Premier League

Four things to look out for

Steph Houghton, Ellen White

The Continental Cup quarter-finals take place across Wednesday and Thursday, with four intriguing ties to look forward to.

Arsenal and Chelsea have entered the competition following the conclusion of the group stages, and they join the current Conti Cup holders, one plucky Championship underdog and a selection of other WSL sides in the last eight.

Here’s everything to look out for in the Continental Cup quarter finals.

Steph Houghton, Ellen White

City are the reigning Conti Cup champions / Justin Setterfield/GettyImages

The Continental Cup final was one of the highlights of Man City’s 2021/22 campaign, coming from a goal down at the break to turn in an electric second half performance against an all conquering Chelsea – who at the time held all three domestic honours – and running out 3-1 winners.

After exiting the Champions League before the group stages and slipping up against Aston Villa at the weekend to leave them five points behind WSL leaders Manchester United, retaining the Continental Cup could be Man City’s most realistic chance of silverware this term.

It is a competition in which the Sky Blues have a proud history. Their 2014 Conti Cup triumph was the first major trophy success for the women’s team, while the 2022 victory was a real moment of celebration for Gareth Taylor’s side after such a tough first half of the season.

City have been handed the kindest draw of the round with a trip to Bristol City – the only Championship team left standing. The Vixens have enjoyed a strong campaign so far, losing just twice in 14 in all competitions. The two sides met at the same stage of the competition last season, with City running out 3-1 winners.

Bristol City vs Manchester City

When is kick off? Wednesday 25 January, 19:00 (GMT)
Where is the match being played? Ashton Gate
TV channel/live stream? FA Player (UK, international)

Matt Beard

Matt Beard has managed both Liverpool and West Ham / Lewis Storey/GettyImages

The second quarter-final sees Matt Beard’s current side Liverpool welcome his former side West Ham to Prenton Park.

Having won two WSL titles with Liverpool, Beard then spent two and a half years at West Ham, navigating the club through their debut seasons in the WSL. He then returned to Liverpool in 2021 to guide the club back to the top flight.

Liverpool vs West Ham is a fixture teeming with reunions; from Hammers boss Paul Konchesky, who had a one year spell on Merseyside as a player, to West Ham’s Kate Longhurst, who won back-to-back WSL titles with Beard at Liverpool in 2013 and…

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