Key events
Brighton are raring to go …
Manchester United reached the Women’s FA Cup final for the first time last season where they faced Chelsea. The Blues won 1-0 that day. Can United reach it again this year? First team standing in the way is Brighton. Kick-off in 15 minutes.
Brighton’s interim manager Mikey Harris said: “Belief comes from within and the fact that we had six different goalscorers [against Bristol City] is massive. I think we’ve got goals throughout the team, we showed that on Sunday and I’m really hopeful that now, we will kick on in that regard.
“You know we want to entertain, we want to play attacking football, we want to score goals and hopefully, we can do that and concede a few less at the same time.”
Manchester United manager Marc Skinner said: “It looks like a Brighton DNA – possession-based. I know they value that highly so they will press us with the ball. We have to be very clever in how we defend that and work hard. They are good.
“Watching their play against Bristol [City], you can see how they are developing and the way they want to play. I think we will have to be resolute. I think for both teams the pitch will play a part, both will have to adapt to that. It’s going to be a good game, and one we are not taking lightly by any means.”
Joe Pearson has emailed and said: “Since it’s just about lunchtime here in Florida, I decided to eat a piece of leftover steak in marsala sauce with some nice Italian bread and herbed olive oil.”
This sounds incredible Joe! I haven’t had any snacks yet, I might have to dig into some crisps soon. If you want to get in touch you can email me or message on X.
Leicester were without manager Willie Kirk as he is being investigated by the club for an alleged relationship with a player. Read the story:
Leicester have reached the Women’s FA Cup semi-finals for the first time. Have a read of the report:
Quick Guide
Liverpool 0-2 Leicester
Show
Jutta Rantala scored twice as Leicester City beat Liverpool to secure a place in the Women’s FA Cup semi-finals for the first time.
The Foxes were without manager Willie Kirk, who is currently being investigating over allegations of a relationship with one of his players. The assistant manager, Jennifer Foster, and first-team coach Stephen Kirby took charge on Saturday and oversaw a historic victory.
Finland midfielder Rantala smashed the ball into the bottom corner on the rebound after Janice Cayman had struck the post with a curling shot. Despite pressure from Liverpool before and after the goal, Leicester went in a goal up at the interval.
Liverpool, without a home win since mid-November, kept pushing but were punished for their profligacy as Rantala led a break downfield before crashing a shot in off the crossbar from the edge of the box.
‘I said to the players before the game, if we execute what we need to and do it in the way we know we can we know we’ll get the result we deserve – and we did,’ Foster told the BBC.
‘There were one or two moments where we lapsed in concentration and they almost capitalised but that was the wake-up call we needed and we shifted up a gear. I can’t fault the players for everything they’ve done today – I thought they were fantastic.’ Guardian sport
The team news is in!
Brighton: Baggaley, Thorisdottir, Bergsvand, Losada, Sarri, Bremer, Zigiotti, Terland, Kullberg, Pinto, Robinson
Jayde Riviere returns for Manchester United after recovering from injury.
Man Utd: Earps, Le Tissier, Blundell, Toone, Malard, Zelem, Riviere, Naalsund, L Garcia, Turner, Parris.
Preamble
Hello and welcome back to the Women’s FA Cup. On the docket today is Brighton v Manchester United in the quarter-final and it is a crucial match for both clubs.
It is the only silverware both clubs can win this season. The Conti Cup final is being competed between Chelsea and Arsenal, the WSL title is out of reach for Brighton and Manchester United and they are both not in the Women’s Champions League.
United will be the favourites heading into the match but the beauty of the FA Cup could see an upset. Brighton are also coming off the back of a huge win in the WSL after they defeated Bristol City 7-3. The winning momentum could see them turn over United, who have had a disappointing season after pushing for the WSL title last campaign.
The team news will be released shortly and so stay tuned for updates.
