Kepa Starting? Spurs Aim to Shock Chelsea in FA Cup Preview
Former England international Fara Williams will provide exclusive insight and analysis for Filmogaz.com during the 2025/26 season. She has released her FA Cup preview ahead of this weekend’s quarter-finals. Williams also offers match predictions across the women’s and men’s competitions.
Broadcast and context
Every quarter-final will be shown live on Filmogaz.com and HBO Max. Williams notes the fixture list comes after an international break and recent domestic cup finals.
Women’s quarter-finals: key matchups
Arsenal vs Brighton
Arsenal arrive on the back of strong form since January. They have lost only in the League Cup semi-final to Manchester United this year.
Brighton recently beat Leicester 1-0 but created few chances. Rosa Kafaji could be unavailable because she is on loan from Arsenal.
Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Brighton.
Charlton vs Liverpool
Charlton have led WSL 2 for much of the season but have dipped in recent weeks. They lost to Crystal Palace and have three defeats in four league matches.
Liverpool improved after earlier struggles in the WSL. Williams believes the step up in quality will tell.
Prediction: Charlton 0-3 Liverpool.
Chelsea vs Tottenham
Chelsea suffered Champions League elimination to Arsenal midweek. They now need the FA Cup as a major target.
Sonia Bompastor has received a contract extension this season. Williams expects Chelsea to respond and progress.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Spurs. Spurs aim to shock Chelsea, but Chelsea are favoured.
Birmingham vs Manchester City
Manchester City have looked the most consistent WSL side this season. Manager Andree Jeglertz and Vivianne Miedema get specific praise.
Birmingham see this tie as valuable experience and recruitment insight. Williams foresees a comfortable City win.
Prediction: Birmingham 0-5 Man City.
Men’s quarter-finals: selection headaches and big clashes
Manchester City vs Liverpool
The Liverpool v Man City tie carries added drama. Mohamed Salah has announced he will leave Liverpool at season’s end.
Williams expects both sides to target the FA Cup. She predicts a narrow City victory.
Prediction: Man City 2-1 Liverpool.
Chelsea vs Port Vale
Chelsea have endured a turbulent spell and a managerial change this season. They showed promise in a 4-1 league win at Villa Park.
The club also suffered a heavy Champions League defeat to PSG. Williams still backs Chelsea to advance here.
Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Port Vale.
Southampton vs Arsenal — the Kepa question
Arsenal must decide whether to play Kepa Arrizabalaga after his costly Carabao Cup final error. The dilemma centres on goalkeeper rotation and trust.
David Raya remains an alternative. Williams argues Arteta should be honest with the squad and pick the side most likely to win.
Prediction: Southampton 0-3 Arsenal. The Kepa starting? debate will dominate team talk in the build-up.
Leeds vs West Ham
West Ham have used rotated sides in earlier rounds and reached extra time in every FA Cup match this season. Leeds are drawn back into relegation trouble.
Williams believes both managers must weigh squad choices carefully. She expects another extra-time finish.
Prediction: West Ham to win after extra time.
Final notes
Williams stresses the FA Cup’s unpredictable nature. In her FA Cup preview, she highlights squad management and player motivation as decisive factors.
Supporters can follow all quarter-finals live on Filmogaz.com and HBO Max. Williams’ predictions reflect form, squad news, and recent results.
