Although soccer purists will tell you the semi-finals of the FA Cup shouldn’t be at Wembley Stadium, every time this weekend comes around on the soccer calendar there’s a sense of excitement at the two games to be played under the iconic arch approach.

This weekend’s clashes should be fascinating affairs, especially given all four sides involved will view this trophy as a priority, something which hasn’t always been the case in recent campaigns. Additionally, there is a match from Major League Soccer which is particularly eye-catching, as well as a vital clash in the Premier League on Sunday and an enormous tussle in Argentina.

All kick-offs are in Eastern time. Enjoy your weekend and enjoy the games!

Everton vs. Manchester United

Saturday, April 23, 12:30PM, FOX Sports 2, FOX Sports GO & FOX Soccer 2GO

It’s a make or break weekend for Everton manager Roberto Martinez, as his side face Manchester United in the semi-finals of the FA Cup at Wembley.

The Toffees come into this one at their lowest ebb, having lost 4-0 to local rivals Liverpool in midweek. It was a pitiful display from the Toffees and one indicative of a team who are lacking in confidence in the manager’s methods. Martinez, who Everton supporters almost unanimously want out of a job now, faces a big task to rally his players.

Pressure will also be on his opposite number on Saturday, Louis van Gaal. United could still potentially qualify for the Champions League this term, although they are four points back on Arsenal at this juncture. The Red Devils haven’t won this pot since 2004 either and the Dutchman, who has been under pressure this season, would love to bring the club silverware.

Their chances of making it to the final look good too. Everton will be without the suspended Ramiro Funes Mori, as well as the injured Seamus Coleman, Phil Jagielka and Gareth Barry. With brittle confidence to factor in as well, getting over the line at the national stadium would be a remarkable achievement for this Everton side in their current state.

 

Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Real Salt Lake

Saturday, April 23, 10:30PM, MLS Live, KMYU (local TV), TWCSN-LA (local TV)

After a brilliant win on the road last weekend, the Los Angeles Galaxy will be keen to build momentum when they go up against unbeaten Real Salt Lake.

The last outing from Los Angeles makes you wonder why this team had so many problems away from home in the previous term. They went to the Houston Dynamos and ran out 4-1 winners last weekend, with a collection of their star players shining on the night. Giovani dos Santos certainly looks like a player who is ready to do damage this season; he bagged a brace.

They’ll have their work cut out against a Real Salt Lake side who are flying high this term. In six matches they’ve mustered four wins and two draws, putting them second in the table behind FC Dallas, who have played two games more. A trip to the StubHub Center, where LA are very strong indeed, will be their biggest test so far this term.

LA can move level on points with their opponents with a win and there were signs last time out this a team beginning to find a rhythm. Real will need to be wary, but will fancy their chances given recent displays.

 

Sunderland vs. Arsenal

Sunday, April 24, 9:05AM, NBCSN, Telemundo & NBC Sports Live Extra

While the top of the table has been fascinating this term, the bottom of the Premier League looks like it might be the most exciting segment of the standings between now and the end of the campaign. Sunderland, who face Arsenal on Sunday, will be heavily involved in that battle.

Sam Allardyce’s side were superb last week, beating fellow strugglers Norwich City 3-0 at Carrow Road and giving themselves a fine chance of pulling out of the relegation zone. However, with the Canaries still ahead of the Black Cats and Newcastle United in the table, there is still work to do for Sunderland and a win here would be a huge boost.

Arsenal could be vulnerable too. While they gave themselves some breathing room in the race in the Champions League spots with a win over West Bromwich Albion on Thursday, a loss would open the door for Manchester United. A lot of supporters remain critical of manager Arsene Wenger too, making for an unsettling atmosphere around the soccer club.

With Newcastle performing well again under Rafael Benitez, a there’s a genuine three-horse race to avoid relegation, with two spots to be filled alongside Aston Villa. If Sunderland can take something from this clash against their illustrious opponents, they’d make themselves favorites to escape.

 

Crystal Palace vs. Watford

Sunday, April 24, 11:00AM, FOX Sports 2, FOX Sports GO & FOX Soccer 2GO

The second semi-final will see two Premier League sides who are struggling for form seek to keep their campaign alive, with Crystal Palace and Watford set to square off under the Wembley arch.

Alan Pardew’s Crystal Palace side looked as though they were going to be one of the surprise packages in this season’s top flight after a fine beginning to the campaign. Although as is so indicative of the coach’s teams, the Eagles have been solemn and struggling for a long time now, with just one league win this calendar year.

Watford are a club who seem to have let their focus dwindle in the Premier League with this game evidently on their minds. Quique Sanchez Flores earned a lot of plaudits for the performances turned in by his side earlier on in the campaign and with safety secured, can at least look forward to a date a Wembley. It’s vital they raise their levels, though.

The Hornets proved they are capable of doing exactly that, as they beat Arsenal 2-1 in the quarter-finals at the Emirates Stadium. While neither side have been inspiring as of late, expect a fully committed contest and with players like Odion Ighalo, Troy Deeney, Yannick Bolasie and Wilfried Zaha set to take to the field, plenty of attacking swagger.

 

Boca Juniors vs. River Plate

Sunday, April 24, 3:15PM, TV Publica or Fútbol Paras Todos (if geo-blocked, use Unblock-us)

Another colorful chapter will be written in the vibrant history of the Superclasico this weekend, as Boca Juniors play host to River Plate at La Bombonera.

Neither side are in particularly positive form heading into this one, though. In Group B, Boca are down in fifth position, having won three and lost two of their last five games. River, by contrast, are only in ninth in Group A with just a solitary win in their last five. Needless to say, both outfits could do with the confidence boost.

Boca will feel capable of getting three points on home soil. This iconic stadium shakes to its foundations when these two meet and they certainly have the players to pose problems for their great rivals. Goals have been tough to come by this term, although Dani Osvaldo and Carlos Tevez is a particularly potent strike force.

River have been struggling for a balance in their play as of late, but they always find an edge in this fixture that makes them competitive. If Marcelo Gallardo’s men don’t discover it, it’s difficult to envisage them taking maximum points from this showdown.