Manchester City looking to complete domestic double with victory over West Ham in the Women’s FA Cup Final

Photo: SSE Women's FA Cup/Facebook

The Women’s FA Cup Final is set to be a hotly-contested affair when Manchester City take on West Ham at Wembley this weekend.

League form

Manchester City are unbeaten this season in the league but have missed out on winning the title after Arsenal got a vital three points to be crowned champions against Brighton over the weekend. They have been in good form this season but five draws proved costly. Despite the disappointment of not winning the league, Man City have secured Champion’s League football thanks to their second place position in the table. They also beat Arsenal to win the League Cup in February.

West Ham have done remarkably well for a side in their first full season as a professional club, in the top tier of women’s football. The Hammers have had a few sticky patches but they have remained determined and are seventh in the table. Reaching an FA Cup Final at the first time of asking is a good achievement. Winning it, against one of the best women’s sides in the country, would be truly special.

Route to the final

Man City faced Watford of the Premier League Premier Division, Championship side Tottenham Hotspur and fellow WSL opponents Liverpool. Their semi-final against Chelsea was settled by an own goal from Magdalena Eriksson which came two minutes into added time. During their four FA Cup games, Man City scored 10 goals, keeping clean sheets in each match.

West Ham’s first two opponents were Blackburn Rovers and Huddersfield Town, who both ply their trade in the Premier League Premier Division. They then went up against Championship side Aston Villa before securing their place in the final with a dramatic 4-3 win on penalties against Reading after the match ended 1-1 following extra-time. The Hammers scored 12 goals in their four FA Cup matches, conceding just four times.

Unfortunately, fans of both West Ham teams may be forced to choose between one or the other after the club’s request, to have their men’s match against Southampton on the same day moved to an earlier time, was denied.

Prediction

Manchester City 1-1 West Ham (West Ham to win 3-2 on penalties)

The Women’s FA Cup Final will kick-off at 5.30pm on Saturday 4 May and also be broadcast live on BBC One.