women's FA cup 4th round draw- predictions

The women's FA cup fourth round draw was made today, and there are some big ties, including the Manchester derby!. Looking at the draw, it is a very good opportunity for a number of the non WSL teams to progress into the fifth round after they avoided the big names. In this blog, I will look at each tie, and make my predictions!.

West Ham V Arsenal:

The first draw of the fourth round brings us a London derby between last years finalists West Ham and fourteen time winners Arsenal. Arsenal are currently top of the WSL and look unbeatable at present, with Vivianne Miedema scoring goals for fun and other key players like Kim Little, Leah Williamson and Danielle Van De Donk being on top form. As for West Ham, their most recent WSL game was postponed after their squad all came down with the flu, but prior to this, their form was very inconsistent. Despite this though, the Hammers are in eight place and looking likely to stay in the WSL for another season. Arsenal have won their last four fixtures against West Ham, and I expect the result to be the same this time around.

Prediction: Arsenal

Man United v Man City:

What a tie this is!. A Manchester derby, the third of the season so far. Manchester United have done really well in their first WSL season, however, a disappointing result against Bristol City has left manager Casey Stoney with a lot of questions. Manchester City on the over hand are in really good form, scoring 10 goals in their last 3 games, and are pushing current league leaders Arsenal all the way. Both teams have won one match each this season, but I think the blue side of Manchester will come out on top in this tie.

Prediction: Manchester City

Lewes v Billericay Town or Actonians:

Championship side Lewes, welcome the winner of Billericay Town or Actonians. I cannot say I know much about either of the possible away sides, however, I'm sure they will make it hard for Lewes to get the result they want. Lewes have a great chance to progress to the fifth round, and with little chance they will gain promotion this season, a cup run will do wonders for the morale of the team.

Prediction: Lewes

Charlton v Chelsea:

Another London derby, this time between Charlton who sit bottom of the women's championship and Chelsea who are pushing for the WSL title. Chelsea have an array of stars who they can play, including new signings Sam Kerr and Jamie Lee Napier (both pictured below, with Emma Hayes). Chelsea will be looking to add a third FA cup trophy to their collection, and I cannot see Charlton denting these hopes.

Prediction: Chelsea

Everton v London Bees:

Another WSL v Championship clash. Everton are fifth in the WSL and have made a quality signing in Izzy Christiansen who has won a number of trophies in her career. The toffees face a London Bees side who have been struggling recently in the women's championship, with their last league win occuring way back in September. I can't see this being anything other than a win for the home side.

Prediction: Everton

Burnley V Leicester:

Leicester sit 8th in the championship and I have to feel should pick up a result against Burnley. I cannot say I know much about the Burnley side, but ties against lower league ties are always difficult especially away from home. Both teams have a fantastic opportunity to progress into the fifth round, but I think that Leicester will get the win.

Prediction: Leicester

Sheffield United v  Birmingham City

Sheffield United are second in the championship and are looking to secure promotion, however, a cup run will also be fantastic for them. They welcome a Birmingham side who are struggling at the bottom end of the WSL table. Birmingham have struggled to find someone to replace prolific goal scorer Ellen White, which has been a reason behind their struggles. I feel that this match will be close, but the away side will edge it especially if Lucy Staniforth plays anywhere near her best.

Prediction: Birmingham City

London City Lionesses v Reading:

Yet another championship v WSL tie, London City Lionesses were formed in May 2019, after breaking away from Millwall. The home side have had an impressive start to their life in the championship and currently sit fourth. They welcome Reading, a team who I feel are very underrated due to the quality of other teams in the WSL. Reading's side have undeniable quality with players such as Fara Williams, Jade Moore and Tash Harding, this will be what wins the tie for the away side!.

Prediction: Reading

Bristol City v Durham:

Bristol have had a difficult year in the WSL, and are battling for their survival. Things look to be improving though, after a massive victory over Manchester United this weekend. They face a Durham side who sit third in the championship, and only 3 points from a promotion spot. I feel that this will be won by one goal, and I think it will go right to the wire. It's a tough choice for me for this match up, but I think Durham will cause an upset here.

Prediction: Durham

Tottenham v Barnsley:

The FA cup is Tottenham's last chance to add some silverwear to the cabinet this season. The North London side made a great start to the WSL, but in recent weeks the results have not been what they wanted. Despite this, the match against Barnsley should bring them a win, especially if players such as Becky Spencer, Gemma Davison, Ash Neville and new loan signing Emma Mitchell all play anywhere near to their best.

Prediction: Tottenham

Liverpool v Blackburn Rovers:

Liverpool are bottom of the WSL, and only have 3 points which really surprises me when I look at their squad. The Liverpool side showed what they are capable of, after picking up a point against Chelsea just before the winter break. Blackburn sit ninth in the championship and I cannot see them causing Liverpool much trouble, despite Liverpool having no wins in the league this season.

Prediction: Liverpool

Aston Villa v Brighton:

Aston Villa are top in the championship and look likely to be promoted to the WSL next season. They host a Brighton side are managed by former England boss Hope Powell. Brighton have been very up and down with their results this season and are struggling to find any consistency in their performances. I feel an upset could be on the cards here, especially as Villa are looking so impressive.

Prediction: Aston Villa

The other ties are: 

Huddersfield v Ipswich Town- Prediction: Ipswich

Southampton FC women v Coventry United- Prediction: Southampton FC women

Southampton Women Fc v Crystal Palace- Prediction: Crystal Palace

Fylde or Sunderland v Watford- Prediction: Sunderland or Watford

I do not know much about these teams to do a detailed paragraph, but there is no doubt this is a fantastic opportunity for them all to progress to the fifth round which will bring in a good amount of prize money, with which they could do a lot with!.