Women's League Cup - Match Preview

Manchester City and Chelsea are set to face each other in an upcoming Women’s League Cup Final clash. The teams are set to face each other on Saturday 15th March. 

With this being the first item of silverware accessible to both teams this season, both sides will be gunning to get the victory and celebrate the beginning of the end of the season, with some silverware, before there focus remains on the other three competitions they remain in- Champions League, Adobe Women’s FA Cup and Women’s Super League. 

Last Meeting:

The last clash between the two sides in November, ended in a 2-0 victory for Chelsea, with goals from Mayra Ramírez and Guro Reiten, but with silverware in contention: both sides will be looking to be more clinical in front of goal and aim to lift their first silverware of the 2024-25 season.

Last Women’s League Cup Final:

The last Women’s League Cup Final saw this year's contender, Chelsea face Arsenal. The Women’s League Cup Final was played on March 31st 2024 at Molineux Stadium in Wolverhampton. Arsenal were the stronger of the teams on that particular afternoon, with more possessions, and shots on target. Despite Chelsea having more opportunities on goal, the score remained goalless in normal time. So the game continued into extra time, where Stina Blackstenius was able to secure victory for Arsenal in the 116th minute. Despite Chelsea’s will to comeback, Chelsea were unable to and Arsenal won the title. 

However with Manchester City knocking out Arsenal in the Semi-final, now is Chelsea’s chance to claim the title and secure the silverware. Only Manchester City stands in Chelsea’s way of doing so. Under the new management of Sonia Bompastor, after the recent departure of Emma Hayes in the summer transfer window, Chelsea will be able to win their first item of silverware under the new management of Bompastor. 

Similarly with the recent departure of Gareth Taylor, Manchester City will be eager to win their first item of silverware under the new management of interim head coach, and former Manchester City head coach, Nick Cushing.

Manchester City’s Road To The Final:

Manchester City’s Women’s League Cup campaign began in the Quarter-final where they faced Manchester United at Leigh Sports Village. An outstanding performance, particularly in the first half, with goals from Laura Coombs and Lily Murphy, saw Manchester City progress into the Semi-final of the Women’s League Cup. Manchester City’s success continued into the Semi-final where they faced previous winners, Arsenal. Mary Fowler got Manchester City on their way with a goal in the 26th minute, before a penalty was given away by Manchester City, and converted by Mariona Caldentety in the 58th minute. With both sides on level terms, they were eager to find a brace that would send them Final bound. Mary Fowler was able to do so for Manchester City, getting her second of the game in the 95th minute, which allowed Manchester City to progress into the Final, where they would face Chelsea.

Manchester City are aiming for their fifth success in the Women’s League Cup, after previously lifting the trophy in 2014, 2016, 2019 and 2022. 

Chelsea’s Road To The Final:

Chelsea’s Women’s League Cup campaign began in the Quarter-final where they faced Championship side Durham. A flurry of goals for Chelsea began in the 21st minute of the game, with a goal from Aggie Beever-Jones before four further goals in the second half. A goal from Oriane Jean-François came in the 61st minute, before three goals came within four minutes, from Erin Cuthbert, Guro Reiten and Maika Hamano secured the deal with Chelsea’s fifth of the evening. After their strong performance in the Quarter-final, Chelsea went on to face West Ham in the Semi-final. A strong first half performance with goals from Johanna Rytting Kaneryd and Sjoeke Nüsken, and a strong performance at the back, allowed Chelsea to secure victory against London rivals, and progress into the Final, where they are set to face Manchester City.

Recent Team News:

(06.03.2025)-Millie Bright extends her contract with Chelsea. 

(10.03.2025)-Gareth Taylor and Manchester City parted ways just five days before the Women’s League Cup Final. With Nick Cushing, former Manchester City manager, replacing him for the remaining fixtures of the 24-25 season. 

(10.03.2025)- Chelsea release their new Anniversary collection lf tees, hoodies, jackets and accessories. To celebrate 120 years of Chelsea FC.

(11.03.2025)-Manchester City have begun the process of building their new purpose-built training centre facility for the women’s team.

(12.03.2025)-Erin Cuthbert extends her contract with Chelsea.

(13.03.2025)-Lauren James named player of the month for February. 

Match Information:

Date: Saturday 15th March 2025.

Kick off: 12:15pm (UK)

Location: Pride Park Stadium,Derby.

Fixture: Chelsea versus Manchester City.

Competition: Women’s League Cup Final.