The draw for the fifth round of the Women’s FA Cup has produced a compelling set of fixtures, headlined by a repeat of last season’s final as holders Chelsea host Manchester United.
The tie brings together two of the leading forces in the women’s game, just nine months on from their meeting at Wembley, where Chelsea lifted the trophy to continue their recent dominance in the competition. For Manchester United, the draw offers an immediate chance at redemption as they continue their pursuit of a second Women’s FA Cup title.
Chelsea have been the competition’s standout side in recent years, winning four of the last five editions and consistently using the FA Cup to underline their depth and experience. United, meanwhile, have established themselves as regular contenders in domestic competitions and will view the fifth-round clash as an opportunity to measure their progress against the defending champions.
Elsewhere, the draw has produced several derby fixtures and intriguing cross-division ties. Liverpool will host Everton in a Merseyside derby that renews a long-standing rivalry. Meetings between the two sides have often been closely fought, and with local pride and progression at stake, the fixture is expected to draw significant attention.
Arsenal have been paired with Bristol City at Meadow Park, a match-up with familiar recent history. The sides were regular opponents in the Women’s Super League before Bristol City’s relegation a few seasons ago. While Arsenal enter as favourites, cup competition has a habit of narrowing the gap between divisions.
Manchester City face Sheffield United and will be confident of advancing, but the Blades arrive with momentum after navigating the earlier rounds. West Ham United against Brighton and Hove Albion is another all-WSL tie, with both clubs seeking a deep cup run to complement their league campaigns.
London City Lionesses have been handed one of the most eye-catching home ties, welcoming Tottenham Hotspur. As the only independent women’s club in the professional game, London City continue to make headlines, and another victory over Spurs would represent a significant moment in their history. But Spurs have shocked everyone this season and with new signings making big impressions they eye up their second FA cup final this time hoping for silverware.
In the lower leagues, Oxford United face Charlton Athletic in a WSL2 fixture, guaranteeing one second-tier side a place in the quarter-finals. Birmingham City host Chatham Town, whose run has already been one of the stories of this season’s competition. Chatham, competing several divisions below Birmingham, will be aiming to extend their remarkable journey against more established opposition.
The full fifth-round draw is as follows:
Manchester City v Sheffield United
Liverpool v Everton
Chelsea v Manchester United
Oxford United v Charlton Athletic
West Ham United v Brighton and Hove Albion
London City Lionesses v Tottenham Hotspur
Birmingham City v Chatham Town
Arsenal v Bristol City
With holders, finalists, derbies and potential giant-killings all on the schedule, the fifth round represents a pivotal stage in this season’s Women’s FA Cup. As teams compete for a place in the quarter-finals, the draw has ensured that drama and narrative will be central to the next chapter of the competition.
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