CHELSEA will begin their FA Cup defence with a fourth-round tie at home to fellow Women’s Super League side West Ham next month, it was announced today.
The fourth round marks the stage at which top-flight sides enter the competition and, alongside the meeting of the current top and bottom teams in the WSL table, this morning’s draw set up two more all-WSL fixtures in Bristol City v Liverpool and Aston Villa v Everton.
Arsenal, level with league leaders Chelsea on 22 points after Sunday’s 4-1 victory over the Blues at Ashburton Grove, will host Watford, who currently sit bottom of the Championship.
Manchester City will travel to Championship side Durham, while Manchester United are set to host step-three Newcastle, who sit top of the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division.
Brighton await this weekend’s winner of the postponed third-round clash between fifth-tier Luton and fourth-tier Keynsham, who will host the Seagulls next month, while Sheffield United will travel to Tottenham.
Second-placed Championship side Sunderland take on league rivals Southampton, Crystal Palace host Blackburn, and Ipswich will welcome one of Lewes or Championship leaders Charlton.
Leicester travel to Derby, Burnley host Birmingham, Moneyfields make the trip to London City Lionesses, Plymouth play Nottingham Forest and Reading take on either Hull or Wolves.
Fourth-round ties will be played on Sunday, January 14, with winning clubs receiving £54,000 in prize money and losing sides £15,000.
The FA also announced the FA Cup final will take place at Wembley on Sunday May 12, with kick-off at 2.30pm.
The prize pot has doubled from last year, with the winners now taking home £430,000 and runners-up collecting £108,000.