Chelsea host Palace in Women’s FA Cup fourth round as the holders get a home draw.
Palace To Visit Chelsea in Women’s FA Cup
Chelsea walk into the fourth round with confidence and pressure riding together. The cup holders have been drawn at home against Crystal Palace. Palace are now playing in the second tier after dropping out of the WSL.
For Chelsea, this tie is about control, authority, and reminding everyone why they still set the standard in English women’s football. Last season’s final win over Man United sealed a domestic treble and underlined their habit of delivering when it matters.
Now, a home tie only sharpens expectations. Palace arrive with nothing to lose, which makes them dangerous. But, Chelsea’s depth, tempo, and experience in knockout games give them a clear edge. Still, cup football has a way of testing focus. The West London club will know any slip could turn a routine night into a long one.
Big Names Collide As Fourth Round Draw Heats Up
Elsewhere, the draw has served up a mix of tough trips and top-flight clashes. Man City, leading the league, head south to face third-tier leaders Bournemouth.
Arsenal, the most decorated side in the competition, welcome Aston Villa in an all-WSL meeting. Meanwhile, Tottenham host Leicester City in another top-flight battle.
Man United travel to play Burnley, with London City Lionesses set for a tricky visit to Sunderland. Brighton, meanwhile, get home comfort against Nottingham Forest.
All fourth-round ties are scheduled for the weekend of January 17, with final dates yet to be confirmed. With strong teams spread across divisions, this round feels like a turning point where dreams grow or end fast.
Author’s opinion:
Chelsea should progress, but Palace can turn this into a real test if the hosts lose focus early.
As featured on Chelseanews.com