How to Stream and Watch The FA Cup Semi-Finals This Weekend

The FA Cup Semi-Final games will commence this weekend on April 22 and April 23 respectively. Each game is expected to be a spectacle, with Premier League champions Manchester City taking on Championship side Sheffield United in the first match of the weekend.

The Blades are looking to reach the FA Cup final for the first time since 1936, having lost five semi-finals in that time, most recently a 5-3 loss to Hull City in 2013-14. But, Man City will likely still be everyone’s favourite, as Pep Guardiola’s side eye-up a famous treble-winning season.

In Sunday’s game, Brighton will be challenging to beat Manchester United for the first time in the FA Cup, with The Red Devils coming out on top in the club’s last five meetings in the competition (most recently in the 2017-18 quarter-final). But, Brighton also won their last two games in all competitions against United, so this could be a tight contest.

Quick Navigation:

• How to Watch The FA Cup Semi-Finals
• Watch The FA Cup Semi-Finals in the US
• Stream The FA Cup Semi-Finals for Free with a VPN
• Our Top VPN Pick for Streaming

How to Watch The FA Cup Semi-Finals in the UK

Manchester City vs Sheffield United is being hosted at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, April 22. Kick-off is at 4:45 PM BST (11:45 AM ET), and will be available to watch on ITVX in the UK.

Brighton & Hove Albion vs Manchester United is also being played at Wembley, this time on Sunday, April 23, with kick-off at 4:30 PM BST (11:30 AM ET). It will be available to view on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

How to Watch The FA Cup Semi-Finals in the US

You’ve got a couple of options in the US when it comes to watching The FA Cup Semi-Finals. Both the Man City vs Sheffield United and Brighton vs Man United games are being shown via ESPN+ in the US.

Coverage starts at 10 AM ET / 7 AM PT for both games, with kick-off at 11:45 AM ET / 8:45 AM PT for City vs Sheffield United, and 11:30 AM ET / 8:30 AM PT for Brighton v Man United.

You can sign up for a membership below, opting for ESPN+ by itself or as part of the Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+ bundled deal.

How to Stream The FA Cup Semi-Finals with a VPN

If you’re one of the smart crew of 2023 with a decent VPN, then you’re in luck. You can access the FA Cup Semi-Finals without using ESPN+. All you need to do is connect your VPN to a UK server, then make your way over to ITVX or BBC iPlayer to watch either game.

You’ll need to register an account for both services, but neither requires ID verification. You just need an email address, your d.o.b, and a random UK postcode (you can use any UK postcode, such as 10 Downing Street’s SW1A 2AA). Here’s a quick step-by-step breakdown as well:

1. Install a secure and reliable VPN (like ExpressVPN) on your chosen device.
2. Connect your VPN to a server in the UK
3. Head over to BBC/ITV in time for kick-off
4. Enjoy the show!

Our Top VPN Pick for Streaming

If you haven’t yet secured yourself a VPN, that’s not an issue either. Our top pick for VPNs in 2023 is ExpressVPN, and they’ve currently got a great deal, with 49% off it’s 1-year deal, you’re also getting an additional 3-months free.

So at the equivalent of $6.67 per month, you’re getting 15-months of coverage under one of the best VPNs available at the moment. Plus, if you don’t get on with ExpressVPN, their deal also includes a 30-day risk-free money-back guarantee! It’s a win-win.

If you do opt to purchase a VPN, make sure you’re doing it for all the benefits that come with a virtual private network, such as online data encryption, shielding your identity, lightning-quick connectivity, and ensuring access to otherwise restricted sites. Ever see one of those ‘this media isn’t available in your region’ pop ups when trying to view somehting on Twitter or YouTube? VPNs can get you around that blockade!

Best VPN for Streaming The FA Cup Semi-Final

The best VPN to watch the FA Cup semi-finals should have:

• Fast and stable streaming speeds, ideally with unlimited bandwidth, so you can watch as much as you want in high resolution with minimal-to-no buffering
• VPN servers in many countries worldwide, especially in the US and the UK
• Strong encryption and security, so you can privately enjoy the show without worrying about being tracked by your internet service provider

Robert Anderson is a deals expert and Commerce Editor for IGN. You can follow him @robertliam21 on Twitter.

Author: Robert Anderson. [Source Link (*), IGN All]

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