Sign up for free Man City WhatsApp updates amid FA Cup semi-final build-up and 115 charges wait

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Manchester City will now refocus their attention on this weekend's FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest after a vital win in their bid to qualify for next season's Champions League.

City ran out 2-1 winners over Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium after Matheus Nunes' stoppage-time winner temporarily moved them up to third place in the Premier League table.

The win saw them move four points clear of Villa in the battle for the top five, and four points above sixth-placed Chelsea with a top five finish enough to secure Champions League football next term.

Chelsea are in Premier League action on Saturday against Everton and can reduce the gap between themselves and City to one point. So are Newcastle who can move above City with victory over Ipswich Town.

But while the Champions League race is heating up, City will now look to book their place in the FA Cup final next month when they take on top four rivals Nottingham Forest at Wembley on Sunday.

By the time the game kicks off, Pep Guardiola will know whether Aston Villa or Crystal Palace await in the final as City bid to end a difficult campaign with some silverware.

Meanwhile, off the field, City are awaiting a verdict on the 115 charges for alleged financial breaches - which they have always denied - with the club set to discover whether they have successfully defended themselves against the Premier League's allegations.

City were charged back in February 2023, and a 10-week trial at the back end of 2024 gave the club a chance to present their case in front of an independent panel.

The Premier League have alleged serious financial wrongdoing over multiple years. The club have always maintained their innocence.

There will, of course, be plenty of attention over the verdict - including much hyperbole and hysteria. So you can cut through the noise and discover the facts on the Manchester Evening News before the verdict drops, as soon as it happens, and then we will take you through the next steps with expert, impartial analysis.

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