Everton Women vs Chelsea: FA Women's FA Cup Match Preview
09/02/2025 08:57
Happy Sorensen declares love for historic competition ahead of Sunday's fixture
"It is always more fun to work a Monday after a Sunday game like that!
"For the whole Club I am really pleased, for David [Moyes] and his side, too."
The above words from Brian Sorensen began a positive and happy press conference ahead of Everton Women's trip to WSL Champions Chelsea for this weekend's Women's FA Cup fifth round tie at Kingsmeadow.
The Blues boss was in a buoyant mood following his side's comprehensive league win over Leicester City but, for the next few days at least, Sorensen's mind will be firmly on the historic competition, last won by the Toffees in 2010.
The Dane confirmed that a player is being assessed by medical staff following a knock received the win over the Foxes, while club captain and the latest to fall victim of the ACL curse, Megan Finnigan, is in and around the playing staff and is being 'looked after.'
New signing and former Chelsea star Maren Mjelde could be in line for her Everton debut after completing a move to the Blues.
Fellow January signing Louna Ribadeira won't be in the matchday squad due to being ineligible to play against her parent club.
Whoever does lines up on Sunday, Sorensen is hoping for an exciting encounter in a competition he holds so dear as he continues to bed in the new additions to his team.
"I think we have a chance. We know it is going to be extremely tough because they have world class players, but we will still play our game and try our best to get a result," he said.
"We want to do well, it is a historical competition. When I was younger, I was always watching the FA Cup and its drama. We will do everything we can this weekend.
"I am really excited for what is to come because we are still new in relationships and understanding the players that we have got in.
"I am really happy. We still have a lot of things to get better at, but we are happy with our performances last week and the chances that we are creating.
"We will try to nullify their threats, hopefully it is going to be a super exciting game."
The Opposition
Seven points clear at the top of the WSL, finalists in the Women's League Cup, and topping their Champions League group, Sonia Bompastor has picked up where Emma Hayes left off as Chelsea continue their dominance of the English domestic women's game.
A team full of strength and depth in every position, the London outfit broke the women's world transfer record in January when they secured the services of Naomi Girma, who joins a backline that has only conceded six league goals in 13 games and already contains former Toffee Natalie Bjorn.
As potent in attack as solid in defence, Bompastor's side has already plundered 38 league goals this season, with Guro Reiten the team's top scorer in the WSL, followed by former Everton loanee Agggie Beever-Jones, who has five.
Previous Meetings
Catarina Macario's second half strike decided a hard-fought encounter as both sides did battle in the last eight stage at Walton Hall Park.
Sorensen's side had their chances and made life tough for their visitors, but the Blues will hope to go one better when they venture South this weekend.
Everton Women take on Chelsea on Sunday, 9 February, at Kingsmeadow, kicking off at 3pm (GMT),
