Chelsea welcome Manchester United in the fifth round of the Women’s FA Cup, as two of the Women’s Super League’s top sides prepare for a high-stakes clash. Both teams are managing squad rotation, injuries, and international commitments, making team news and predicted lineups a key talking point ahead of the game.
Chelsea come into the match with mixed form, bouncing back from consecutive losses to Arsenal and Manchester City with wins over Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool. Meanwhile, Manchester United are riding an eight-game winning streak, including a recent 1–1 draw against Chelsea in the WSL, highlighting their ability to challenge the Blues.
With historical dominance, recent form, and tactical battles shaping the fixture, this Women’s FA Cup tie promises intensity, drama, and a chance for Manchester United to test Chelsea’s resilience. Here’s the full preview, including injury updates, team news, and key stats ahead of kickoff.
Match Preview Quick Info:
- 🗓 Date: 22 february 2026
- 🏟 Stadium: Kingsmeadow
- ⏰ Kick-off: 14:30 GMT
- 📺 Watch: TNT Sports
Chelsea vs. Manchester United Preview: Team News & Possible Lineups
Chelsea face Manchester United in the Women’s FA Cup as both sides aim to progress to the next round of the competition. With squad rotation, injuries and international commitments playing a role, here is the latest team news and predicted lineups ahead of Sunday’s clash.
The predicted lineups for Chelsea vs Manchester United are based on recent performances, player availability and tactical trends from previous matches.
Team News Chelsea
Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor provided updates on key players:
- Millie Bright remains sidelined with an ankle knock sustained against Tottenham. Bompastor said the team will continue assessing her during the international break.
- Kadeisha Buchanan is available for selection after recovering from an ACL injury in November 2024. Her minutes will be managed carefully to ensure full match readiness.
What the coach has to say
Sonia Bompastor on facing Manchester United: “We know we are facing a really good team. They are in a really good form; there have been a lot of wins in the games for them recently. So, we are prepared for that, and as usual, the training week has been good so far.
“I think we could see again this week, a lot of intensity in the training sessions, a lot of hard work, and we are confident going to the game at the weekend.”
On regaining confidence: “We are trying to focus on game by game. I think that’s really important. In recent weeks, we had some tough games. The results we got were not the ones we were expecting, but it happens in football, even for a team like Chelsea. I think right now we are in a better place. We are looking at the future with confidence.”
Team News Manchester United
Manchester United coach Marc Skinner confirmed updates on his squad:
- Fridolina Rolfö is being assessed after a minor knock against Leicester.
- Elisabeth Terland is recovering from a challenge suffered against Atletico Madrid.
- Julia Zigiotti Olme was rested as a precaution after a short illness but remains in good form.
What the coach has to say
Marc Skinner spoke to the press recently after their win over Atletico Madrid in the Women’s Champions League: “If there’s any team that can be stretched and still keep winning, it’s us. Our team believe in each other. I’ve said this a million times, but there’s a thread between our team even at our most stretched and it’s a golden thread most teams would die for. It’s the commitment, the energy, the togetherness.”
Chelsea vs. Manchester United Lineups
Potential Chelsea Women Lineups (updated prior to the match)
- Hampton
- Carpenter
- Girma
- Buurman
- Baltimore
- Walsh
- Rytting Kaneryd
- Cuthbert
- Nüsken
- Thompson
- Kerr
Potential Manchester United Women Lineups (updated prior to the match)
- Tulls-Joyce
- Lundkvist
- Le Tissier
- Turner
- Janssen
- Awujo
- Miyazawa
- Park
- Naalsund
- Malard
- Schüller
Chelsea vs. Manchester United: Previous Meetings & Stats
Chelsea and Manchester United have faced each other regularly in the Women’s Super League and domestic cup competitions over the past six years. The Blues dominated early meetings, winning every match until the Women’s FA Cup clash in 2024, when the Red Devils recorded their first victory with a 2–1 win thanks to goals from Rachel Williams and Lucía García. Lauren James pulled one back for Chelsea in the second half, but it wasn’t enough to secure a point.
Since that breakthrough, Chelsea reasserted their dominance, winning four consecutive encounters. However, in October 2025, Marc Skinner’s side earned a 1–1 draw, halting Chelsea’s streak and showing they can compete at the top level.
Recent Form
Chelsea come into this Women’s FA Cup tie after wins over Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, following consecutive defeats to Arsenal and Manchester City. Meanwhile, Manchester United are currently riding an eight-game winning streak, giving them confidence ahead of this high-profile clash.
With Chelsea’s recent setbacks and Manchester United’s momentum, the fifth-round FA Cup fixture promises an intriguing battle; can the Red Devils exploit Chelsea’s occasional slip-ups, or will the Blues reassert their dominance?
| Team Streaks | ||
 | Wins | 8 |
| No losses | 12 |
 | Under 2.5 goals | 4/5 |
| First to score | 6/8 |
| First to score | 7/8 |
| First half winner | 6/8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch Women’s FA Cup Chelsea vs. Manchester United?
Chelsea vs. Manchester United can be watched on TNT Sports in the UK.
If you’re considering to use a VPN service when watching women’s football: We recommend NordVPN, it isn’t free, but it’s safe and cheaper than juggling multiple subscriptions that may still only cover part of the schedule.
When was the last meeting between Chelsea vs. Manchester United?
The last meeting was on October 3rd in 2025. The match ended in a 1-1 draw as Wieke Kaptein found the net in the 9th minute, but Anna Sandberg equalized in the 20th minute.
What is Chelsea vs. Manchester United kick-off time?
Chelsea vs. Manchester United kicks off on Sunday, February 22, at 13:30 GMT at Kingsmeadow.
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