Key events
England experienced a mixed international break this month. The Lionesses got off to a flying start, beating Belgium 5-0 at Ashton Gate. However, a disappointing and somewhat disorganised defensive display saw them lose 3-2 in the reverse fixture. The absence of Alessia Russo and Lauren James could certainly be felt in Leuven, although Michelle Agyemang made a fantastic impact when she came on for her debut.
Here’s what we learned from the two games…
Interim Liverpool head coach Amber Whiteley insists that her team will approach today’s match with confidence following their quarter-final win over Arsenal. She said: “We’ve taken real good confidence from that quarter-final against Arsenal and in the league against Manchester United too,” Whiteley said. “We’ve shown that we can compete against the top teams. If we execute our game plan, we can cause Chelsea problems on the day.”
She added: “Sonia [Bompastor] has done a brilliant job since going in at Chelsea. They were already a successful side but she has taken them to another level again. We have to look at the teams that have taken points off them in recent games and take learnings from those games. It definitely gives you the confidence and belief that we can go there and do the same.”
Our very own Tom Garry spoke to Liverpool forward Olivia Smith ahead of today’s huge semi-final. The 20-year-old spoke about learning taekwondo growing up, scoring at Anfield and why she decided to join the Merseyside club.
I want to hear from you today! Feel free to email in with any score predictions, feelings, or thoughts. Are you heading out to watch any football this afternoon? Enjoying the sunshine? I can confirm that the weather is absolutely glorious here in London.
Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor expects her players to perform at their very best this afternoon. On Friday, she said: “Liverpool are on a really good run and have a really good dynamic in terms of results and performances. We expect to face a team that will be motivated for the game. It’s for a place in the FA Cup final at Wembley, it says a lot for the motivation both teams will bring into the game.
“We expect a tough game again because, as I said, they have been on a good run with good results. We also want to focus on ourselves; I know if we bring our best version, we can qualify for the final. We play at home with the support of the fans. I think there’s a lot of positives.”
Team news
Chelsea starting line-up: Hannah Hampton; Lucy Bronze, Millie Bright (C), Nathalie Björn, Sandy Baltimore; Keira Walsh, Wieke Kaptein, Erin Cuthbert; Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, Mayra Ramírez, Aggie Beever-Jones. Substitutes: Becky Spencer, Ashley Lawrence, Niamh Charles, Oriane Jean-François, Sjoeke Nüsken, Maika Hamano, Guro Reiten, Mia Fishel, Catarina Macario.
Liverpool starting line-up: Rachael Laws; Grace Fisk, Gemma Bonner, Gemma Evans, Taylor Hinds (C), Sam Kerr, Füka Nagano, Marie Höbinger, Olivia Smith, Leanne Kiernan, Cornelia Kapocs. Substitutes: Teagan Micah, Faye Kitby, Lucy Parry, Niamh Fahey, Jasmine Matthews, Sophie Román Haug, Mia Enderby, Jenna Clark, Yana Daniëls.
Preamble
Hello and welcome to coverage of the Women’s FA Cup semi-final clash between Chelsea and Liverpool.
For Chelsea, this is pretty familiar territory. The Blues have reached seven FA Cup finals in their history. They have also managed 21 wins in their last 22 Cup games – their only defeat coming against Manchester United in last season’s semi-finals.
Liverpool, on the other hand, are looking to reach the final for the first time since 1996 – when they knocked out Arsenal in the semis on penalties after a goalless draw. Amber Whiteley’s side stunned the Gunners at Meadow Park to earn a spot in this season’s final four, winning 1-0 following a Daphne van Domselaar own goal.
A place in next month’s final at Wembley is at stake. You don’t want to miss this one!
Kick-off is at 12:15pm BST – join me!