The Blues’ reward for finishing top of Group Two is a trip to Boreham Wood on 12/13 September in a repeat of the 2014 final.
On that occasion, a solitary Isobel Christiansen header separated the two sides to hand City a first piece of silverware.
The two teams have met twice already this season with both registering an away win apiece. In the last encounter, the Blues triumphed 3-2 and defender Emma Lipman is relishing another visit to North London.
She told mcfc.co.uk: “At the end of the day, if we want to retain the Continental Cup, we have to beat anybody. We were all stood around waiting to see who we got this morning but in truth, we weren’t afraid of anyone.
“It will be another tough game but if we want to win it, we have to beat the best.
The pressure will be on Arsenal. Obviously, we beat them in the final last year and they’ll want revenge.
“Being at home, they will have an advantage but it’s a great opportunity for us to go there and put another one over on them on their own backyard.
“Arsenal are a good footballing side and those are the teams we want to play against because that’s what we are. We want to keep possession as much as possible and that’s what they try to do as well.
“Hopefully, it will be a good game and we can get a few people down to cheer us on like we have done in previous games.”
Before the Blues can begin preparations for their quarter-final, there are two home games to contend with in the FA Women’s Super League title race, starting this Sunday with the visit of Sunderland.
Although Lipman anticipates another tricky test, she believes her side can continue their impressive streak with their tenth win of 11 in front of another strong home following.
She continued: “It’s another big game but to be honest, they’re all big games now. It’s a bit cliché but every game is important and that’s the one we’re focusing on at the moment.
“Sunderland will come here and give us everything as they always do but we’ll be ready to match them and hopefully, go on to get another win in front of our own fans.”
This weekend’s game against the Black Cats is the first of our ‘final four’ ticket bundle. Click here for more information.
Fixture and ticket details for the Continental Cup quarter-final will be released in due course.
Full draw:
Birmingham City Ladies v Chelsea Ladies
Bristol Academy v Liverpool Ladies
Notts County Ladies v Reading Women
Manchester City Women v Arsenal Ladies
