Women's FA Cup fifth‑round kicks off this weekend, pitting the league’s top clubs against a handful of lower‑tier sides. Chelsea and Manchester United, the last two champions, face off in a clash that could decide who reaches the quarter‑finals. The draw also leaves Oxford United and Chatham Town as the only non‑WSL teams still in contention.

Both sides sit eight points shy of champions‑elect Manchester City and face heavy Champions League runs. Chelsea will meet Arsenal in the quarter‑finals, while United must beat Atlético Madrid to earn a spot against Bayern Munich. A loss in the League Cup final on March 15 could push either club to rely on the FA Cup for silverware.

Other fixtures promise drama. Birmingham City, still fighting for a WSL place, will host fourth‑tier Chatham Town, while Oxford United take on Charlton, the unbeaten WSL 2 champions. The match between Everton and Liverpool, both battling for a late‑season lift, could shift momentum for teams hovering near the top of the table.

With only a handful of clubs left, a single upset could reshape the cup’s narrative. If Birmingham City or Oxford United were to topple a WSL side, the path to Wembley would open for a dark horse, offering a rare chance for a club outside the top three to lift the trophy.