Arsenal captain Leah Williamson is determined to "upset the party" and secure a victory against Gareth Taylor's formidable Manchester City side.
Arsenal drawn against Manchester City in Women's FA CupWilliamson eager for victoryQuarter-final spot up for grabsGettyWHAT HAPPENED?
Despite City's impressive unbeaten run of nine games in all competitions, Williamson remains confident in her team's ability to get the better of the Manchester-based outfit in the cup competition. With both teams still in contention for the Women's Super League title, the FA Cup clash provides an opportunity to size each other up before they head into the business end of the campaign.
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Despite City's impressive unbeaten run of nine games in all competitions, Williamson remains confident in her team's ability to compete at the highest level and told BBC Sport: "The magic of the cup is games like this. Playing one of the most in-form teams in the world at the minute at our ground, Sunday afternoon, that's the reason you play the game. They are in form and deserve that respect at the minute but we are definitely looking to upset the party. We seem to get these draws early, the big games. You have to beat the best to win it. We're laser-focused on it."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Arsenal's recent record against Manchester City is promising, having won three of their last five encounters. However, City boss, Taylor, remains undaunted, describing the match as a "free hit" for both sides.
"Fine details [will decide the match], it always seems to be 2-1," Taylor said in his pre-match news conference.
"We feel we have the ability to open up teams with the opportunities we create. I expect it to be tight, it's a free hit for both teams."
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?
With the Women's Super League title race heating up and FA Cup glory on the line, Sunday's match promises to be a spectacle filled with excitement and drama. Williamson will especially be geared up for this encounter after making her first start in 291 days following her full recovery from an ACL injury against West Ham over the weekend.