FA Cup semis: Wembley hosts Arsenal v Reading and Liverpool face Villa

The first leg of the FA Cup semi-finals take centre stage, as Wembley prepares to once again open its doors to thousands of football fans.

So, just how are these two matches going to pan out? There is a rich history between Liverpool and Aston Villa, while Arsenal are aiming for a successive FA Cup.

Let’s take a little look at both clashes. With a number of fantastic markets and great-value odds we’re sure there is something here for everyone.

Reading v Arsenal
From a total of 12 meetings between the two teams, Arsenal have won every one, which includes three FA Cup matches and three League Cup fixtures, making the Gunners’ odds-on 2/9 price for victory in 90 minutes with Coral extremely attractive.

Santi Cazorla, who has been in exceptional form this season for Arsene Wenger’s side, has hit four against the Royals in his last two fixtures, including a hat-trick, and as a result is definitely well worth a punt at 11/4 in normal time in the anytime market. For two or more, take 14/1 to make your day.

Meanwhile, Olivier Giroud has proven himself as one of the best strikers in Europe in recent weeks, and the Frenchman has a record of two goals against Reading in three meetings with the Berkshire outfit.

Having netted three in his last three Premier League matches, an odds-on price of 8/11 almost guarantee that this event will occur.

Steve Clarke’s side, though, haven’t won in five matches, recording three draws in the Championship, with their last victory coming against Bradford City in the second leg of the quarter-finals. Hal Robson-Kanu kicked off proceedings on that occasion, and takes 5/1 anytime scorer odds into this match.

Gareth McCleary and Jamie Mackie, who also struck in the match, are 8/1 and 5/1 respectively in the same market, while Pavel Pogrebnyak has netted three in the time that has passed between the Bantams clash, and is a 7/2 chance, also anytime.