a place in history, while Liverpool aims to disrupt their rival’s momentum and keep its own trophy ambitions alive.
With a squad rich in talent and experience, Manchester City enters as the slight favorite, bolstered by home support. Nevertheless, Liverpool possesses the capacity for a significant upset, promising an intense and captivating encounter.
Conclusion
Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final is more than just a match; it represents Manchester City’s chance to rewrite the record books while testing their mettle against one of the Premier League’s fiercest rivals. Guardiola’s men will rely on their home advantage, tactical discipline, and recent momentum to pursue an eighth consecutive semifinal appearance.
For Liverpool, it is an opportunity to reaffirm their resilience and challenge one of the most consistent sides in modern English football. This high-stakes clash at the Etihad promises drama, history, and elite-level football, capturing the attention of fans and historians alike.
ALSO READ :
