Travel warning issued ahead of Manchester City and United FA Cup semi-finals

Manchester football fans are facing travel headaches following this weekend's FA Cup semi-finals. City and United are both in action at Wembley with the Blues facing Chelsea on Saturday and the Reds taking on Coventry less than 24 hours later on Sunday.

City have been given an official allocation of 36,738 for their game with United being handed 35,201 tickets for theirs.

Thousands of those fans are expected to travel to the capital by train. However the kick-off times means there are a limited number of services available to take fans back after the matches. And the train company Avanti has issued a warning that services will be very busy.

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City's game kick-offs at 5:15pm. There are four direct services to Manchester from London which leave after the end of the game, at 19:31, 19:50, 20:18 and 21:01. There is also an 20:31 departure to Crewe where fans can catch a connection to Manchester.

However they face a dash to get to Euston in time. Particularly if the game goes to extra-time and penalties, which will be the case if the game is drawn after 90 minutes.This scenario could leave just three trains fans could realistically catch home.

United's clash with Coventry kicks off at the earlier time of 3:30pm. And the fact that services run later on a Sunday means there are eight trains which leave following the game.

However, again the prospect of extra-time and penalties could see several of these ruled out as an option for fans who want to see the action until the end.

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There is the added consideration that the London Marathon is also taking place on Sunday which is expected to increase pressure on services. This also means there will be road closures in place and tube stations will be busier than normal.

Whilst also on Sunday, Liverpool face Fulham at Craven Cottage at 4:30pm with queuing systems to be put in place and designated platforms for Coventry, United and Liverpool fans at Euston.

An Avanti West Coast spokesperson said: “Fans returning home after the FA Cup Semi-Final matches are advised to plan ahead, make a reservation, and leave plenty of time to get from Wembley to London Euston station, as our trains are expected to be busy on both Saturday and Sunday evenings.”

The final is back at Wembley on Saturday, May 25. The clubs are looking to set up the second consecutive all-Manchester FA Cup Final following last year's showpiece which the Blues won 2-1 on their way to completing the treble.

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