Chelsea head into Sunday’s Women’s FA Cup semi final against Manchester City without star defender Naomi Girma, who has been sidelined with a calf injury.

Girma missed Chelsea’s final WSL fixture of the season, a 3-1 victory over Leicester, and Sonia Bompastor confirmed ahead of the cup tie that the setback has not cleared up in time for the American international to feature this weekend.

Hampton Fit and Ready Despite Being Rested

There is better news on the goalkeeping front. Hannah Hampton, who was named on the bench against Leicester with Livia Peng given the starting spot, is fully fit and available for selection. Bompastor was clear that Hampton’s omission from the starting lineup was a rotation decision rather than an injury concern, with Peng having earned her opportunity through her performances across the season.

City Riding High After WSL Title Triumph

Chelsea’s opponents arrive in extraordinary form. Manchester City were confirmed as WSL champions earlier this week after Arsenal’s 1-1 draw at Brighton on Wednesday made it mathematically impossible for them to be caught. It is their first league title since 2016 and Andree Jeglertz’s side will be looking to carry that momentum directly into cup competition.

Jeglertz spoke about the psychological benefit of winning a title, making clear his belief that success breeds the kind of mentality that can sustain a team across multiple competitions in quick succession.

The Wider FA Cup Picture

Sunday’s semi final between Chelsea and City is the second of two ties on the day. Liverpool host Brighton in the earlier fixture, with both winners booking their places in the Women’s FA Cup final. The competition now enters its most decisive stage with only four teams remaining in contention for the trophy.

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Chelsea Women face Manchester City Women in the Women’s FA Cup semi-final on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at Stamford Bridge with kick-off at 3.30 pm UK time.

The Blues secured their semi-final spot after beating Tottenham 2-1 in the quarterfinals while City progressed by defeating WSL2 side Birmingham City 1-0. TNT Sports and HBO Max will broadcast the match live across the United Kingdom.

Kick-off: 15:30 BST, Sunday, May 10, 2026

Venue: Stamford Bridge, London

TV: TNT Sports and HBO Max

Form Guide

Chelsea have demonstrated exceptional form winning five of their last six matches across all competitions heading into the semi final clash. The Blues beat Tottenham 2-1 on April 6 with Chloe Kelly and Catarina Macario combining to secure victory. They enter as heavy favourites given their consistent performances and home advantage at Stamford Bridge this weekend.

Manchester City showed inconsistency with four wins, one draw and one defeat in their equivalent six match period. However, their 5-1 demolition of Chelsea at the Etihad in February proved they possess the attacking firepower to trouble any defence when clicking properly. City must demonstrate that performance level can be replicated away from home.

Team News

Chelsea have no major injury concerns heading into the semi final. Their squad appears healthy and available for selection. Manchester City similarly arrive with a full complement of available players despite their recent inconsistent results across the campaign. Both sides can field their strongest possible lineups for this knockout fixture.

Predicted Lineups

Chelsea: Charles; Bronze, Bright, Nusken; Kaptein, Leupolz, James, Harder; Sam Kerr, Reiten, Alex

Manchester City: Keepers, Alyssa Naeher; Parris, Aluko, Hemp; Chloe Kelly, Rodallega, Bunny Shaw, Rose Lavelle, Alex Greenwood, Manchester City

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Manchester City Women edged past Liverpool 1-0 at the Joie Stadium on Sunday thanks to a stoppage-time header from centre back Rebecca Knaak, whose intervention kept City firmly in control of the WSL title race.

Khadija Shaw and Kerolin both spurned golden opportunities before Knaak delivered when it mattered most, with goalkeeper Jennifer Falk unable to keep the ball out despite it being far from a powerful effort.

Result: Manchester City Women 1-0 Liverpool FC Women 

Venue: Joie Stadium, Manchester 

Competition: Women’s Super League

Goalkeeper and Defence

Ayaka Yamashita (6/10): Had very little to do for long stretches but produced a strong early save when called upon. Solid if unspectacular.

Kerstin Casprij (6/10): Defensively disciplined and offered attacking presence throughout. Grew into the game as it progressed.

Jade Rose (6/10): Regularly mopped up when City were caught out in behind. Dependable without being spectacular.

Rebecca Knaak (7/10): Had some uncomfortable defensive moments early on but wrote her name into City folklore with a match-winning header deep into added time.

Alex Greenwood (7/10): City’s most commanding defender throughout. Made crucial interventions during Liverpool’s best spells and delivered the corner that led to the winning goal.

Midfield and Attack

Yui Hasegawa (6/10): Came under real pressure from Denise O’Sullivan and lost the ball in some key moments, though her passing remained generally tidy.

Sam Coffey (5/10): Struggled to impose herself on the game and lost too many individual duels across the 90 minutes.

Kerolin (5/10): Showed directness and good movement but should have scored when played clean through by Shaw.

Aoba Fujino (6/10): Not everything came off but she remained a persistent threat and put in solid defensive work throughout.

Khadija Shaw (5/10): A frustrating afternoon for the Jamaica international. Wasted City’s clearest chances and was too wasteful on a day they could not afford such profligacy.

Lauren Hemp (7/10): City’s standout performer by some distance. Created the majority of their best opportunities and was a constant problem for Liverpool’s backline.

Subs and Manager

Mary Fowler (N/A): Introduced in the final five minutes with the result secured.

Laura Coombs (N/A): Made a late appearance following the announcement of her retirement from football. A fitting send-off moment.

Andree Jeglertz (5/10): Was slow to make changes and nearly paid a heavy price for it. The win was deserved on balance, but his tactical decisions lacked decisiveness throughout.

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