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      Arsenal ace Kim Little hoping for back-to-back Conti Cup triumphs for the first time under boss Jonas Eidevall

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      FOR Kim Little taking on Chelsea in cup contest deciders is among her “highest challenges” as an Arsenal playerTo date the Gunners have faced their London rivals in five FA and League Cup finals.Kim Little and her team-mates are targeting back-to-back Conti Cup wins under head coach Jonas Eidevall when they take on ChelseaCredit: GettyThe Gunners’ last match against the Blues ended in a 3-1 loss for them in the Women’s Super League earlier this monthCredit: AlamyLittle is hoping history will repeat itself following Arsenal’s Conti Cup final defeat of Chelsea last MarchCredit: GettyToday the Arsenal skipper, 33, and her team-mates will attempt to see off the Blues and lift the Conti Cup for the seventh time in her club’s history.A triumph at Molineux would mean back-to-back trophy wins for the first time under boss Jonas Eidevall.It would also be the Gunners’ first successive silverware win in the competition since winning it for three years in a row from 2011.Little, who netted against Chelsea in Arsenal’s Conti Cup triumph last March, said: “The rivalry with Chelsea is there I think in any game, and the cup games kind of add to that.Read More Football Stories“I feel like we’ve played them almost every year in both cups in some rounds, sometimes earlier than we would like.“They’ve been at the top of their game for the last few years and most obviously in the league.“But the cup games add a slightly different element to the season, this being one of them coming into the Conti Cup final again.“Whenever we play them, whichever team is the most dominant, is the one that gets a good start, and wins the physical battle.Most read in Football”But it’s a very different game turning up on the day and doing that and ultimately that’s our challenge as players “And playing against Chelsea is always the highest challenge, which I think, adds pressure. It means you have to be at the top of your game. “But that’s exciting and if it goes your way, then it’s the best feeling.”After Arsenal’s 4-0 defeat of Aston Villa in the contest semis, Eidevall, 41, commented on the club being “the most successful team in women’s (domestic) football in England”.Women’s Super League title wins have eluded the Gunners since 2019 with Chelsea’s dominance in that arena in the past four years.However, their League Cup success is currently unmatched with the club having won it six times previously.For Arsenal-fan favourite Little, who made her 300th appearance for the side in January, the contest has provided some of her fondest moments.The includes the Scotland ace being among the players to win it during the club’s domestic treble triumph in 2011.Back then a brace for Rachel Yankey and goals for Ellen White and Jayne sealed the Gunners 4-1 League Cup final defeat of Birmingham City.The playmaker, currently in the seventh year of her second Arsenal spell, adds: “I’ve had great moments in the (Conti) Cup.“Some of my early memories are when I was first at the club, playing in the team when we won the treble.“I’ve had really special moments from being in finals. “The final in 2018, I think, was my first full game (after returning from an ACL injury). We won 1-0 against Man City and Viv (Miedema) scored in that game.“I remember struggling to get through the 90 minutes because it was one of my first (games) back. “Getting a trophy at the end of it was a nice feeling when you’ve been out for so long.”This afternoon could see Alessia Russo feature in her first cup final as an Arsenal player.The England striker shone in her club’s semi-final defeat of Villa on March 6th with team-mate Stina Blackstenius bagging a hat-trick.And Little has no qualms about adapting her role in midfield to help both strikers deliver.The midfielder adds: “With Less (Alessia) coming in, she’s an incredible player and likewise with Stina,Little has won the League Cup on five occasions with ArsenalCredit: Getty“Stina and Less are very different players and my role is, what can I do to bring out their strengths most, and also allow me to do what I’m capable of?READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’ve enjoyed it. I enjoy playing football and the challenge of trying to win a game and whether that’s in a 10 position or an 8 or whatever I’m asked.”It’s about how can I do that as best as I can to get the win.” More

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      Gareth Taylor targets Manchester City title win before retirement of WSL heroine Steph Houghton

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      GARETH TAYLOR hopes Manchester City can give Steph Houghton a title-winning send-off before her retirement. The head coach expects City will look into ways to honour the former England skipper, 35, who will hang up her boots at the end of this season.Gareth Taylor says Steph Houghton has made a “huge contribution” off the pitch to Man City’s efforts this seasonCredit: AlamyCity are hoping to win the WSL title for the first time since Houghton and her team-mates won it back in 2016Credit: ReutersTaylor was sharing his thoughts following Houghton calling time on a playing career spanning more than 20 years.The City heroine’s announcement on Wednesday of her plans to retire at the end of the season, prompted tributes from past and present players and managers from across the sport.Houghton, whose career includes spells at Arsenal and Leeds, began her senior playing journey at club level at Sunderland.The centre-back, who has won 15 domestic trophies including three Women Super League has played in 241 Man City games across all contests since 2014.Read More Football StoriesHowever this term Houghton, who hopes to help her side win their first Women’s Super League title in eight years, has made three top-flight appearances.  City boss Taylor, whose side play Liverpool this lunchtime, said: “If we didn’t have enough motivation to win it, now because of Steph, we do.“This season has been different for her with less playing time, but her contribution has been huge, she’s helped me and the staff so much.“We always want to recognise the greats and Steph’s right up there.Most read in Football“I’m sure maybe not immediately but further down the line we’ll get to honour her in the right way.”With Chelsea in Conti Cup action tomorrow, a City away win against the Reds would see them go three points clear at the WSL’s summit before the international break.An away win against Liverpool would see Man City go top of the WSL ahead of the international breakCredit: GettyTaylor added: “We know what we have in front of us, but also (that this is) a good opportunity to be clear at the top with Chelsea not playing. “Then all of a sudden, it’s them chasing us.“It’s going to be hard for us, but what an incentive.” More

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      Guro Reiten reckons Chelsea’s duels with Arsenal are the ‘best games to win – but the worst to lose’

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      GURO REITEN insists Chelsea are ready to “run through a brick wall” for Emma Hayes as they chase a quadruple trophy triumph. And the Blues star, 29, says duels with their Conti Cup final rivals Arsenal are the best to win – but the worst if they end in defeat. Guro Reiten hopes Chelsea can avenge their loss to Arsenal in last year’s Conti Cup finalCredit: GettyThe Gunners won the trophy for a sixth time when they beat the Blues 3-1 at Selhurst Park last MarchCredit: GettyChelsea’s most recent triumph in a Conti Cup final was back in 2021 when they trounced Bristol City 6-0Credit: GettyTomorrow the Norway forward’s team will take on Jonas Eidevall’s Gunners in a battle to lift this year’s Continental Tyres trophy.The 3:00pm clash at Wolves’ Molineux home will be the first chance for either side to win silverware this term.It will also be the final opportunity for the team to attempt to win the contest for a third time under Hayes.After 12 years at the helm, their boss, 47, will leave Chelsea at the end of this season to take charge of the USA Women’s national side.Read More Football StoriesTo date the Women’s Super League leaders have won 15 trophies under their manager.And Reiten insists she and her team-mates always have their eyes on the prize when it comes to chasing silverware.The versatile forward said: “We just stay in the moment and do our jobs, but the motivation for winning trophies is always there and it has always been there.”I don’t think we’ve spent too much time thinking about Emma leaving.Most read in Sport”If you ask anyone in our team, they want to win everything. “I don’t think we need more (motivation). I don’t know if you can get more motivation to win a trophy.”With every game we play now, the pressure is there. We have to win.”Reiten, whose senior club career began with Sunndal, a local team based in the Norwegian county she was born in, has notched up more than 150 Blues appearances. Since her May 2019 transfer from Norwegian side LSK Kvinner for a reported £13,000 fee, Chelsea have won 10 major trophies including four league titles.The Blues ace, whose mother coached her to play in multiple positions during her childhood, credits Hayes with continually raising standards in Chelsea’s performances.She adds: “Emma demands so much from us every single day, raising our standards.”She says, what was good enough yesterday isn’t good enough tomorrow, it’s kind of her thing.”With this league, the level is so much higher, and you need to take steps to just be a part of this team.”But Emma is honest, she will tell me what I need to do better.”She wants to see the effort, the energy and everything put into it.”Everyone is willing to go through a brick wall for her.”We want to be better as individuals, but also as a team. “And even though there have been challenges and tough times, we have that mentality.”Among the challenges the two-time League Cup winners have faced this term are injuries to a few senior players including skipper Millie Bright and star striker Sam Kerr.The team are also without forward Mia Fishel and defender Aniek Nouwen. The duo, like Kerr, are currently sidelined by anterior cruciate knee ligament injuries.And these circumstances have led Chelsea to rely on the strength in depth of their squad during a run of 16 wins from 19 games. It means a lot to beat Arsenal. They won the Conti Cup last year, so we want to take the trophy back.Guro Reiten Results that followed a hefty 4-1 December loss to Arsenal in the league.Reiten adds: “There are so many good players in our team. “This year with injuries and with new players coming in, you just have to adapt to whoever you’re playing with. “They are all different with different qualities.”The build-up to tomorrow’s duel is almost a rerun of last year’s Conti Cup final lead-in.And like then Chelsea will enter this game following an earlier win against Arsenal in a major contest. Reiten’s team-mate Catarina Macario is among the players who have shone for Chelsea in the second half of this seasonCredit: PATheir 3-1 defeat of Gunners this month dented their rivals’ hopes of a first WSL title win since 2019.Reiten said: “They’re probably going to come to the final and want revenge for that.”It means a lot to beat Arsenal. It’s the best game to win and the worst one to lose.”They won the Conti Cup last year, so we want to take that trophy back.”But it’s always intense, tight games against them. “It’s like when you play a team and then two weeks later, you’re going to play them again.”It’s about who’s going to change it up who’s going to do something different. It’s going to be interesting to see.”Over the course of her Chelsea career Reiten has emerged as an influential figure on and off the pitch for the WSL giants.Her deft touch in their Champions League quarter-final second-leg draw with Ajax set up the first Blues goal in the contest for record signing Mayra Ramirez.And the forward enjoys being a role model for younger Blues players as well as contending with the pressure of winning trophies and retaining titles.Reiten (pictured with Mayra Ramirez) is eager to see Chelsea maintain their winning form across all competitions with the team reaching the Champions League semi-finalsCredit: EPAShe said: “It’s weird because I feel like it’s just become a part of me. With every game we play now, the pressure is there.”We have to win, we need to score goals.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I don’t know if I’m thinking about it the same way I did a few years ago, where I was more nervous and more stressed about it.”Now it’s like, ‘this is this is just us, this is our job’. More

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      Disgraced Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales facing 2.5 YEARS in prison and £85,000 payout over World Cup kiss scandal

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      THE axed Spanish FA chief who planted an unwanted kiss on a Women’s World Cup winner’s lips should be jailed for two-and-a-half years, prosecutors say.Disgraced Luis Rubiales should also pay £85,000 compensation to victim Jenni Hermoso if convicted of sexual assault and covering up the infamous “Kissgate” scandal.Luis Rubiales could face two and a half years in prisonCredit: APThe axed Spanish FA chief planted an unwanted kiss on a Women’s World Cup winner’s lipsCredit: GettyThe moment where Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales kisses Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso on the lipsCredit: EnterpriseLuis Rubiales and Piers Morgan on Talk TVCredit: Talk TVThe demands were laid out in a six-page indictment made public yesterday amid continuing fall-out 46-year-old Rubiales’s behaviour at the World Cup Final in Australia last year.Prosecutors say his unseemly conduct – beamed worldwide on TV – warrants a one-year jail term for a sexual assault.But they are also demanding a separate one-year and six month prison sentence for “coercion” linked to his alleged attempts to get Jenni, 33, to speak out in his defence.Madrid-based judge Francisco de Jorge paved the way for Rubiales to face criminal action earlier this year after recommending he be put in the dock.Read more on Luis RubialesHe said his long-running probe had uncovered “solid evidence” pointing to the potential illegality of the kiss.Mr de Jorge has already quizzed the former football boss and his alleged victim separately in closed sessions at Spain’s national court.He said: “The investigation has revealed the existence of solid evidence the kiss was not consensual and was a unilateral and surprise initiative on his part.“Whether there was not any erotic intention or it was a result of the state of euphoria … is something that should be valued in a public trial.”Most read in FootballHe said he had concluded Hermoso had been left “bewildered and surprised” by the “unexpected” kiss and “didn’t have time to react”.Rubiales grabbed her by the head with both hands and locked lips with her at the awards ceremony in front of millions of TV viewers watching live last August.Spain FA chief Rubiales enters women’s dressing room and vows to MARRY Hermoso and take stars to Ibiza after kiss stormRubiales’ home was raided earlier this month as part of a separate corruption probe into a deal to move the Super Cup to Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyA Europol agent and several agents from the Guardia Civil’s Central Operational Unit leave the Royal Spanish Football Federation last week in MadridCredit: GettyHe also proposed former Spain’s women’s team manager Jorge Vilda, men’s team director Albert Luque and former FA marketing director Ruben Rivera should face trial.Mr de Jorge said in his written ruling he believed there was enough evidence to proceed with a formal accusation against all three for their “concerted action” to nobble Jenni.He said Rubiales and the rio tried to “break Jennifer Hermoso’s will and get her to agree to record a video saying the kiss had been consensual”.The judge concluded in his bombshell ruling: “The pressure the player was submitted to created in Jennifer Hermoso a situation of anxiety and intense stress.”Public prosecutors said yesterday they were seeking prison sentences of one year and six months for Vilda, Luque and Rivera if convicted of coercion.Hermoso, 33, who now plays for Mexican side Tigres, sparked the Audiencia Nacional investigation by filing a complaint against Rubiales last September.She his unsolicited smacker as a sexist act which left her feeling vulnerable – after Rubiales insisted it was consensual and “a peck”.Mr de Jorge banned him from going within 200 metres of Hermoso or making any contact with her.Defiant Rubiales pledged “I will defend my honourability. I will defend my innocence.“I have faith in the future. I have faith in the truth. Thanks to everybody.”Rubiales is at the centre of a separate corruption probe over to a multi-million euro deal to relocate the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia.He is currently in the Dominican Republic but has promised to return to Spain to defend himself.An apartment belonging to the former Spanish FA chief was searched earlier this month.And today, six suspects have been arrested after state prosecutors raided 11 premises around Spain as part of the Saudi Arabia cup probe, Sky News reported.The offices of the Spanish Football Federation on the outskirts of Madrid were searched, along with Rubiales’ residence in the southern city of Granada.However, Spain’s Guardia Civil stated that the former president was not one of the six arrested and was out of the country when authorities raided his property.READ MORE SUN STORIESRubiales is one of five persons formally under investigation, according to authorities.The office of Spain’s state prosecutors stated that police and Europol detectives were looking for papers and that the operation is expected to result in seven arrests and the identification of five additional persons as under investigation.Luis Rubiales resigned as president of the Spanish Football Federation following criticism over the ‘Kissgate’ scandalCredit: Getty More

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      Erin Cuthbert insists Chelsea aces will all have ‘moments’ to shine as Blues target Champions League progress

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      ERIN CUTHBERT says Emma Hayes knows how to bring out “the animal” in her performances on the pitch.And the Chelsea star, 25, says believes all her Blues team-mates will have a role to play in their quadruple trophy chase.Erin Cuthbert says Chelsea will need every player to contribute with games coming thick and fast in their bid to win four major trophiesCredit: AlamyA win or draw against Ajax this evening will Chelsea set up a semi-final duel with Barcelona or SK BrannCredit: GettyThis evening they take on Ajax in the second leg of their Champions League quarters duel.The Women’s Super League leaders, who hope to win the contest for the first time, are carrying a 3-0-win advantage from the first leg.Cuthbert, who rifled home a stunning shot from distance in a 2-0 defeat of West Ham on Sunday, hopes to produce goals against Ajax at Stamford Bridge.Ahead of the game against the Irons Hayes spoke of the midfielder’s team-mate Sjoeke Nusken being more of a natural goal scorer.Read More Football Stories In response to her gaffer’s remarks, Cuthbert said: “Emma knows how to get at me, that’s for sure.”She knows how to provoke me and find a little bit of an animal inside me and she knows that as well. She knows how to wind me up.”But Sjoeke has been in brilliant form as well and that’s important to say. We’ve needed her at this time of the season.”I think everyone’s going to have their moments. Sunday was mine and Aggie’s (Beever-Jones’) moment.”Most read in Football“The week before it was Sjoeke and we need everyone to contribute over this period especially when we’ve got so many games.”Following their loss to Chelsea last Tuesday Ajax have maintained their winning form in the Netherlands’ women’s top-flight.The Amsterdam side are currently second in the Eredevisie and four points behind FC Twente after a run of 14 wins and three draws in 18 games.Suzanne Bakker’s players come into tonight’s match off the back of a 3-2 defeat of Zwolle in their league, with Romee Leuchter netting a hat-trick.Prior to their quarter-final tie with the Blues Ajax captain Sherida Spitse, 33, spoke of the need for Ajax to playing without fear of making mistakes.The Netherlands midfielder, who has made 73 top tier appearances for her club said: “I say to the team every time in training, and before games, you are here because you are good.”Of course, sometimes things are going wrong in the game.”You can make mistakes, but you need to ask for ball again, if you don’t do that, then you get scared.”Emma Hayes expects Chelsea’s opponents will be aggressive on the pitch with the Dutch club facing a last eight exit.Should the Blues triumph this evening it will be their sixteenth win out of 17 games across all competitions dating back to December 17.It would also see them pick up their third victory across all contests in eight days.While Chelsea are due to battle Arsenal for the final of this year’s Conti Cup this Sunday, Hayes’ players are fully focused on tonight’s match.The Blues boss said: “We only play one game at a time. I’m not thinking about Sunday.Sjoeke Nusken was among the scorers in Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat of Ajax last time outCredit: Getty”We know Ajax are going to come out to and be aggressive, we’re expecting and that they have to.”This is a competition where only one team advances, so we’re prepared for the aggression from the opponent and their learnings.READ MORE SUN STORIES”They’re a good side and it’s important for us to keep all of our focus and attention on this.”Chelsea vs Ajax can be watched live on DAZN’s women’s football channel on YouTube from 8:00pm this evening. More

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      England boss Sarina Wiegman ‘surprised’ by Arsenal game in Australia in May ahead of Women’s Euros qualifiers

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      SARINA WIEGMAN admitted to being surprised by Arsenal’s May trip to Australia during a “complicated calendar” of football fixtures.The Lionesses chief, 54, believes it could be a “hard one to take” for Gunners’ England aces and other players ahead of Euros qualifiers. Sarina Wiegman questions whether Arsenal’s European internationals will have enough time to be prepare for Euros qualifiers following the Gunners’ trip to AustraliaCredit: GettyArsenal players are scheduled to play an exhibition match against Allstars team in Melbourne on May 24Credit: GettyThe visit for Arsenal, whose stars includes England quartet Alessia Russo, Beth Mead, Leah Williamson and Lotte Wubben-Moy, will entail the WSL side playing an exhibition match in Melbourne.The game for the Gunners, whose squad includes Australia internationals, is scheduled for May 24. It will take place seven days before the Lionesses’ Euros qualifier duel with France at St James’s Park.In February the England Women’s boss highlighted the need for match scheduling to be looked at to ensure players have adequate rest between seasons.Read More Football Stories Of Arsenal’s planned trip Down Under, Wiegman said: “I think for all the players with an already complicated calendar, it’s not good for them to go to the other side of the world very short term, not having time to adapt and play a game against France home and away.”But I would say that’s not only for the England players, that’s for every European player that goes into qualifiers.”That’s the thing that will be hard for them to take and to perform at the highest level.”We had conversations already with Arsenal about the summer and those have been very good conversations.Most read in Football”We’re on the same page and of course, we all think about how to get players fit and fresh to compete, but also give them rest in this complex calendar.”Wiegman was speaking to reporters shortly after naming her squad for the Lionesses first two Euros qualifiers taking place next month.The reigning Euros champs play Sweden at Wembley on Friday 5 April before facing the Republic of Ireland away the following Tuesday.While centre-back Millie Turner retained her spot there was no return to the squad for her fellow Man United defender Maya Le Tissier. Wiegman’s 23-strong group includes Arsenal centre-back Williamson who captained England during their triumphant run in the 2022 Women’s EurosThe Gunners star hopes to make her long-awaited international return after withdrawing from February’s camp due to a hamstring injury.Williamson’s last appearance in an England shirt was back in April last year when Wiegman’s side beat Brazil at Wembley in the inaugural Women’s Finalissima.Of Williamson’s return, the head coach said: “She’s recovered really well, and it didn’t take too long, so that was good and now she’s getting into rhythm.”Of course, she hasn’t played that many games yet, but she’s getting there, and she needs the minutes now.”Squad announcement aside Wiegman shared her views regarding the issues to player-coach relationships within women’s football.Leicester City manager Willie Kirk is currently being investigated by the club amid an allegation of player-coach relationship.Earlier this month managers of Women’s Super League sides were asked about the issue with Aston Villa’s Carla stating such relationships should be a sackable offence.Wiegman was asked if football authorities or NewCo the organisation set to take oversee the WSL, should introduce rules preventing player-coach relationships,Leah Williamson could be set to make her England return when the Lionesses face Sweden at Wembley in AprilCredit: GettyShe said: “I think it’s common sense and we all know if we are in this environment that it’s really inappropriate.READ MORE SUN STORIES”If we all take (on) our responsibility, then things wouldn’t happen. “But when it happens too often, then you need regulations. I will leave that to others.” More

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      ‘I want to win every game and Manchester City style suits my character’, says WSL ace Leila Ouahabi

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      LEILA OUAHABI is uncertain if a celebratory tattoo will be on the cards if she helps Manchester City win a WSL title this season.For the left-back it’s a case of “maybe or maybe not” with her focus being on their club chasing their first league crown under Gareth TaylorLeila Ouahabi hopes to help Man City will their first Women’s Super League in eight yearsCredit: PAA defeat of Man United would see Ouahabi’s side go top in the WSL ahead of Chelsea’s game against West HamCredit: GettyThe last WSL meeting between Manchester United and Man City resulted in a 3-1 win for the latterCredit: The TimesThe experienced defender, whose team play Man United at the Etihad today has her left arm adorned with striking designs.Some of these illustrations pay tribute to the important moments and people in her life.Amongst them is a stylish depiction of a butterfly she shares with her ex-Barcelona team-mate Patri Guijarro.For Ouahabi it symbolises the feeling of butterflies she had in her belly before her old club won the Women’s Champions League for the first time in 2021.Read More Football Stories In June that year the most dominant women’s football club in Spain stunned City’s title rivals Chelsea in a 4-0 demolition.Of her tattoo and memory of that match she said: “I remember in that game against Chelsea in the (Women’s Champions League) final. “Hours before I felt nervous and I talked with Patri and told her, ‘I’m feeling nervous’.“We spoke to each other and said if we win this title, we would get tattoos of a butterfly. Most read in Football“The meaning behind that is when you feel butterflies in your stomach when you feel nervous ahead of doing something big.”Ouahabi, whose club career began in Barcelona’s academy at the age of 13, hopes to pull off something big this season with City aiming to end Chelsea’s dominance at the WSL’s summit.A Cityzens win today would consign neighbours United to their second WSL derby day defeat this term.It would also see City leap above the Blues to the top of the table with Chelsea playing on Sunday.The lunchtime clash is one of five derbies taking place today and tomorrow across the top two tiers of the women’s game as part of Women’s Football Weekend.Emma Hayes’ Chelsea will visit West Ham and while Everton will go toe-to-toe with fifth-placed Liverpool at Goodison Park in the WSL.Elsewhere Championship leaders Sunderland will take on Durham at home.And their promotion chasing rivals Crystal Palace, who are second in the division, will host Watford.It is hoped matches across these weekend will lead to bigger crowd attendances at fixtures.Of City’s clash with the Red Devils, Ouahabi added: “It will be a good game and a competitive one.“Man United have good players. We will try to enjoy it and demonstrate our style. I hope the fans enjoy it with us.On how Manchester derbies compare to Barcelona’s clasico duels with Real Madrid, she said: “I feel it’s the same to be fair, because it will be a good game.“It’s a derby like (the ones) in Spain and the feelings and emotions are similar because it will be exciting.”Today’s fixture could see Ouahabi, who has played in 12 of City’s 16 top-flight games this term, feature in her fourth WSL derby.The last league duel between the rivals resulted in City battling from a goal down to claim a 3-1 win at an Old Trafford last NovemberOuahabi, who signed a two-year contract extension with the club last month, sees Gareth Taylor’s side as one that reflects her persona.And the defender, who helped Barcelona to 15 major silverware wins wants to City become a trophy-winning force.Ouahabi, who sealed a July 2022 City move, after her six-year second spell at Barca adds: “Man City has a playing style that is like my character.Ouahabi hopes to win a WSL title with Man City having won five top-flight titles in Spain with BarcelonaCredit: Getty“I’m passionate and have a lot of character when I’m in the game.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We want the ball, and we want to enjoy the game. It’s similar to when I played in Barcelona, a similar concept.“I want to win every game and I want to win titles. I want these things for Man City.” More

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      England new kit 2024: Shirt release date, price and St George’s cross saga

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      ENGLAND’S football team has been making headlines recently for a new kit that has been dividing fans.Tory PM Rishi Sunak slammed the new kit, while opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer joined calls for Nike to scrap it entirely. But what is all the fuss about?England captain Harry Kane wearing the new home match day shirtCredit: X/ EnglandNoni Madueke and Jaden Philogene wearing their new kit in the England U21 game against Azerbaijan on March 22Credit: GettySome of England’s footballing legends modelling the new kitCredit: X/ EnglandWhen will England’s Euro 2024 kit be available to buy?As England’s football team gears up for glory at the Euros, the kit they will be wearing on the battlefield has finally been unveiled.Taking to social media to post a picture of the kits, the England account said: “Our England. Our pride. Our family. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿”The men’s collection, which Gareth Southgate’s players will wear at this summer’s Euros, will be released on March 21, while the women’s kits will go on sale in June.England’s men’s team are expected to debut the home kit when they take on Brazil in a friendly on Saturday, before they host Belgium three days later.read more england footballThe Lionesses’ next game is a Euro 2025 qualifier against Sweden at Wembley on April 5.Some fans have been thrilled with the news, hailing the design as an instant classic that is sure to bring football home this year.While others have determined that the new kit is “too woke” and “too expensive”.How much is England’s Euro 2024 kit?Both the men’s and women’s match shirts are retailing at £124.99, while the children’s match top is retailing at a slightly lower £119.Most read in FootballIf fans want something a little cheaper they can opt for the stadium top, which has been priced at £84.99, while the kid’s jersey is £64.99.Kids can also don the full kit for £54.99, while infant kits are currently being priced at £49.England’s Best and Worst KitsIn an exclusive interview with The Sun, Labour’s Keir Starmer blasted the prices, saying that they need to be reduced.He said: “I’m not even sure they can properly explain why they thought they needed to change in the first place.”They could also reduce the price of the shirts.”Why did Nike change the England flag?Fans were quick to notice that the traditional red cross on the Three Lions’ kit has been altered to one with navy, light blue and purple.It is thought to be a nod to the 1966 World Cup winners’ training kit.The change led to some labelling the shirt “woke” as they called on the manufacturer to revert back to the usual colours. Goalkeepers David Seaman and Peter Shilton, as well as former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp have all given the shirt substitution a red card.But according to The Mail, Nike will not succumb to pressure from some England fans.A Nike spokesperson said: “The England 2024 Home kit disrupts history with a modern take on a classic.”The trim on the cuffs takes its cues from the training gear worn by England’s 1966 heroes, with a gradient of blues and reds topped with purple.”The same colours also feature an interpretation of the flag of St. George on the back of the collar.”It is understood the flag alteration was the work of a Nike designer, but was also signed off by the FA.And the FA insist the decision was made to “honour the classic colour regime of 1966 training gear”.Sir Keir told The Sun that the “flag is used by everybody, it is a unifier, it doesn’t need to be changed”.He said: “We just need to be proud of it. So I think they should just reconsider this and change it back.”There has been some controversy over the changed St George’s flagCredit: PAStarmer slammed the FA and Nike for changing the national kitCredit: Darren FletcherWhich kit will the England team wear?The home kit is the classic white with a blue collar and blue shorts.The second strip is all purple and has received widespread praise from fans.Meanwhile, the keepers will be donning an eye-catching orange jersey.Although some fans have been left baffled by the away kit – arguing that it’s the new “blue and black dress” optical illusion.Why is England’s Euro 2024 kit purple?According to a statement from the England football team, the new match gear has been inspired by old footballing legends.The team said that “the bold purple colour remixes reds and blues from the past.”So, it seems as though the team has decided to mix kits from the past, which have traditionally been either blue or red, to bring the team into the future.Many fans were thrilled with the look of the strips.One said: “So that’s what Kane will look like when he lifts the Euros trophy this summer.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile a second responded: “Omg we’re actually winning it all.”And a third said: “Honestly some of our greatest kits ever.”Who will be wearing the new kit at the Euros?Although the official line-up won’t be announced until May 21, here are some of the legends we expect to see at the Euros:
      The new away kit has combined England’s previous away coloursCredit: https://www.instagram.com/officialfootballfashion/p/C4s5FMHsU1J/?img_index=10Bukayo Saka models the new away kitCredit: X/ EnglandFans can expect to see Harry Maguire donning the new kit at the EurosCredit: Instagram / @england More