Match preview: United Women v Chelsea

Marc Skinner's side will be looking to build upon our impressive 4-1 league victory over Everton last time out, by reaching the final of the famous cup competition for a second season running.

Despite defeat to Arsenal in the Women's Continental League Cup final recently, Chelsea are enjoying a strong campaign as they chase silverware on three fronts in the WSL, Europe and the FA Cup. 

Sunday's meeting will be a repeat of the 2023 FA Cup final, where we narrowly lost 1-0 in a hard-fought encounter at Wembley. 

Ahead of our semi-final versus Chelsea, find out all the essential information...

HOW TO WATCH AND FOLLOW

Sunday's encounter at Leigh Sports Village starts at 14:35 BST, with the game being broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK.

In our United App, you can listen to live radio commentary, where you can also find team news plus regular match updates, followed by a match report and exclusive post-match reaction.

TICKET INFORMATION

You can still secure your seat for Sunday's big match and show your support for the Reds, by clicking this link.

TEAM NEWS

Skinner's press conference on Friday may include an update on the availability of Jayde Riviere, who missed our last game with Everton after being forced off during the Manchester derby late last month.

However, Leah Galton and Hinata Miyazawa both returned from injury lay-offs against the Toffees. Our no.11 completed the scoring during the closing stages of the 4-1 win after recovering from a thigh problem, while our Japanese midfielder made a late cameo after being out since December with a fractured ankle.

Jess Simpson and Gabby George both stepped up their recoveries from their respective anterior cruciate ligament injuries last week, after being pictured back on the grass at Carrington.

The duo are aiming to return in the summer months, alongside Emma Watson, who has also suffered the same type of problem in 2023/24. 

Sunday's opponents have also been struck down with ACL issues, as strikers Mia Fishel and Sam Kerr are both long-term absentees.

THE OPPOSITION

Chelsea secured their passage to the last four of the cup with victories over West Ham, Crystal Palace and Everton. 

Hayes' team are currently second in the WSL, three points behind league leaders Manchester City, however the London side have played a game less. 

The Blues are also still in contention for Women's Champions League success with a semi-final showdown against Barcelona to come later this month. However, the Spanish side did eliminate Chelsea at this stage in last season's European competition. 

Former United player Lauren James is the club's top scorer, having scored 15 goals in 25 games across all competitions in 2023/24. 

HOW DID WE REACH THE SEMIS?

United kicked off our FA Cup journey with a comprehensive 5-0 triumph at home to Newcastle, courtesy of goals from Ella Toone, Nikita Parris (2), Rachel Williams and Melvine Malard.

In the next round, we defeated Southampton 3-1 on the south coast, as Toone opened the scoring with an early strike before Lexi Lloyd-Smith equalised for the home side. Williams proved to be the match-winner off the bench with two headed goals to secure a quarter-final place. 

We confirmed our spot in the last four of the FA Cup with a 4-0 win against Brighton at the Broadfield Stadium in early March. First-half goals from Millie Turner, Parris and Lucia Garcia put United in a commanding position, before Lisa Naalsund wrapped up the victory after the break. 

WHO ELSE IS PLAYING?

Tottenham host Leicester in the other FA Cup semi-final on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 12:00 BST at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.