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.

Aside from Pep Guardiola's City, this season's last four has an unfamiliar feel but all involved have their own motivation to lift the cup

Man City won't declare this campaign a success, but they can still win an FA Cup and a spot in next season's Champions League, which is something worth smiling about.