Manchester United Women will make their first trip to Wembley on Sunday afternoon as they take on Chelsea in the Women’s FA Cup Final. We will be looking to lift the trophy for the first time in our history, while our opponents are seeking to win the competition for the third season in a row.
United heads into the final having secured victories over Sunderland, Durham, Lewes, and Brighton & Hove Albion to reach the showpiece event at Wembley. In the semi-final, it was the first time that the Reds had faced a WSL side in the FA Cup this season. It was quite a difficult game but also dramatic with Rachel Williams grabbing the winning goal in the 89th minute to seal a 3-2 win over the Seagulls.
We hope to end the campaign with two trophies as we compete with Chelsea on both a league and cup front. This would represent a huge step for the club since forming back in 2018 and subsequently winning the Women’s Championship in 2019 to be promoted into the top flight.
Head coach Marc Skinner and the players will travel to Wembley in high spirits having won the last seven games in all competitions scoring at least three goals in six of those matches. The only concern is that United has never beaten Chelsea in a competitive game as we have lost eight and drawn one of our last nine meetings.
Manchester United Women’s Team News
Head coach Marc Skinner has said that he has virtually a full squad to choose from for the final except for Maria Thorisdottir. Captain Katie Zelem will return to the starting eleven having missed the previous league game against Tottenham through suspension. Alessia Russo will lead the attack as she looks to add to her 12 goals in all competitions this season.
Manchester United Women Predicted Lineup
Earps; Batlle, Le Tissier, Turner, Blundell; Ladd, Zelem; Parris, Toone, Galton, and Russo.
Opposition Preview
Chelsea blew away Leicester City in the league on Wednesday with a 6-0 victory as they moved within a point of United, who currently sit top of the table having played a game more. They are looking to retain both the league and FA Cup ahead of the Reds. The West London club reached the final having gotten the better of Liverpool, Arsenal, Reading, and Aston Villa in the previous rounds. They will be looking to win the FA Cup for the third time in a row having beaten Arsenal 3-0 in the 2020/21 final and then a 3-2 victory in extra time last year against Manchester City.
Chelsea Women Team News
Manager Emma Hayes has revealed she has the majority of the squad available for selection. Though Millie Bright and Fran Kirby remain sidelined through injury. Sam Kerr is expected to be in the starting eleven for Wembley having been left on the bench for the 6-0 win against Leicester City midweek. Pernille Harder has scored four goals in her two games and will be looking to add to her tally at Wembley.
Form Guide
Manchester United Women FA Cup form: WWWW
Manchester United Women form (all competitions): WWWWWW
Chelsea Women FA Cup form: WWWW
Chelsea Women form (all competitions): WLDWWW
Prediction
Both teams head into the FA Cup final in a good run of form. Chelsea has the experience of winning the previous two finals at Wembley. However, United know they are more capable of going toe-to-toe with our opponents and achieving their first FA Cup.
Chelsea Women 1-2 Manchester United Women
