7 hours ago
1
Key events Show key events only Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature
It’s all over at the Joie Stadium where Manchester City have seen off the challenge of Aston Villa. With Chelsea v Crystal Palace getting under way at 2.30pm as well, we’ll know all four semi-finalists in a couple of hour’s time – and then we’ll get the draw.
It would be something of a surprise if it wasn’t United, City, Arsenal and Chelsea – the runaway top four in the WSL – who comprised the lineup.
Here’s another good women’s football read for you to delve into as we await kick-off at Meadow Park.
In terms of today’s teams, the fact Arsenal can put Alessia Russo, Beth Mead, Caitlin Foord and Katie McCabe all on the pitch at the same time shows what a formidable attacking force they are. With Stina Blackstenius and Victoria Pelova among the substitutes, they have no shortage of depth either.
Sophie Haug is Liverpool’s main threat up front, but you suspect she’ll be feeding largely off scraps, unless the ever-reliable Ceri Holland can help the visitors gain a foothold in midfield. We shall see.
Our other live football offering right now comes from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Tim de Lisle is your man for minute-by-minute updates.
City have no doubled their lead through Jess Park and look set to book their spot in the Women’s FA Cup semi-finals. City, who lost out to Tottenham in the last four in 2024 will be gunning to go all the way this time. What price an all-Manchester final?
Bunny Shaw has given Manchester City the lead against Aston Villa.
Amber Whiteley expects to be in charge of Liverpool until the end of the season, but is targeting an even longer stint in the job. It’s been an underwhelming campaign on Merseyside – they’ve lost more than they’ve won in the league, sitting sixth – but today represents a huge game; some silverware could save Liverpool’s season.
It’s definitely a role I’m interested in and will put in for. But that recruitment process goes to one side and I have to focus on the day-to-day.
From my interim period previously, the biggest thing I took away was that I was capable of doing the job. I am in a far better position having had the time with Matt [Beard] and working under him.
When these opportunities come about, you have to stand up and show exactly what you are capable of. It’s really important to do that as a female coach too.
“As players we’re really grateful to be a part of setting the new normal for women’s football, whether that be with the games in the stadium or through the culture around the fans within it. We try to make sure that everyone knows football is for them and it’s a place for everyone.”
Arsenal and England star Alessia Russo chats to Suzanne Wrack.
Preamble
It’s a big day in the Women’s FA Cup with three quarter-finals taking place, after Manchester United booked their spot in the last four by beating Sunderland on Saturday. United, of course, are the competition’s holders and one of the favourites to win it again given their excellent recent form.
Manchester City are currently taking on Aston Villa but our focus will be on this crunch tie between Arsenal and Liverpool at Meadow Park. The Gunners are record 14-time winners of the Cup but haven’t prevailed since 2016; since then it’s been dominated by the Manchester clubs and Chelsea. Liverpool have never lifted the Women’s FA Cup and haven’t even contested a final since the 1990s.
The Reds will be under the stewardship of interim manager Amber Whiteley, who took over from Matt Beard following his recent sacking. She’s going up against Renée Slegers of course, who herself took over mid-season at Arsenal after the sacking of a male head coach.
Can the visitors upset Arsenal today? We shall find out together, with kick-off at 2.30pm (UK time).
