Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur will meet in the Women's FA Cup final at Wembley on Sunday. (live stream on ESPN+ starting at 9:30 a.m. ET, US only). And it is the first time that a team since 2005, when Charlton defeated Everton 1-0, will not be Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester City who lift the trophy.
There is a lot at stake ahead of the highly anticipated encounter with history, rivalry and bragging rights on the line. ESPN correspondents Sophie Lawson and Emily Keogh answer the big questions and share their predictions, which players to watch and more.
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What state are Man United in before the match?
Man United's form this season has been a far cry from 12 months ago, when they were heading to their first FA Cup final en route to finishing second in the Women's Super League, just two points behind champions Chelsea.
This season, however, the Red Devils have found themselves working hard during games, without finding their rhythm. They have fallen to fifth place in the standings. Last week's defeat to rivals Liverpool will have left the team bruised as they were outplayed by the Reds, and it was also the first time Man United have failed to score this season, raising questions about their attacking harmony.
United have yet to overcome the summer departures of Alessia Russo (to Arsenal) and Ona Batlle (to Barcelona), and while they have added valuable depth to their attack, the pieces have often refused to fit for manager Marc Skinner.
A title challenge quickly faded, leaving only FA Cup glory to save United's season. But, after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea at Wembley last year, United will feel they have experience on their side against underdogs Spurs. — leyson
What state is Tottenham in heading into the match?
Tottenham have a lot of confidence and, knowing that they are not the favorites, the pressure is lifted. Having never reached the final before, the team has nothing to lose, making them a dangerous opponent. While it hasn't been the most consistent WSL season, there are plenty of positives.
Having battled relegation last season, Spurs have consolidated a comfortable sixth place with a game remaining and have shown they can compete with the WSL's best. It has also been a season of growth. When Spurs faced Man United in November, they were beaten 4-0. But just a few weeks ago, just after it was confirmed that these two teams would be heading to Wembley, Spurs drew 2-2 with United and even led for much of that match.
However, they will be without key midfielder Grace Clinton. The 20-year-old is on loan from Manchester United and will therefore not be able to face her parent club in the final. While she has been an important part of Tottenham's attack and has proven vital in orchestrating the pace, Tottenham's recent outing against United was valuable as it taught them how to play effectively without Clinton. — Keogh
How is it possible that none of these big clubs have won this trophy before?
Not long ago, Spurs were climbing the women's football pyramid, earning promotion from regional levels, through the Championship and into the WSL for the first time ahead of the 2019-20 season. And, at a time when Spurs were being formed as a part-time team, Man United's women's team remained dormant, having been abandoned in 2005 and only revived in 2018.
Both teams were promoted from the second division in the 2019-20 season and have since been finding their respective positions in the WSL.
Man United, already operating as a professional team during their only season in the Championship, hit the ground running under then manager Casey Stoney and immediately began chasing the top three in England.
By contrast, Spurs' life in the WSL has been fraught with obstacles and upheaval. In fact, it was not until this season, with the arrival of Swedish coach Robert Vilahamn as coach, that it looked like they could seriously challenge the big clubs.
As Skinner knows, not only from last season's FA Cup final defeat but also from his previous appearance at Wembley for Birmingham City in 2017 (a 4-1 defeat to Manchester City), one thing It's getting to the big stage and quite another. to snatch the cutlery from the dominant three. But Man United and Spurs will have no better opportunity to make history. — leyson
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How Manchester United overcame Chelsea to reach the second successive FA Cup final
Sophie Lawson reacts to Manchester United's 2-1 victory over Chelsea to reach the Women's FA Cup final.
What surprise would it be if Tottenham won?
Man United reached the final last season and have the advantage of experience, but Tottenham have shown their progression and would be a worthy winner. Having a new name on the trophy either way is a great thing for women's football, but Tottenham winning would be a bigger statement given they gained promotion to the WSL in 2019 and the team's history only dates back to 1985.
For both the men's and women's teams, Tottenham's drought (the men won the League Cup in 2008) is something that has affected the team. Vilahamn knows exactly how important a win would be and will look to use his experience in the cup finals in Sweden to try and bring home a trophy.
It would feel like a surprise given Man United's flirtation with the top three last season and the fact they reached last year's final. However, I don't think anyone will be surprised to see Tottenham give Man United a chance and come out on top. They came incredibly close in their last meeting, only conceding in stoppage time, and with heroine Becky Spencer in goal and on their way to their tenth FA Cup final, an upset could be on the cards.-Keogh
Man United player to watch: Ella Toone
A big-occasion player who has scored at Wembley before in her career, Toone could be the key for Man United in their quest for their first FA Cup title.
Although the England international hasn't always reached the top of her game this season, after a grueling couple of years with little rest, the mercurial midfielder has already emerged with some game-changing moments (and goals). If it's a nervy competition that needs a moment of magic, Toone could be the one to have the magic at Wembley.
Another player who hasn't always been at her best this season, Leah Galton, could also be a game-changer. If she is allowed to play in her natural position on the wing, where she can run towards Spurs' right back rather than being shunted to the wing, she could have a real impact.
Tottenham player to watch: Beth England
Tottenham has several players who have taken a step forward in recent months. Martha Thomas takes on her former team, which she represented in the FA Cup final last season. Drew Spence has played in tons of high-stakes games; So has his compatriot Spencer, who has won the FA Cup six times (five as an unused substitute). But no one is more experienced, more leader and more crucial for Tottenham than Beth England.
The former Chelsea striker led one of Europe's most formidable attacks and played in FA Cup and Champions League finals. On the international stage, she has proven to be a key player, taking a penalty for England against Nigeria in the round of 16 of the 2023 World Cup. Having played and scored at Wembley, the occasion will not faze her. She is also a staunch leader who has the ability to elevate those around her.
Getting Beth England on the ball in the box will be key, but given that some of Spurs' other attacking players will likely have to go deeper to help the defence, she may have to do it alone. -Keogh
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Tottenham reach the final of the Women's FA Cup for the first time in their history
Martha Thomas' extra-time goal gives Tottenham a 2-1 victory over Leicester in the FA Cup semi-final.
What is your prediction?
Manchester United 2-1 Tottenham: Before the 2-2 draw in the WSL at the end of April, it would have been easy to say it would be a Man United win. However, that draw was telling and highlighted the progress Spurs have made under Vilahamn, as well as the regression United have suffered.
Wembley is a unique setting, and although there are players in the Spurs squad who have experienced it before, it will be new for much of the team, as well as the manager. The pressure and expectations will be on United, who favor Spurs, but Vilahamn may have shown too much of his hand last month, and add to that bit of experience that came from losing last year, I think we'll see. to the Red Devils lifting the trophy. — leyson
Tottenham 3-2 Manchester United: If Spurs had lost their most recent match against United, or even been tied for most of the afternoon, it would have been much easier to say that United would probably lift the trophy. But all signs point towards Tottenham after that performance.
Yes, Man United will be affected by their dismal league campaign, and yes, they have the advantage, but Spurs are together and determined. The club is desperate for a trophy and although it probably won't be pretty or easy, I think Tottenham will take it 3-2, probably in extra time. It might even take another late intervention from Thomas to achieve it. — Keogh
