Women’s League Cup Quarter-Finals: Manchester Derby Headlines Exciting Draw
Manchester United will face off against Manchester City in a highly anticipated quarter-final clash of the Women’s League Cup. The thrilling derby will see two of England’s top teams battle it out for a spot in the semi-finals.
Elsewhere, reigning champions Arsenal are set to travel to Brighton as they aim to defend their title. Chelsea, another tournament favorite, will play host to Durham, looking to secure their place in the next round.
These fixtures promise intense action as the competition heats up, with all teams vying for a chance to lift the coveted trophy.
What Happened?
The Women’s League Cup quarter-finals will feature a second Manchester derby in just a few days. Manchester United and Manchester City are set to face off at the Etihad Stadium in the Women’s Super League on January 19, before clashing again midweek in the League Cup on January 22 or 23. The two rivals haven’t met this season, but their last encounter in March ended with City’s dominant 3-1 victory.
The Bigger Picture
Reigning champions Arsenal will begin their League Cup title defense with an away fixture against Brighton. The winner of this match will face the victorious Manchester club in the semi-finals. Brighton has been one of the standout teams in the Women’s Super League this season, currently sitting fifth under new coach Dario Vidosic. Arsenal, along with Chelsea and Manchester City, entered the competition at the knockout stage due to their Champions League commitments.
Did You Know?
On the other side of the draw, Chelsea will host Championship side Durham, the lowest-ranked team remaining in the tournament. The winner of that game will face either Tottenham or West Ham in the semi-finals, setting up another exciting city rivalry in the competition.
What’s Next?
The quarter-final matches are scheduled for January 22 and 23, with the semi-finals set for February 5 and 6. The League Cup final will take place on March 15 at Derby County’s Pride Park, a venue confirmed earlier this week.