Arsenal host Liverpool in the quarterfinals of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup on Sunday, seeking to win their first trophy under Renée Slegers and their fifteenth title in the competition.
The Gunners are favourites heading into the fixture, with Liverpool having just sacked manager Matt Beard and sitting sixth in the Barclays Women’s Super League. However, boss Renée Slegers is expecting a challenge from the Reds under Amber Whiteley’s stewardship.
The stats
Arsenal beat London City Lionesses 2-0 in the fifth round while Liverpool won their tie against Rugby Borough FC by the same score. They now face off for a place in the semifinals on 13th April.
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Liverpool have not reached the FA Cup final since 1995/96, where they lost to Croydon. The odds are not in their favour as they prepare to face Renée Slegers’ side, losing 20 of their 26 previous meetings and only winning four. In December Arsenal beat them 1-0 in the league, but Liverpool have changed system since Amber Whiteley took charge. The Reds used to play a 3-5-2, scoring most of their goals off individual actions and counterattacks – the interim boss has shifted to a front three, looking to capitalise better on crosses.
Defensively, though, a major concern for Whiteley’s side will be Alessia Russo. The Lioness has been in fine form, scoring 17 goals in 36 appearances across all competitions this season, including the winner against Liverpool in December. The Reds have been porous this campaign, conceding twice as many as Arsenal in the league.
In the WSL, Arsenal are third with 33 points and 38 goals scored, while Liverpool sit sixth with 18 points and 14 goals scored.
Team news
Liverpool are without the injured Niamh Fahey and Hannah Silcock for this weekend’s quarterfinal. Lotte Wubben-Moy is still not fit to return for Arsenal, and Chloe Kelly is cup-tied. Slegers confirmed that Lina Hürtig is a doubt after being ill.
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However, Victoria Pelova is back in the squad for the Gunners after recovering from an ACL injury. She has featured in a U21’s game, but is yet to return to first-team action.
Liverpool’s Rachael Laws could potentially make her 100th appearance for Liverpool in this game.
TV guide
For fans both in the UK and abroad, this fixture, as well as the other quarter finals, will be streamed on the Adobe Women’s FA Cup Youtube Channel. Kick off will be at 14:30 [GMT].
FromTheSpot prediction
We predict a tough battle between the sides but see Arsenal going through to the semifinal.
Given Arsenal’s recent form, and their dominance in this tie, we predict a 3-1 win for the Gunners in front of their home crowd – though Liverpool could pull one back via a counterattack or set piece.
Anne Butzelaar
As featured on NewsNow: Football news