Women's FA Cup Final: Chelsea v City match preview | OneFootball

Everything you need to know ahead of Manchester City’s Women's FA Cup Final clash with Chelsea.

When and where

Gareth Taylor’s side complete our 2021/22 season with the showpiece game at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 15 May with kick-off scheduled for 14:30 (UK).

The game is available to watch live on BBC One while you can also follow updates and keep across the key moments in our Matchday Centre and over on Twitter: @ManCityWomen.

A detailed match report and reaction will also be available soon after the final whistle, while highlights and a full-match replay can be accessed on Monday.

DOWNLOAD THE MAN CITY APP

Team news

City have received a welcome boost ahead of the Women’s FA Cup Final with the news Demi Stokes and Jess Park are set to be back in contention.

Stokes missed last weekend’s FA Women’s Super League finale at Reading, while Club Rising Star Park – who produced a pivotal assist in extra-time of our last FA Cup Final win against Everton in 2020 – has not featured since the start of April.

Speaking ahead of this weekend's clash against League Champions Chelsea, Head Coach Gareth Taylor shared a squad update, confirming the pair should be set to return.

Gareth Taylor preview

“We want to win another trophy. It’s one we’ve been successful in previously. Whatever happens on Sunday, we’re proud of the season and we’re moving in the right direction.

“It’s always a tactical affair when we play Chelsea. They always potentially want to surprise you. We’ve had that previously – it’s always making sure we’re ready for any eventuality, whether it’s build-up or how we press… but we try not to go too much into the opposition, we focus on ourselves.

“[The rivalry] is massive. We want to do it no doubt, but there’s a healthy respect between the clubs, players, myself and Emma [Hayes]. Why wouldn't we commend what they’ve done? Emma’s been supported, won trophies, got to finals and done amazingly.

“It doesn’t change things. Of course. we want to be that team beating them and have another opportunity on Sunday.

“The FA Cup is still a special competition for players, coaches and supporters. It's never lost its magic. It’s a great competition and one I remember playing in: being the underdog, being favourite and what that brings. It’s a really special competition.

“We’ve had a nice week build-up to it. Players are in good form, a good mood and really looking forward to Sunday.”

Form Guide

City come into the clash in imperious form, having won 21 of our last 23 games in all competitions, including our last 13 in succession with a 45-5 aggregate score.

Newly-crowned FA Women's Super League Champions Chelsea have also won their last 11 games, defeating Manchester United last time out on the final day of the league season.

The pair last contested in the Continental Cup Final in March - the Londoners' last defeat.

Previous Meeting

Gareth Taylor’s side beat Chelsea 3-1 at Wimbledon’s Plough Lane to clinch the Conti Cup trophy for a fourth time.

In front of a sell-out crowd, City came from behind to triumph, after Sam Kerr had opened the scoring, thanks to a sensational second half display in which Caroline Weir bagged a brace and Ellen White netted her 30th City goal.

There was further cause for celebration as Lucy Bronze racked up a century of City appearances – and she could not have picked a better night to reach the milestone: another incredible achievement for the Club.

WATCH: How the Conti Cup was won

Last time out

City confirmed our place in the UEFA Women's Champions League for next season thanks to a 4-0 win at Reading.

Gareth Taylor's side needed to avoid defeat in order to secure passage to European football next season, and achieved that with a dominant performance at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Lauren Hemp opened the scoring in Berkshire with a well-taken goal before Bunny Shaw doubled our advantage heading into the half-time break.

Ellen White came on as a substitute and headed home a third from a corner before Alex Greenwood scored a 90th minute penalty to cap off a fine away performance for City.

WATCH: City 4-0 Reading: FA WSL highlights