The Vitality Women’s FA Cup returns this weekend as holders Chelsea host Leicester City tomorrow, before an action-packed Sunday.
With a spot in the quarter finals at stake, it will be a big weekend for clubs such as Durham and Charlton Athletic who will fancy their chances of scalping their struggling opponents.
Chelsea kick off the weekend with an early start against Leicester at the Kingsmeadow Stadium. Since the club joined the Women’s Super League in 2011, Emma Hayes’ side have only failed to reach the quarter finals on one occasion. It will only be the second ever time the clubs have met, with Chelsea winning 2-0 back in October.
On Sunday, current league leaders Arsenal visit division two side Liverpool in a game which may not be as routine as expected, with Arsenal only celebrating one league win in 2022. On the contrary, the Red Ladies are flying, winning all of their last six league games, without conceding.
The Manchester derby will kick off at 12:30 and it will be the Citizens who will favour this tie, coming two weeks after Gareth Taylor’s girls beat Manchester United 1-0 in the league.
It was an impressive display from City, who won thanks to a late Caroline Weir goal.
There will be a big opportunity for Championship side Charlton Athletic who will host relegation candidates Everton. The WSL side sit second from bottom, having only picked up one league win since November. Meanwhile in the same timeframe, Charlton haven’t lost a game, only conceding twice.
Ipswich Town host fellow Southern Premier club Southampton, and while the two sides are among the lowest ranked teams still in the competition, this could end up being one of the ties of the round. The Blues currently sit in pole position; however the Saints have an astounding record of 12 wins in 13, playing five less games than the former. It will be a massive chance for either side to reach the quarter finals against some top WSL opponents.
Birmingham City, with only one win in 15 league games, sit bottom of the WSL but will be hoping the FA Cup can act as a consolation as they host second divison Durham. If the Wildcats can scalp their WSL opponent, it would be the third time in five seasons where they have reached the FA Cup quarter-finals.
After a slow start to the season, Reading have hit fine form at the perfect time heading into their clash against West Ham United. The Royals have only lost once in the league since October, including a 1-0 win over Chelsea. West Ham will be looking to bounce back after their shock 3-0 defeat to Leicester a fortnight ago.
The final tie of the round sees National League club West Brom host Championship basement dwellers Coventry. The Baggies are currently the lowest ranked team left in the competition, sitting only six points adrift of relegation into the fourth division. Despite this, they will have to fancy their chances, seeing as Coventry have only mustered one win in the league all season.
