CUP MAGIC ISN’T BACK.. IT NEVER WENT AWAY

THE heavyweight semi-final line-up has given the FA Cup a sense of greater importance this weekend.

Premier League leaders Chelsea face their closest title challengers Tottenham in what will surely be a fascinating London derby tomorrow, with the likes of Diego Costa and Toby Alderweireld (above) going toe-to-toe.

Then, 24 hours later, Pep Guardiola (below) and Arsene Wenger clash. Defeat for Manchester City or Arsenal will be a big blow, which only goes to reinforce the value of the world’s most famous knockout competition.

But do not let anyone tell you the FA Cup only matters this term because of the stellar last four.

In fact, sometimes it feels as if the competition is not just surviving but thriving, despite everything thrown at it, including fixture pile-ups that give managers an excuse to rest big players.

Look at attendances throughout the rounds, and you will find evidence that the fans still enjoy the tournament, too.

If the FA Cup means nothing, then how come 52,692 were at Anfield to see Liverpool’s goalless draw with Plymouth in the third round? Old Trafford hosted 74,396 to see Manchester United thrash Reading, despite it being on TV.

Then come Sutton and Lincoln as this season’s fairytale giantkillers – everyone loves a great romantic cup story and minnows enjoying their day in the sun.

Has there been a bigger upset in recent times than Bradford knocking out Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in January 2015?

Wenger was probably kept in a job by winning the Cup in 2014, and this is a foreign manager who has embraced the competition like no other, winning it six times in 20 years at the club.

It is difficult to understand clubs like Bournemouth resting players. Survival comes first, but they lost all momentum after being knocked out at Millwall and nearly got sucked into a relegation scrap.

Premier League survival is very admirable but not as memorable as FA Cup glory.

It is great to see Guardiola, Mauricio Pochettino and Antonio Conte appreciating the value of the competition.

This will be a special weekend at Wembley but it only goes to highlight that we should cherish the FA Cup because the fans still love it.