2012 FA Cup Final previously met nine times in the FA Cup, including two semi-finals (most recently in 2006), although they had never met in the final before. Chelsea had the upper hand in those nine meetings, winning five times to Liverpool's four; however, Liverpool won both semi-finals between the two clubs, both on neutral grounds. The only domestic cup final to feature both teams was the 2005 League Cup final, which Chelsea won 3–2 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. Liverpool and Chelsea had faced each other twice during the season, with Liverpool winning on both occasions. Liverpool won the first meeting in
1986–87 FA Cup were played over the weekend 21–22 February 1987, with the first set of replays on 24th-25th. The sixth round of FA Cup games were played over the weekend 14–15 March 1987. There were no replays. Seven time winners Tottenham Hotspur were drawn with 1984 finalists Watford for the Villa Park semi-final, which saw the North Londoners win 4-1 and reach their eighth final, having won all of their previous FA Cup finals. Hillsborough was the venue for the other semi-final. Fallen giants Leeds United were on the comeback trail under the management of former captain Billy Bremner, pushing for promotion