Jennifer Beattie believes home advantage could be key in Man City Women’s FA Cup semi-final clash with Liverpool.

The Blues host the Reds on Easter Monday 17 April, seeking a place in the final at Wembley.

As the only domestic competition Nick Cushing’s side are yet to win, the FA Cup has been highlighted as a main target for the 2017 season.

City are unbeaten in competitive matches at the Academy Stadium since April 2015 and Beattie says playing there gives her side an edge.

“We definitely wanted a home draw,” she declared. “We’re happy with that.

“Everyone loves playing at home. It’s one of the nicest facilities – everyone talks about it – and the support is incredible.

“We have a lot of backing from the Club [to increase attendances]. We broke records towards the end of last season and the atmosphere was amazing. We’re hoping to do that again.”

Liverpool were the only team to deny City a win last season, as the two sides played out draws in Widnes and Manchester.

Beattie expects a similarly tough test against the Reds.

“They’re a very good side,” she stated. “They looked really strong against Notts County – a 2-0 win against them is a really good result.

“They have a lot of good goalscorers upfront.

“Everyone in the semi-final draw is a strong team and anyone would have been a tough draw.

“We’ll prepare well. We’ve had a really good pre-season behind us and we’ve been looking strong so far in the games we’ve played.

“We’re looking forward to it.”

Beattie has already enjoyed FA Cup success with Arsenal but insists doing so with City would be an equally special accomplishment.

“You never get sick of winning!” she added. “You want to win it all.

“We achieved success last year which was amazing – it’s what we set out for – and that will hopefully kick us on for this year’s competitions.

“Coming to City was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I love the Club and the people.

“We’ve won the league and the Continental Tyres Cup and this is the one thing we haven’t won.

“The FA Cup is a huge deal – it’s special because anything can happen – and everyone’s up for winning it.

“We’re not thinking about the final though. We take things one step at a time and we’ll see what happens in the semi-final.

“Hopefully, we’ll get through.”