Everything you need to know ahead of City’s Continental Cup quarter-final visit of Chelsea...

WHEN AND WHERE

The game will take place on Wednesday 20 January in a 17:30 (UK) kick-off at the Academy Stadium.

The winner will host either West Ham or Durham in the last four on 3/4 February.

Broadcast info

The game will be shown live on the FA Player, or you can follow the action via our dedicated matchday Twitter account: @ManCityWomen.

Next Fixture

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FA Women's League Cup

Man City

GMT

Chelsea

Match programme

View your FREE digital edition of the City v Chelsea Conti Cup matchday programme here...

RULES

Should the game end as a draw after 90 minutes, 30 minutes of extra-time and if needed, a penalty shoot-out will be played to determine the winner.

For safety reasons in the wake of the pandemic, the fixture will be played behind-closed-doors.

In line with current protocols, additional balls will be placed at intervals around the pitch.

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form guide

City have won our last five games in all competitions, defeating Aston Villa 7-0 on Sunday in our first game of 2021, following a flawless December which included a crucial 2-0 triumph over Arsenal in the FA WSL and 3-0 win over Göteborg FC in the Champions League Round of 32 second leg.

Chelsea have also won their last six games in all competitions; most recently edging Manchester United in a top-of-the-table clash in the FA Women’s Super League on Sunday.

Gareth Taylor preview

“It’s another big game in our quest for silverware this season and we’re really looking forward to the challenge. We’re in great form, having picked up where we left off in December, and we’re eager to take another step closer to achieving our targets.

“It’s been a great few days for us with Sunday’s win over Aston Villa and the signing of Abby Dahlkemper and we’re hoping to continue our recent good form. Naturally, I was delighted with Sunday’s performance.

“Games are coming thick and fast once again but as always, we’re not looking too far ahead. We’re taking one game at a time and our first priority is to progress in the Conti Cup – a special competition for us.

“Our target is always to challenge in all competitions and this Club have a proud reputation of doing. Having enjoyed success in this tournament previously, we are keen to put our name back on the trophy.”

Last meeting

The pair last met in October with City suffering an afternoon of frustration, as Gareth Taylor’s succumbed to a first FA Women’s Super League loss of the season.

The reigning champions took a first half lead in controversial circumstances through Maren Mjelde’s penalty after Ellen White was adjudged to have handled the ball.

However, TV replays showing the ball had instead struck Demi Stokes below the elbow and our hopes of staging a fightback were then dealt a further blow when Sam Kerr doubled the Chelsea advantage 12 minutes into the second half.

Taylor’s side summoned up a response through Chloe Kelly’s 73rd minute penalty after Millie Bright had handled a Caroline Weir cross.

But Fran Kirby sealed the deal for the hosts by firing home 11 minutes from time.

LAST TIME OUT

City kicked off 2021 in emphatic fashion with a scintillating 7-0 triumph over Aston Villa.

A Lauren Hemp brace, plus goals from Jill Scott, Georgia Stanway, Ellen White and a Natalie Haigh own-goal, had cannoned the hosts into into a stunning half-time lead and Chloe Kelly added a late second half strike to seal the rout.

Despite having to ring the changes with players absent due to injury and isolation, the home side (deputised by Assistant Manager Alan Mahon in Gareth Taylor‘s absence) picked up where we left off in December to extend our impressive winning run.

The rout portrayed a ruthless display of attacking prowess, as City claimed a crucial three points in the title race and boosted our goal difference.

The triumph capped a fantastic weekend for the Club, following Saturday’s signing of World Cup winner Abby Dahlkemper, and brought more positive news as youngsters Millie Davies and Alicia Window - two of four Academy starlets named on the bench - made their debuts for the Club.

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