The 2025‑26 Women’s League Cup reaches its quarter‑final stage this weekend with four ties built on recent meetings, tactical narratives and rising stakes. For Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United, this competition represents one of the few remaining realistic routes to silverware this season and possibly their last chance to lift this trophy with the clubs as currently constituted.
Liverpool vs Chelsea (1:00pm, St Helens Stadium)
Liverpool and Chelsea’s recent league meeting ended in a compelling 1–1 draw that set the tone for this cup tie. Chelsea took an early lead through Alyssa Thompson’s curled strike, only for Liverpool to respond through Beata Olsson after she burst past the defence following Lily Woodham’s pass. Chelsea pressed in the second half and had a goal ruled out for offside, while Liverpool threatened late on, making the contest balanced and competitive.
Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor has stated her team must improve their decisive play in key moments, insisting that control of games must translate into goals and results in knockout football. Liverpool head coach Gareth Taylor has emphasised organisation and belief, noting his side showed they can compete by staying disciplined under pressure.
Chelsea reached this stage without playing in the group phase. As one of the top seeds from the Women’s Super League last season, they entered at the knockout stage. Their European campaign included a notable away win against Wolfsburg, making them the only English side to achieve that result in Germany during the Champions League group stage. That momentum carries into domestic cup action.
The recent draw was significant because it exposed areas Chelsea will want to improve on, and it gave Liverpool confidence. Liverpool also has a rare head‑to‑head success to draw on, having beaten Chelsea 4–3 in the 2023–24 season. Chelsea enter as favourites given their depth and experience, but Liverpool’s belief and organisation make this a tie to watch closely.
Crystal Palace vs Arsenal (1:00pm, VBS Community Stadium)
Arsenal’s most recent meeting with Crystal Palace was a 4–0 league victory in which they dominated from start to finish. The goals, created through incisive passing, movement and pressure, highlighted Arsenal’s control and attacking depth.
Arsenal head coach Renée Slegers has spoken about the need for consistency, focus and tactical precision in cup football, particularly against opponents who defend with intensity. Palace head coach Jo Potter emphasises competitiveness and resilience, aiming to make this tie harder fought than the last meeting.
Arsenal also entered the competition at the quarter‑final stage as one of the top seeds and did not participate in the group phase. Their league win over Palace, combined with season form and squad quality, positions them as firm favourites. Still, Palace’s home energy and defensive organisation could make this competitive if Arsenal are not entirely focused.
For Arsenal, this cup represents a key opportunity for silverware. Changes in the squad and club project next season mean today’s tie may represent their last deep run with this group, adding context to their challenge.
Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur (1:00pm, Progress With Unity Stadium)
Manchester United and Tottenham’s league meeting ended in a 1–0 win for United, with an early goal from Elisabeth Terland defining the match. United defended resolutely after taking the lead, managing Tottenham’s pressure in the second half and showing the discipline needed in knockout football.
United head coach Marc Skinner has focused on game management and control in key moments, as crucial in cup fixtures. Tottenham head coach Martin Ho has highlighted his team’s belief after an unbeaten League Cup group stage, pointing to their tactical improvements and confidence in creating chances.
Tottenham’s unbeaten group performance, featuring organised defending and efficient transitions, earned them a place in the quarter-finals. United, as a seeded side, joined at this stage and did not participate in the group phase. This tie looks among the most evenly balanced of the round, with recent league form slightly favouring United, but Tottenham’s Cup momentum making them dangerous opponents.
For United, who have juggled European commitments with domestic play this season, this competition remains a key opportunity for silverware. With squad changes anticipated next season, today’s match could represent one of their final realistic shots at this trophy in the current setup.
West Ham United vs Manchester City (1:00pm, Chigwell Construction Stadium)
Manchester City visit West Ham after a 1–0 league win earlier this season, decided by a first‑half finish from Aoba Fujino. City controlled the match, limiting West Ham’s attacking opportunities and showing the tactical discipline that has seen them among the league’s most consistent performers.
City head coach Andrée Jeglertz has noted the importance of patience and structure in cup matches, emphasising control and composure as defining features of successful knockout sides. West Ham, currently without a permanent head coach following a recent managerial departure, will focus on defensive organisation and counter opportunities in front of their home support.
City joined the competition at the quarter‑final stage as one of the seeded sides. Their superior recent meeting with West Ham and tactical cohesion make them firm favourites in this tie.
Outlook
Today’s quarter finals pair familiar opponents and underline how recent meetings have shaped expectations. Chelsea and Arsenal enter with commanding records and tactical depth.
Manchester United face a Tottenham side buoyed by unbeaten Cup form. Liverpool’s draw with Chelsea and their historical 4–3 win remind us they can disrupt favourites, while Manchester City’s control of play positions them as likely semi‑finalists.
For Arsenal, Chelsea and United, this competition represents one of the few remaining clear paths to silverware this season and may be the clubs’ last realistic chance to win this trophy in the current configuration. As the women’s domestic game evolves rapidly, today’s fixtures underline both the competitiveness and narrative significance of the Women’s League Cup.
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