Chelsea welcome Birmingham to Kingsmeadow on Sunday in the FA Cup quarter-finals, a fixture that represents a repeat of the competition’s 2012 final.
Birmingham emerged victorious on penalties in the final a decade ago, but go into Sunday’s clash as considerable underdogs.
They face a Chelsea side looking to defend their FA Cup crown, after a Sam Kerr and Fran Kirby masterclass saw them to victory at Wembley in December.
When is kick off? Sunday 20 March, 14:00 (GMT)
Where is the match being played? Kingsmeadow
TV channel/live stream? FA Player (UK & international)
Highlights? FA Player
Referee? Lucy May
Chelsea team news
Magdalena Eriksson and Maren Mjelde made their hotly anticipated returns to first team action from the bench against Everton on Wednesday evening after prolonged periods out, and could both feature again against Birmingham.
Chelsea continue to be without Melanie Leupolz, who is expecting her first child and will be unavailable for the remainder of the season.
Emily Ramsey remains sidelined for Birmingham, having missed her side’s last three in all competitions, but is expected to be ready to return next week. Marie Hourihan is likely to continue between the sticks.
Sarah Ewens and Louanne Worsey were both forced off with injury in the previous round against Durham, with their pair not set to feature against Chelsea. Jade Pennock and Lucy Whipp are also unavailable due to injury.
Chelsea vs Birmingham predicted lineups
Chelsea: Musovic; Charles, Nouwen, Eriksson, Andersson; Ingle, Ji, Spence; James, England, Fleming
Birmingham: Hourihan; Finn, Quinn, Lawley, Scott, Holloway; Whelan, Murray, Sarri, Quinn; Smith
Chelsea have put in electric first half performances in recent victories over West Ham and Everton, while leaving it late against a stubborn Aston Villa.
Although Emma Hayes will likely shuffle her pack with one eye on the midweek WSL clash with Tottenham, it’s hard to foresee anything less than a comfortable win for the Blues on Sunday against the WSL’s bottom side.
Prediction: Chelsea 3-0 Birmingham
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