FA Cup semi-final dates announced: Reading vs Arsenal and Aston Villa vs Liverpool or Blackburn

The matches will take place at Wembley

The FA Cup trophy (Getty Images)

The FA have announced the dates for the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley.

Reading vs Arsenal will be held at the national stadium on Saturday 18 April at 5.20pm.

The game between Aston Villa and Liverpool or Blackburn will kick off at 3pm on Sunday 19 April.

The kick off times will appease fans, with the later start time of the two games being for the match involving sides from outside the south east.

Tim Sherwood's Aston Villa will not know their opponents until 11 days before the fixture, with a replay needed between Liverpool and Blackburn after they drew 0-0 at Anfield. They meet at Ewood Park on Wednesday 8 April.

Holders Arsenal head into the last four as the favourites to win the cup due to their Championship opponents at the semi-final stage.

The FA Cup final takes place at Wembley on Saturday 30 May.