Prem heavyweights kept apart
12 Mar 2007 - 13:52:22
Manchester United and Chelsea have been kept apart in the draw for the semi-finals of the FA Cup as a mouth-watering first final at the new Wembley moved a step closer to becoming a reality.
The two Premiership heavyweights both face quarter-finals replays with Middlesbrough and Tottenham respectively after weekend draws in the first encounters.
United were held to a 2-2 draw at Middlesbrough on Saturday evening, while Chelsea came from two goals down at half-time to hold Tottenham to a 3-3 stalemate at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.
Both replays will be held on Monday March 19 with Sir Alex Ferguson's side facing a potential last four clash with Watford should they overcome Boro at the second attempt.
Meanwhile, the winner of the Chelsea versus Tottenham replay will face Blackburn Rovers in the semi-finals.
Both last four games will be held on the weekend of March 14 and 15 at venues to be decided when the four teams are known.
Blackburn Rovers defeated Manchester City 2-0 at Ewood Park on Sunday to earn their place in the draw, while Premiership strugglers Watford secured a 1-0 win over Plymouth Argyle at Home Park.
The full semi-final draw is:
Blackburn Rovers v Chelsea or Tottenham Hotspur
Watford v Middlesbrough or Manchester United.