FA Cup news

Naomi Girma picked a perfect time to score her first Chelsea goal on Sunday, with her finish in extra-time allowing the Blues to secure a dramatic 2-1 win over Manchester United and put themselves into the FA Cup quarter-finals. It looked like Sam Kerr's late second-half strike was going to be the difference for Sonia Bompastor's side in a tightly-contested clash, but Simi Awujo's quick-fire response prolonged the tie, paving the way for Girma to be the hero.

After winning all of the last six Women's Super League titles in succession, it's not been an easy season so far for Chelsea. The Blues are set to surrender their crown for the first time in seven years, with Manchester City sat eight points clear at the top of the table, and the negative noise around the club has only grown since the unpopular departure of Paul Green, the long-time head of women's football, was announced last week. But on Sunday, it felt like a boost of hope was injected into their season, by none other than Lauren James.

One of the two English clubs can win the quadruple for the first time ever. With a third of the season left, the gap in betting odds creates value.

Arsenal dominated Aston Villa in their Women's FA Cup fourth round meeting at Meadow Park on Sunday afternoon as they progressed with a 2-0 win over the Midlands side. It took until the second half for the Gunners to find the breakthrough, but the result was never really in doubt once they went ahead shortly after the interval.

Defending champions Chelsea opened up their Women’s FA Cup campaign with a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday. The free-scoring Blues booked their place in the fifth round thanks to a brace from Sam Kerr and goals from Millie Bright, Guro Reiten and Alyssa Thompson, with Sonia Bompastor's side a class above their WSL 2 opponents at Kingsmeadow.

Manchester United's season so far has been dominated by criticisms of the preparation, or lack thereof, done before it. After making just three summer signings, while bidding farewell to two first-team players, the Red Devils' squad looked completely ill-equipped for the challenge of competing in the Women's Champions League proper for the first time, if they were to also remain a contender on a domestic front. But having rather admirably kept themselves afloat despite those issues, United are already attacking the January window with the necessary, and overdue, vigour needed.

Reigning champions Chelsea, along with Manchester City, Arsenal & Manchester United, have discovered their opponents for the fourth round of the Women's FA Cup after the draw was made on Monday evening. The third round of the cup competition concluded on Sunday as 20 teams progressed to the fourth round, where they will now be joined by 12 top-flight clubs from the Women's Super League.

Premier League leaders Arsenal will travel to Championship side Portsmouth in round three of the FA Cup, while holders Crystal Palace head to non-league outfit Macclesfield. English giants Manchester City and Liverpool host League One teams Exeter and Barnsley respectively and Manchester United take on Brighton in an all-Premier League affair.

Ashley Young could go head-to-head with his 18-year-old son Tyler in the third round of the FA Cup after Everton were drawn against Peterborough.

Reigning champions Manchester United have been drawn with West Brom in the Women's FA Cup fourth round while Chelsea take on Charlton Athletic.

Lucy Bronze boasts plenty of happy memories at Wembley, but the Chelsea star is setting another trophy target at the home of English football.

Lionesses star Ella Toone could make her return from a two-month injury lay-off this weekend, as Man Utd kickstart their Women's FA Cup title defence.

Vivianne Miedema will make her return from injury this week, but Manchester City will have to wait a little longer to see Lauren Hemp and Bunny Shaw.

Ella Toone returned from a two-month injury lay-off in style, scoring brilliantly in Manchester United's 7-0 FA Cup beating of West Brom.