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      Melvine Malard targets FA Cup glory as Manchester United aim to dent Chelsea’s unbeaten domestic run

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      MELVINE MALARD will be forever grateful to Sonia Bompastor for taking a chance on her.But the Manchester United ace still wants to thwart her former Lyon mentor’s FA Cup dream. Having helped Man United secure a place in next season’s Champions League Melvine Malard is targeting FA Cup glory with the clubCredit: GettyThe France forward enjoyed silverware success with Sonia Bompastor she managed by her at LyonCredit: GettyMalard and her United team-mates hope to win the FA Cup for a second time in a row but have never beaten Chelsea in a Cup final beforeCredit: GettyMalard, 24, worked under Chelsea boss Bompastor for much of her nine seasons at Lyon.The forward came through the ranks under Bompastor’s guidance at the French club before they went on to win two top-flight titles in France and the Champions League together in 2022.But there will be no time for nostalgia in today’s final at Wembley when holders United face WSL champions Chelsea, who are chasing a domestic treble.Malard said: “It’s because of Sonia that I played football in France. Now I’m in England, it’s partly because Sonia took me on and gave me a chance.Read More Football Stories”She was a big boss for Lyon when I was there playing for them. “I’m so excited to play at Wembley against her. “Here in England, the game is so intense and the players are very strong.”Chelsea are the top team in the league with one of my best coaches. “They have got a very good team because they have a very good coach.”Bompastor’s Chelsea’s Invincibles went through the entire 22-game WSL season unbeaten dropping just six points and winning the League Cup too. Most read in FootballThat means the Red Devils are tasked with trying to become the first team to beat them on the domestic stage this term.The Blues’ current run stands at an astonishing 32 matches without defeat, stretching back to 2023-24.Yet Malard is hoping to create her own piece of history as United, who finished third in the league, chase back-to-back FA Cup wins for the first time after thumping Tottenham 4-0 a year ago.She said: “This is the page and history that we need to write. “This is three times in a row we’ve got to the FA Cup final. “Who are the teams doing that right now? “It’s us. But we need to put that in the history and enjoy our football. “This is a year where we’ve also qualified for the Champions League for next season. Now we need to just enjoy this final.””Malard has become a popular member of United’s dressing room since arriving from Lyon last July.And United boss Marc Skinner reckons the France forward’s vibrancy has been key this season.That was on full display when her equaliser in the 2-2 Manchester derby draw at Old Trafford secured United’s place in the Champions League next season.Skinner said: “We all need to embrace our inner Melvine. “She takes on the challenge of what’s ahead of her with this smile and this energy. Man United lifted the Women’s FA Cup for the first time last year when they defeated TottenhamCredit: PA”Melvine has shown a lot more of that this year. Read More on The Sun“Last season she was trying to find out who she was in our team.”But that energy for someone still so young has been a massive driving factor this year.” More

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      Sonia Bompastor says Alexis Ohanian £20m investment in Chelsea Women shows English football is ‘in a good place’

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      SONIA BOMPASTOR reckons Alexis Ohanian’s decision to buy a stake  in WSL champions Chelsea, is a positive move for the women’s game.And the Blues chief hopes the Reddit co-founder’s move will encourage others to invest in the sport in England. Sonia Bompastor hopes Alexis Ohanian buying a stake in Chelsea will lead to more investment in the WSLCredit: PAThe American businessman’s decision to buy a ten per cent stake has been hailed as a landmark moment for Chelsea WomenCredit: APOhanian is set to be at Wembley to watch Bompastor’s players in action with the Blues hoping to add an FA Cup win to their League Cup and WSL title triumphCredit: ReutersThe France-born coach, 44, was speaking earlier today, a day after The Times reported the internet had entrepreneur purchased a ten per cent stake worth around £20million in their women’s side.Along with tennis legend wife Serena Williams, Ohanian is also an investor in US women’s outfit Angel City. His also the largest shareholder of the National Women’s Soccer League side whose founders include actor and film star Natalie Portman.    The USA-born multimillionaire, 42, and Williams, 43, are due to visit Wembley on Sunday, to watch Chelsea in action against Manchester United in the Women’s FA Cup final. Read More Football StoriesOf his backing Bompastor said: “That’s really important for the women’s game, but also for England to have someone who invests in a team like Chelsea.”This investment is game-changing for the women’s game, but also for young girls. “We want to be one of the best teams in the world in terms of results on the pitch, but also we want to be a model off the pitch. “We want to make sure when young girls look at our team, they dream of being one of our players for the future.Most read in Football”We want to be the team that shows every other team how you need to perform and how you need to invest in the women’s game. “Hopefully this example will bring some other people who will invest in women’s teams in this league.”Earlier today Ohanian posted a picture via his official account social media platform X featuring a Chelsea shirt.The Blues jersey featured the number 776 on the back in reference to the name of a tech venture capital firm established by the American businessman in September 2020. Today Chelsea Women chief executive Aki Mandhar described Ohanian’s move as a “landmark day” for the team and for women’s football in Europe and beyond. Mandhar added: “This investment is validation of the club’s past success. “More importantly it is yet another proof point in the market of the persistent growth and potential of women’s football. “We continue to lead the way, on and off the pitch, for players and for our fans and brands, empowering and inspiring future athletes and the next generation of sports fans. “As a club, we are unapologetically ambitious. “This investment is proof that the opportunities for growth in the business of women’s football are endless.”When the Chelsea boss was asked her thoughts why Ohanian invested she added: “We are the best. Simple. The results help a lot.”This Sunday Chelsea will attempt to seal a trophy treble win with United targeting back-to-back triumphs following their first Cup final victory last year. Bompastor said: “We know we are facing a really strong team, so we’ll be ready for that.Man United are targeting back-to-back FA Cup wins in their third successive appearance in the contest’s finalCredit: Getty”We feel ready going into this final, but it will be a really special moment.Read More on The Sun”I heard maybe 80,000 tickets were sold. “Just to have the opportunity to play in that stadium in front of an almost sold-out crowd will be the perfect end to a season, if we win.” More

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      Serena Williams’ husband buys £20m stake in Chelsea women’s team as controversial Todd Boehly move pays off

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      THE husband of tennis legend Serena Williams has purchased a 10 per cent stake in Chelsea Women.Alexis Ohanian, the co-founder of social media platform Reddit, has invested £20million in the deal.Serena Williams’ husband, Alexis Ohanian, has bought a 10 per cent stake in Chelsea WomenCredit: GettyOhanian will be fully focussed on the women’s teamCredit: GettyChelsea Women are currently valued at £200m, making them the most expensive women’s team in the world.The Times report that Ohanian will now take a seat on the board, with all of his investment going solely to the women’s team.Williams, who won 23 grand slams in her incredible tennis career, is also set to be engaged in the club.The couple are expected to be at Wembley with their family on Sunday as Chelsea face Manchester United in the Women’s FA Cup final.READ MORE ON CHELSEASonia Bompastor and Co are hoping to secure the domestic treble having already won the Women’s Super League and the Subway Women’s League Cup.Chelsea officials announced last year that the women’s team would become a separate entity to the men’s.They sold the team to THEMSELVES for around £200m to avoid a Premier League PSR charge.It means that Ohanian’s investment is great news for club owner Todd Boehly.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeThe Reddit founder allegedly views Chelsea and Barcelona as the biggest women’s clubs in Europe.Chelsea went invincible in the WSL this season with 19 wins and just three draws.Chaos at Stamford Bridge as Djurgarden fans jump over barriers and clash in away end against ChelseaThey also became the first team in the league to hit 60 points in a season.However, they missed out on the Champions League after suffering an 8-2 defeat on aggregate to Barcelona in the semi-finals.Chelsea won the WSL title for a sixth straight year earlier this monthCredit: Getty More

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      Lionesses Euros 2025 kits unveiled with nod to famous 1982 design for England and the team’s pioneers

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      ENGLAND have revealed the new kits to be worn by the Lionesses at this year’s Euros taking place in Switzerland in July. The new home shirt, designed by Nike, pays homage to the pioneers who played for the national side in the seventies and eighties. Nike have unveiled the kits Lioness stars are set to wear when they compete in the Women’s Euros in JulyThe new kit which resembles the famous 1982 England shirt will also be worn by the Lionesses during their Nations League clashes with Portugal and SpainKerry Davis, Anita Asante, Michelle Agyemang and Lucy Bronze are among the past and present Lioness heroines featured in a video launching England’s new kitAmong the past and present Lionesses featured in a promo video unveiling the new home and away kits is skipper Leah Williamson and retired defender Anita Asante.Strikers Alessia Russo and Michelle Agyemang also star as well as Kerry Davis, the first black footballer to play for the team.  Seconds into the footage the former forward, who played her first senior England game in 1982, can be seen posing in the home jersey. The shirt, which is white, features blue and red horizontal colour shifts. Read More Football StoriesIt incorporates the traditional three lions crest and also bears a little resemblance to the one worn by England’s men’s team during the 1982 World Cup in Spain. Inspired by a concept described by Nike as ‘deeds not words’ England’s new kit pays tribute to the Lionesses’ iconic victories. This includes their 2022 Euros final triumph at Wembley when Sarina Wiegman’s side sealed a dramatic 2-1 win against Germany . The team is also set to play in blue shorts at this year’s tournament. Most read in SportAnd goalkeeper shirts donned by Mary Earps and Hannah Hampton are light green in colour with a dark green round neck trim. England’s away kit includes a sleek black shirt with a blue three lions crest on the left shoulder and a Nike swoosh on the right. It also includes shades of red, purple and blue on its side gusset. Sarina Wiegman’s players are due to play Jamaica in a friendly in June in their final home fixture before the start of the Women’s Euros in JulyCredit: GettyAccording to Nike both strips have been manufactured using a system designed to move sweat away from the skin for faster evaporation.England’s kits are set to debut when the Lionesses take on Portugal at Wembley and Spain in Barcelona in the Women’s Nations League The games will take place on May 30 and June 3, just over a month ahead of England’s Euros opener against France on July 5. More

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      Goodison Park SAVED as Everton announce plans to turn venue into ‘most iconic stadium in league’

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      GOODISON PARK will be SAVED even after Everton move out.The Toffees are preparing for an emotional farewell from the famous old ground this Sunday after 133 years.Everton’s Goodison Park will be the new home of the Women’s team from next seasonCredit: RexThey will then move into their brand-new state-of-the-art 53,000-seater stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock ahead of the 2025-26 Premier League season.But the club have ensured Goodison Park will remain in use.Because Everton Women are going to move in and make the stadium their new permanent home – and believe it will be “the most iconic venue in the Women’s Super League”. Everton launched The Goodison Legacy project in 2020 to figure out what would happen with the stadium once the men’s team move across town. And the club’s new owners – the Friedkin Group – decided to keep football being played on the site that first opened in 1892. The announcement means Goodison Park will remain a key place within Liverpool – and not knocked down as previously planned.Everton’s former owners had laid out £82million plans for it to be demolished and replaced with housing, a care home, retain units and a park. Instead, the 39,572-capacity Goodison Park becomes the biggest dedicated women’s football stadium in the country. Most read in FootballIt holds approximately 18 times more fans than Everton Women’s current home ground, Walton Hall Park. It is reported the club plan to make upgrades to the changing rooms and will update the exterior to reflect the women’s team. Everton Women captain Megan Finnigan said: “This move is a testament to where the women’s game is right now and, more importantly, where it is heading. “Goodison is a magical stadium with a deep heritage and close ties to the local community. “Leading the team out for that first home match of next season will be nothing short of a career highlight – and the prospect of what Everton Women can become with such an iconic ground to call our home is hugely exciting.”The news comes just the day after ex-Everton owner Farhad Moshiri told Sky Sports he was given a deadline of 2028 for Goodison to be bulldozed.Moshiri said: “My advisors told me that their estimate was by 2028, Goodison should be demolished and [move into] a new stadium.”I went through the history of our attempts to have a new ground. I realised that is the No1 priority of the club – or should be.”They were all in love with Goodison and then I was in love with Goodison, nobody wanted to move.”But the reason we had to leave was partly infrastructural, partly financial.” David Moyes’ men’s team host already-relegated Saints this weekend.And the Premier League have given fans special permission to break a strict rule.The grand goodbye plans mean Toffees supporters will be allowed to drink alcohol in view of the pitch, which is usually prohibited. Read More on The SunFans will be allowed to purchase alcoholic beverages from hospitality, bars and kiosks around the ground after the final whistle has been sounded at around 2pm. Spectators will be allowed to buy booze until 2.45pm and take it to their seats, where they can watch the ‘End of an Era’ ceremony.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      Sarina Wiegman hoping for ‘headaches and big decisions’ from return of England stars Hemp, Greenwood and Stanway

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      SARINA WIEGMAN hopes to have an England selection headache from Lauren Hemp, Georgia Stanway and Alex Greenwood returning to fitness.The Lioness boss, 55, reckons Hemp has built enough credit to be in contention despite the forward yet to play a full 90 minutes this year. Georgia Stanway has given England a huge fitness boost two months before the Euros with her recovery from a knee ligament issueCredit: AlamyLauren Hemp has been named in Sarina Wiegman England’s squad for the first time this year following her return to match action for Man City in AprilCredit: GettyHemp’s City team-mate and skipper Alex Greenwood is also back in the Lionesses’ squad ahead of their Nations League games against Spain and PortugalCredit: ReutersThe squad returns of Hemp, 24, Stanway, 26, and Greenwood, 31, comes at a pivotal time with the start of England’s Euros title defence less than two months away. Before then the team will take on Portugal in the Nations League at Wembley on May 30. And they also face a stern test against World Cup holders Spain in Barcelona on June 3. Wiegman’s fit again trio had contended with knee injuries with Hemp and defender Greenwood making their returns to match action for Manchester City earlier this month. Read More Football StoriesBayern Munich midfielder Stanway is the only member of the three yet to return to club duty since recovering from a lateral ligament tear sustained in January. Wiegman said: “Georgia is in training. She still needs to build. “What we know is she can come into camp and continue building with us.”Hopefully towards the Euros she can be healthy and can handle the training loads to recover. Most read in Football”She has to be healthy and recover from training sessions then we can see where she’s at. “She has to be performing at the highest level – at her highest level – to compete for the position just like everyone else.”Hemp’s squad return comes 16 days after her first game for Man City this year. The 61-capped Lioness played in a competitive game for the first time this year on April 27 with a cameo appearance in City’s 1-0 defeat of Leicester. While Hemp did not play a full match  for City in the second half of the season, she could potentially be in line for game time at the World Sevens tournament if selected to play. Man City are one of two WSL sides competing in the seven-a-side contest taking place in Estoril, Portugal from May 21-23. On whether it is a concerned that Hemp has so far not played a 90-minute this year, Wiegman added: “Of course it is.”But we still have two months – almost. We have to keep building on that and manage it well to keep them fit. “We want to keep building and see what she is able to do. “She has to perform at her highest level too, but she has shown so many things before her injury that she has built some credit.”When everyone is fit we have big decisions to make because we have many options up front and within the team in other lines we have options too. “I hope everyone does really well and it’s really nice to have this opportunity to train before the Nations League. “I hope I’ll get a lot of headaches because that means everyone is performing at the highest level and we’ll have decisions to make.”Wiegman, 55, is waiting to see how far Lauren James, 23, can go in her fitness race, before the Euros with the forward battling to recover from injury. I know Lauren is absolutely working really hard to get there. Let’s see how far she gets.Sarina Wiegman on Lauren JamesIn their upcoming clashes with Portugal and Spain the team will be without the services of James who was among England’s standout performers at the 2023 World Cup. The Chelsea star came off during England’s 5-0 Nations League trouncing of Belgium due to a hamstring concern. Wiegman said: “She’s a special player who has moments in the game where she can be decisive. “Let’s see how far she gets and what she can bring us. I know she’s absolutely working really hard to get there.”Wiegman’s latest squad selection has included Arsenal’s Michelle Agyemang, 19, keeping her place and a first senior call-up for Tottenham defender Ella Morris.Agyemang’s return follows her netting a stunning goal on her senior international debut volleying home during the Lionesses’ 3-2 away loss to BelgiumWhile the England boss hopes the striker can become a little bit calmer in duels, she believes Agyemang has much potential. Wiegman said: “Michelle is a very high-potential talent. “She is very powerful and as we have seen, she can score goals. Michelle Agyemang has retained her England spot after impressing on her senior international debut and on loan at Brighton from Arsenal this seasonCredit: Reuters”In duels she needs to calm down a little and we’ve spoken about that already. Read More on The Sun”Hopefully she can manage a bit when we play in the duels. “You don’t want to almost destroy your opponent.”England Women’s Squad GoalkeepersMary Earps (Paris St-Germain), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Manchester City), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride)DefendersMillie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Gotham FC), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Maya le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Ella Morris (Tottenham), Leah Williamson (Arsenal)MidfieldersGrace Clinton (Manchester United), Missy Bo Kearns (Aston Villa), Fran Kirby (Brighton), Jess Park (Manchester City), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Chelsea)Forwards Michelle Agyemang (Brighton, on loan from Arsenal), Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Chloe Kelly (Arsenal, on loan from Manchester City), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Nikita Parris (Brighton), Alessia Russo (Arsenal) More

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      How WSL rivals have fared in the 2024-25 battle for points and top-flight survival

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      FROM a few surprise managerial departures to Chelsea making Naomi Girma the WSL’s first million dollar signing, this season has been eventful. While the battle for the title and top-flight survival have been settled, today could see champions Chelsea go unbeaten. Sonia Bompastor hopes to guide her side to their 19th win in 22 games thisCredit: GettyThe Blues aim to round off their march to a sixth straight title win by going this termCredit: GettyAhead of the 12:30pm kick-off of the final six games that will wrap up this season, here is a brief look at how teams have fared this term.Chelsea While Champions League glory has eluded them, domestically Chelsea have been almost unstoppable this term. A home win or draw against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge today would see Sonia Bompastor’s side achieve their goal of an invincible run.  The team, who will be given a guard of honour from their visitors, would also become the first to complete 22 games without defeat in the WSL. Read More Football StoriesFor Bompastor the opportunity to create history in her first season at the Blues’ helm would be one of the highlights of her stellar career. Ahead of today’s game the Blues boss said: “It means a lot because probably it will be the only time in my career to be in that situation. “In the women’s or men’s game when the team is able to achieve that, they stay in history as I already said. “I’m thinking about Arsenal, the men’s team, when they have been invincible. People always talk about it.Most read in Football”When you have this opportunity being that close to make history, you just need to make sure you do that because it will stay forever. “I think even for your kids later to have this history to tell to some other people, it would be nice.”While Chelsea could end this term with 60 points than they did last season, not all their displays have been completely flawless. West Ham fought from 2-0 down to claim an away draw the champions with Brighton and Leicester also bagging points.However the champions have been very more tenacious in their capturing of silverware with a league and title double achieved. And they hope to make it a treble when they face Man United in this year’s Women’s FA Cup Renee Slegers’ players will be eager to bounce back from two losses in a row by beating Man UnitedCredit: GettyArsenalFollowing early season wobbles and Jonas Eidevall’s standing down as Gunners boss last October, Arsenal have been mostly impressive under Renee Slegers. With Slegers at the helm the team went on a 13-game unbeaten run earlier this term that was halted by 1-0 loss to Chelsea at the end of January. In the Champions League they have been comeback queens overcoming two and one-goal deficits to knock out Real Madrid and Lyon in the quarters and semi-finals. While Arsenal will battle in the final for the first time in 18 years, the team with the most FA Cup and League Cup wins bowed out of both contests this term. For the first time in three years a Women’s League Cup decider did not feature the Gunners.And surprise losses to Aston Villa and Brighton included them shipping nine goals in their last two WSL games.Against Manchester United at the Emirates today in their final league match this season they will be keen to prove those results  were a blip. Victory today would seal a second spot for Arsenal and their highest finish in the league since the 2021-22 campaign.  A Man United win against Arsenal would see them end their WSL season in second place before their FA Cup final clash with ChelseaCredit: ReutersManchester UnitedFollowing the disappointment of missing out Champions League action this season, Man United have achieved their target of claiming a place in next term’s contest. Defeat of Arsenal at the Emirates today would see the Red Devils end this term second in the top tier for the second time in their history. It would also be a considerable improvement on the fifth place finish that led to Marc Skinner facing criticism from some United supporters. His side have one of the best defensive records in the league this term with Phallon Tullis-Joyce shining in goal. Ahead of United’s Arsenal visit the USA shot stopper has kept 13 clean sheets in 21 top-flight games. Having missed out on a Champions League spot Man City are a targeting an end-of-season hope win before competing in the World Sevens tournament this monthCredit: GettyManchester City Injury struggles derailed Man City’s trophy chase this season with star striker Khadija Shaw among the players currently sidelined.The team pipped to last term’s title on goal difference was among the favourites to push Chelsea all the way. They are currently the only team to have beaten Barcelona in Europe this term. However the high of that 2-0 group stage October win has been followed by some tumultuous moments. These include Chloe Kelly’s loan transfer to Arsenal and the sacking of boss Gareth Taylor Having suffered Champions League and FA Cup heartbreak, the Cityzens are eager to end this term with a home win against Crystal Palace.This month along with Man United they will be competing in the megabucks inaugural seven-a-side tournament World Sevens. Brighton are on course to claim fifth spot which would be their highest finish so far in the WSLCredit: GettyBrightonUNDER Dario Vidosic Brighton look set to achieve their highest ever finish in the league.The head coach, who has previously spoken of his admiration of the playing style of Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona sides, has revamped Brighton.The team’s expansive style has earned them plaudits with Fran Kirby, Nikita Parris, Vicky Losada, Marisa Olislagers among the players who have impressedMichelle Agyemang, on loan from Arsenal and midfielder Maisie Symonds have also shone for the Seagulls. Albion have at times been punished playing out from the back, with their heaviest loss this term occurring at Arsenal last November when they were beaten However this week saw Albion get revenge with their 4-2 defeat of the Gunners in their final home game this term. Their first defeat of Arsenal in the WSL has put them on course for their highest finish with the team in fifth spot. Canada forward Olivia Smith has been one of Liverpool’s most impressive players this seasonCredit: GettyLiverpoolMATT BEARD’s March exit from the Reds’ helm came as a surprise to some WSL observers. Before being axed from his job the ex-Liverpool gaffer had expressed concerns in regard to investment and budget for the team. Interim women’s team boss Amber Whiteley has been doing a solid job overseeing the side who hope to end a run of three losses. Highlights this season include their solid 3-1 defeat of Man United at Anfield in March.Gifted Canada forward Olivia Smith was among their best performers in that game scoring twice. Away from WSL action they knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup and gave Chelsea a run for their money in the semi-finals before falling to a narrow 2-1 defeat. Having finished fourth last term, the Reds hope to drop no lower than sixth this season.Rehanne Skinner’s Irons have had some solid results in the second half of the season including a 2-2 draw away at ChelseaCredit: AlamyWest Ham Rehanne Skinner’s Irons have had a stunning turnaround to their season. Their upturn in form has been followed by the experienced head coach signing a one-year contract extension last month. In late March West Ham were in a relegation scrap and second from bottom following a 2-0 home loss to Chelsea. Since then the Irons resurgence has been remarkable with the team sitting seventh and unbeaten in six of their last eight games. The signing of Shekiera Martinez last July from Freiburg has proved to be a masterstroke.The Germany Under-23 striker has scored 10 goals in 11 WSL appearances.  Defeat of Leicester, if Chelsea beat Liverpool, would see the Irons claim sixth spot, their highest league finish in three years.  Everton hope to build on their impressive 2-0 defeat of Liverpool at Anfield by beating Tottenham at home todayCredit: GettyEvertonTHE Toffees have struggled with injuries at times this term with seven players including experienced midfielder Maren Mjelde currently sidelined. Fitness concerns aside Brian Sorensen’s players have impressed in the second half of this season. Standout results include a 2-1 home defeat of Man City last December and a derby triumph over Liverpool at Anfield last Sunday. Twins Karen and Sara Holmgaard have been among their side’s most impressive performers in this campaignHigh points include Sara providing Karen with an assist during Everton’s 2-1 draw with City last month. Aston Villa have scored eight goals in their last two games ahead of their end-of-season clash with BrightonCredit: GettyAston Villa Natalia Arroyo’s side look set for a strong finish after a topsy turvy season which included a managerial sacking.The Villans parted company with head coach Robert de Pauw last December following a  tough run of one win in nine games The team faced a fierce fight for WSL after a run of seven winless games from January 25 to March 23.However the team have been on a roll since then with four straight victories and Arroyo winning April’s WSL manager of the month award. Their dramatic recovery was capped by a 5-2 trouncing of Arsenal last month. With Villa bidding farewell to Rachel Corsie, Jordan Nobbs, Danielle Turner and Maz Pacheco, they will be keen to end this season with a home win against Brighton.Tottenham will be keen to avoid an end-of-season loss away against Everton having been narrowly beaten Chelsea last time outCredit: PATottenham Compared to their achievements last term, including an FA Cup final debut, Tottenham have had it tough at times this season. A difficult run from February 2 this year has left Robert Vilahamn’s side on the verge of going winless in 10 games. These results have also left his side tenth – four places lower than their sixth-place finish last term. Vilahamn will want Spurs to avoid an unwanted milestone when they visit Everton today.They hope to avoid losing on the last day of the season for the first time in their WSL history. Leicester City could end their season in tenth spot if Tottenham are beaten by EvertonCredit: GettyLeicester CityGritty performances against their rivals in the bottom half of the table helped Leicester survive their battle to avoid the dropThe team are currently seven points above relegated Crystal Palace who they drew with last time out. While they struggled earlier this term, going winless in their first six games, they gathered a bit of momentum in the season’s second half. Among their players who have impressed are skipper Janice Cayman and Wales forward Hannah Cain. High points for their team include them claiming a draw last December against eventual champions Chelsea. A result that led to the Foxes ending the champions’ 13-game winning run at that stage of the season. Crystal Palace face a toughduel with Man City in their final game as a WSL side Women’s Championship nextCredit: GettyCrystal Palace While their two opening WSL encounters ended in brutal 4-0 and 7-0 losses (to Tottenham and Chelsea), Palace occasionally showed they could hold their own The now-relegated Eagles, guided to the top tier by Laura Kaminski, were seen as strong favourites for the drop. However a defeat of Leicester last October followed by draws with Liverpool and Everton suggested they could be a threat to rivals in the lower half of the table Read More on The SunThe sacking of head coach Kaminski in late February was followed by the Eagles picking up one win and a draw from their next seven games. Under boss Leif Smerud the team were unable to build on an impressive March defeat of Aston Villa losing their next five matches.  More

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      ‘I was faster than the boys’ – Alisha Lehmann opens up on her football beginnings and ‘moment everything changed’

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      JUVENTUS ace Alisha Lehmann looked back at her football beginnings before reaching fame on the pitch and social media.Lehmann, 26, has been a pro footballer since 2016 and saw her career take off when she started combining her day job with modelling on various platforms, such as Instagram.Alisha Lehmann looked back at her football beginningsLehmann combines her career in football with social media modellingLehmann came a long way until she joined JuventusLehmann started playing football from the age of sixThat earned the forward an audience of 16.4million followers and the nickname of the “world’s sexiest footballer”.The Switzerland international claims she knew she had a calling from the age of six when she played football with boys.The ex-Aston Villa ace even claims that she was “faster than the boys” and that led to her playing for a local club.Everything changed when Young Boys scouted her at the age of 11 as that was when her career officially began.Read More on FootballLehmann recalled her beginnings in football: “When I was six or seven, I joined a club. “As a child, I was very fast, faster than the boys. I started in my village and always wanted to play. “The moment everything changed was when I joined Young Boys: I was 11 or 12 years old. “At that time, we trained with the boys in the mornings and played with the girls on weekends…Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I had fun, but I didn’t think I could become a real footballer. Women’s football wasn’t like it is today, and I believed that in Switzerland I would earn more with a normal job than as a footballer. “I never thought I would make it; I lived my life.Fans baffled as Mark Goldbridge ‘chats up Alisha Lehmann’ on Baller League live watchalong”I’m a girl, I’m feminine, and I like nails. I’m not a full-back, I don’t have to take throw-ins. “People talk about these things too much; they don’t influence what happens on the pitch in any way. “I’m always criticised for these things. I don’t care what they write.”Scroll down to see more of Alisha’s glam lifeAlisha Lehmann played for Aston VillaCredit: RexLehmann was one of the WSL’s top starsCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7She has amassed a loyal following onlineCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7Lehmann has millions of Instagram supportersCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7Alisha posed for her 2024 calendarCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7She regularly posts saucy snapsCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7Lehmann is not shy when it comes to the cameraCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7She plays as a forwardCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7Lehmann likes to travelCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7Fans will be cheering her onCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7Alisha has joined the Prime teamCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7Lehmann looks delighted to be partnering KSI and Logan PaulCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7Lehmann is the most-followed female footballer in the world.Credit: instagramLehmann was asked if she could send Drake one of her football shirtsCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7She received a surprising request from rapper DrakeCredit: instagramAn A-list celebrity had offered her £90,000 for a night of passionCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7The footballer is sponsored by PrimeCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7She is also a Switzerland internationalCredit: Getty More