Can Chelsea Overcome Palace in the Women's FA Cup Fourth Round?

The fourth round of the Women's FA Cup will see teams from the Women's Super League (WSL) enter the competition, with defending champions Chelsea facing Crystal Palace in a highly anticipated home tie. This year's matches will take place on the weekend of 17 January, and they promise to deliver thrilling encounters as top WSL teams aim to progress further in the tournament.

Last updated: 05 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The draw for the fourth round of the Women's FA Cup has been completed, revealing a mix of matchups that include several all-WSL clashes. Chelsea, the reigning champions, will play at home against Crystal Palace, who were relegated from the WSL last season. This matchup highlights the contrasting fortunes of the two clubs, with Chelsea looking to continue their dominance in women's football.

Key takeaways

• Defending champions Chelsea to face Crystal Palace at home.
• All-WSL ties include Arsenal vs Aston Villa and Tottenham vs Leicester City.
• Manchester City will travel to Bournemouth in a key match for the league leaders.

Timeline: how we got here

The Women's FA Cup has seen a steady rise in popularity and competitiveness over the years, culminating in the current state of the tournament. The following are key dates leading up to the fourth round:

• 1 January 2023: Third round fixtures played, with several upsets.
• 17 January 2023: Fourth round matches scheduled.
• Current season highlights: Chelsea won the FA Cup last season, defeating Manchester United 3-0 in the final.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The draw for the fourth round has introduced exciting fixtures, notably Chelsea's match against Crystal Palace. Furthermore, Manchester City’s tie against Bournemouth adds an interesting dynamic, as Bournemouth leads the third tier of women's football.

What was already established

Arsenal and Manchester United are also competing in the fourth round, maintaining their status as strong contenders in the competition. Arsenal has a storied history in the FA Cup, having won it 14 times, which sets a significant benchmark for their match against Aston Villa.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The Women's FA Cup not only showcases top-level football but also plays a crucial role in promoting women's sports in the UK. Increased viewership and attendance can lead to higher investment in women's football, benefiting families and communities.

Businesses and jobs

With the growing popularity of women's football, local businesses in match-hosting areas can see an uptick in customers on match days, benefiting from increased footfall. This can also lead to job creation in retail and hospitality sectors surrounding the events.

Policy and regulation

The FA continues to work on policies that support the growth of women's football, with initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure and access to resources for women's teams across the UK. Upcoming consultations related to the FA's strategic plan will focus on expanding opportunities for female athletes.

Numbers that matter

• 3-0: Scoreline of Chelsea's victory in last season's FA Cup final.
• 6: The number of FA Cup titles held by Chelsea, making them one of the most successful teams.
• 14: The total FA Cup wins by Arsenal, indicating their historical dominance in women's football.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Women’s Super League (WSL): The top tier of women's football in England.
• FA Cup: An annual knockout football competition in men's and women's football, organised by the Football Association.
• Third-tier: Refers to the level of competition below the Women's Super League and the Championship.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Fans should look forward to the weekend of 17 January for the fourth round fixtures. Engaging with local clubs and attending matches can enhance community support for women's football.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the tournament progresses, teams will aim for significant sponsorship deals and media coverage to elevate their profiles. The FA's ongoing efforts to promote women's football will also be crucial in maintaining momentum.

Signals to watch

• Attendance figures for fourth round matches.
• TV ratings and digital engagement on social media platforms.
• Performance of WSL teams in the tournament and implications for future funding.

Practical guidance

Do

• Attend local matches to support women's football.
• Engage with community initiatives promoting women's sports.
• Follow updates on team performances and tournament news.

Don’t

• Dismiss the importance of women's football in the sporting landscape.
• Miss out on opportunities to volunteer or support local clubs.

Checklist

• Check the schedule for the fourth round matches.
• Purchase tickets early to avoid missing out.
• Follow your favourite teams on social media for updates.
• Consider joining local women's football clubs or community initiatives.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the Women's FA Cup enjoys growing popularity, challenges remain, including disparities in funding and resources compared to men's football. Furthermore, the impact of economic factors on attendance and sponsorship will be crucial to monitor as the tournament progresses. Uncertainties around fixture scheduling and potential weather disruptions could also affect match day attendance.

Bottom line

The fourth round of the Women's FA Cup presents an exciting opportunity for teams and fans alike. With Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United vying for glory, the competition promises to showcase the best of women's football in the UK. Attending matches and supporting local teams can contribute to the continued growth and success of women's sports.

FAQs

When will the fourth round of the Women’s FA Cup take place?

The fourth round matches are set for the weekend of 17 January 2024, but exact dates for each tie are yet to be confirmed.

Which teams are participating from the Women's Super League?

Teams from the Women’s Super League entering the fourth round include Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Brighton & Hove Albion.

How can fans support women's football during the FA Cup?

Fans can support women’s football by attending matches, engaging with local clubs, and following the tournament through various media channels.