Last update on. From the section Women's Football
The FA Cup semi-finals of last season are here. However, not even the postponement due to the pandemic can keep Manchester City and Chelsea from competing. Meanwhile, Brighton takes on Arsenal, who have been 14-time winners.
Holders City has won three of the four previous finals, and will meet Chelsea in the semi-final stage for the fifth year in a row.
The Gunners, Chelsea, and City have won the Women's FA Cups in each of the eight previous years.
Brighton remain the only team to not have won the trophy. Seagulls boss Hope Powell said that Arsenal is under pressure to win.
BBC Sport looks at the key points in the lead up to Sunday's semi-finals. Both will be broadcast live on BBC Sport.
Man City v Chelsea: "They are always epic"
Manchester City beat Everton in the Women's FA Cup Final 2019-20 behind closed doors at Wembley. This was because of the pandemic
Semi-finals of Women's FA Cup - Manchester City v Chelsea Date : Sunday 31 Oct Time : 12:45 GMT Venue : Manchester City Academy Stadium Live coverage: BBC One, iPlayer, and the BBC Sport app
City has been the Blues' only appearance in any of the recent Women's FA Cup semi finals.
Chelsea boss Emma Hayes knows that the tie will result in a draw.
According to the 45-year old, it's not a game she "surprises" anymore, but one that she "loves".
Hayes answered a question about whether the regular meetings had helped Chelsea improve.
"These games against City are my favorite, they are always amazing.
"I'm aware that the clubs are working together to make the teams top-notch in Europe, and I enjoy the fights we've had."
Hayes believes City's start to the WSL season was difficult and that the injury crisis which saw Steph Houghton as captain, reigning Fifa Best Woman's Player Lucy Bronze, and Karen Bardsley, goalkeepers, make them no less formidable.
She said, "I don’t underestimate them."
City's injuries have been made worse by Khiara Keating, back-up keeper. This left City boss Gareth Taylor with no choice but to call in a development player for City's semi-final.
Taylor said, "It's a huge challenge, we are fully conscious of the situation but what we have to resolve is that it is a difficult task, but we have got resolve." Taylor hopes Vicky Losada will be back and Hayley Raso will join them in their bid for a third final within three years.
"There were many positives, despite some disappointing results. This is an excellent opportunity to examine another competition that we have won before. We worked hard to reach this stage, and we are eager to make it to the final.
"Who said Arsenal had the right to win?"
Hope Powell hopes to lead Brighton to the Women's FA Cup Final
Semi-finals of Women's FA Cup - Arsenal v Brighton Date : Sunday 31 Oct Time : 16:45 GMT Location: Meadow Park in Borehamwood Live coverage: BBC Two, iPlayer and BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra. Coverage: Live on BBC Two and BBC Sport website and app
Since his arrival in summer, Arsenal have not lost a domestic match as women's Super League champions.
The Gunners boss, who is now only 12 games into his tenure at the club, is just one win away to achieving his "mission and goal" of securing the trophy at Wembley.
He said, "I am new in English football, but I have watched it [FA Cup] many years oversea and I understand that it has so much tradition. It is filled with som pride."
"If you are given the opportunity to coach Arsenal, it feels like you have a chance at Wembley. Maybe we can win a trophy."
"We are just one game away from that, and that is an incredible feeling."
Arsenal must reach the final without Vivianne Miesa, the Netherlands striker. Arsenal has been granted extra time after the international break.
Powell, Brighton's boss, says that the club's first Women’s FA Cup semifinal appearance in 45 years is something to "enjoy" as well as that they will "have a great time and see what happens".
She added, "The pressure is certainly on Arsenal."
They are expected to win but don't have the right. You must still play the game.
"We beat them in Conti [League] Cup some years back, and we have beaten bigger teams than we were expected to defeat.
"We are aware that Arsenal is flying, and we know the depth of their squad. We also recognize that it will be difficult, but it's not something we've never experienced."
Eidevall acknowledged that the Gunners are under pressure because it is "one match that can fulfill a dream for your", but stated that Brighton are in the same situation.
He said, "They will also feel a lot pressure and that this is a huge opportunity for them as well."
"I don't care what others think. I only care about my thoughts, my expectations and my pressure. Yes, I want that game to win and she will too.
