Women’s FA Cup semi-finals: Key battles to watch as Liverpool take on Chelsea, and Man City host the Manchester Derby
The international break is over, and Sports News Blitz’s Claudia Jones previews an exciting FA Cup weekend with exciting semi-final fixtures.
On Saturday, April 12, top of the Women’s Super League table, Chelsea host Liverpool at Kingsmeadow.
The following day, Manchester City host local rivals Manchester United at the Sky Blues' home ground, Joie Stadium.
All four teams will be eager to secure a place in the final and advance one step closer to claiming silverware.
CHELSEA VS LIVERPOOL
Chelsea have faced Liverpool only once so far this season, securing a commanding 3-0 win.
The West London club have been dominant throughout this campaign, with the potential of the quadruple still in sight.
Sonia Bompastor’s side cannot afford to take their foot off the gas this weekend, especially considering Liverpool’s shock win against the Gunners in the previous round.
Aggie Beaver-Jones vs Rachael Laws
Aggie Beaver-Jones has proved to be a consistent attacking threat this season, with 11 goals in all competitions.
The England international is Chelsea’s top goal scorer and will be eager to add to the tally this weekend.
Beaver-Jones has already netted against Laws this season, in Chelsea’s 3-0 WSL win against Liverpool.
Laws has only managed one clean sheet this campaign, so she will have to pull out all the stops to deny the Blues striker from reaching the back of the net on Saturday.
The Liverpool keeper has a crucial job this weekend if the Reds want to reach the final.
Lauren James vs Taylor Hinds
Having scored in the quarterfinal, Lauren James will look to make her mark again this weekend.
James has been a key player on Bompastor’s side, and should she be fit to play this weekend, she will be one to watch.
The England international is a threat for both attack and defence, having a 60% dribble success rate and winning 71.4% of her tackles.
The same can be said for Taylor Hinds in this Liverpool side, having proved her consistency by playing in every league fixture this season.
This matchup promises a key battle out wide.
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Millie Bright vs Olivia Smith
Chelsea’s centre-back Millie Bright is up against Liverpool’s striker Olivia Smith.
The Chelsea captain has played an integral part in their success this season, playing in every WSL fixture with dominant performances and winning 70.2% of aerial duels.
Bright’s physicality and experience will be key in stopping Smith from finding the back of the net this Saturday.
The Canadian youngster is an exciting and dynamic attacking threat, with a 61.2% dribble success rate.
This is Smith’s first season as a Red. The Canadian international is Liverpool’s top goal scorer this season, with seven goals in all competitions.
The Liverpool striker will have to put in an impressive performance if she wants to trouble Chelsea’s solid defence.
Score prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Liverpool
MAN CITY VS MAN UTD
The second semi-final of the weekend is a Manchester Derby.
Having already faced each other twice this season, both teams are equal with one win and one loss, so it will be interesting to see which way this game will go.
Bunny Shaw vs Maya Le Tissier
Manchester City’s goal machine Bunny Shaw has netted 19 goals across all competitions this season.
The Jamaican international is City’s biggest threat, and Maya Le Tissier will have the crucial task of trying to deny Shaw from getting on the scoresheet.
Le Tissier has also had an impressive season, playing in 25 games across all competitions and winning 69.7% of her tackles.
This battle could be pivotal in deciding who will reach the FA Cup final.
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Yui Hasegawa vs Grace Clinton
Yui Hasegawa will be responsible for keeping Grace Clinton quiet on Sunday.
Manchester City’s midfielder has been outstanding this season, completing nearly 90% of her passes.
The Japanese international could control the game with her passing, vision and ability to link defence to attack.
Clinton will be trying to disrupt this with her pressing and will be looking to dominate the midfield.
The England youngster has had an impressive break-out season at Man Utd, with seven goals this campaign.
This midfield battle will be influential for the game, with both players operating vital roles in their teams.
Khiara Keating vs Elisabeth Terland
Manchester City’s goalkeeper, Khiara Keating, is up against Manchester United’s striker, Elisabeth Terland.
The England international has had three clean sheets in the WSL so far this season and has proven her shot-stopping ability in big games.
She will be tested again on Sunday against Norwegian international Terland, who will be looking to get the better of her.
The Manchester United striker has proved to be an attacking threat, having netted 11 goals so far this season.
Keating will need to be on top form to stop Terland this weekend.
Score prediction: Man Utd 2-1 Man City
With top talents across both fixtures, this weekend has games you will not want to miss.
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