The Vitality Women’s FA Cup returns next weekend with 16 clubs set to contest the eight fifth round ties.
The competition is edging towards the business end, with next weekend’s winners moving into the quarter-finals.
There is plenty on the line in the fifth round. At least one of the tournament favourites will exit the competition while two sides outside of the top tier are guaranteed to win places in the quarter-finals.
Ahead of fifth round weekend, FAWSL Full-Time have identified three ties which simply cannot be missed.
Chelsea v Arsenal
The ‘Tie of the Round’ by some distance sees current Vitality Women’s FA Cup holders Chelsea face their Barclays Women’s Super League rivals Arsenal at Kingsmeadow. The Blues have built a strong record against The Gunners in recent years but it feels like Arsenal are starting to fight back and they are finding new ways of challenging Emma Hayes’ side.
Arsenal were the better side when they took on Chelsea in the league at The Emirates Stadium a few weeks ago but the individual brilliance of Sam Kerr ensured that the points were shared in a 1-1 draw.
Chelsea will be the favourites for the victory next weekend but Jonas Eidevall and his Arsenal side are getting better at pushing their London rivals all the way and you can take absolutely nothing for granted going into this mouthwatering tie.
West Ham United v Aston Villa
Two of the most progressive clubs in this season’s Barclays Women’s Super League meet at The Chigwell Construction Stadium when West Ham United face Aston Villa.
Paul Konchesky’s Hammers can be one of the most resolute and well-organised sides in the elite game on their day while Aston Villa’s squad is becoming more and more ‘star-studded’ with the likes of Rachel Daly, Jordan Nobbs and Lucy Staniforth having joined the club in the last couple of transfer windows.
The two clubs went into the international break off the back of very different results. West Ham United suffered a heavy 7-0 home loss to Chelsea in the FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup semi-finals while Aston Villa demolished Brighton & Hove Albion 6-2 in the league. The winner of next weekend’s tie is hard to call but it is likely to be the side that plays to their strengths the most on the day.
Lewes v Cardiff City LFC
There will be guaranteed Vitality Women’s FA Cup magic at The Dripping Pan when second tier Lewes take on fourth tier club Cardiff City LFC.
A place in the last eight is absolutely huge for both of these clubs. A fairytale quarter-final tie is something that won’t come along very often so it will be all about seizing the moment.
Lewes are enjoying a fantastic season under the guidance of new boss Scott Booth. The Rookettes have reached a handful of new heights and qualification for the Vitality Women’s FA Cup quarter-finals would be another one. Cardiff City LFC will also fancy their chances given the fact that they are flying high in the FA Women’s National League Division One South West. The Dragons will be carrying the hopes of South Wales on their shoulders.
Next weekend provides a unique opportunity for Lewes and Cardiff City LFC and both clubs will give their absolute all to become Vitality Women’s FA Cup quarter-finalists.
All eight Vitality Women’s FA Cup fifth round ties take place on Sunday 26 February 2023.
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