Match Previews

Albion Eye Cup Success

By Jake Ketley • 10 January 2019

Brighton & Hove Albion will look to battle the odds and reach the semi-finals of the FA Continental Tyres League Cup this evening, kick-off 7pm.

Hope Powell’s side travel to the Academy Stadium for the quarter-final clash against two-time winners Manchester City.

Both teams reached this stage of the competition after finishing in the top two of their respective groups.

After a slow start to the competition, losing out to Chelsea 3-1 on matchday one, before defeat on penalties following a 2-2 draw against Women’s Championship side Tottenham Hostpur, Albion claimed their first win of the season in this competition after getting the better of London Bees 3-1.

Albion then secured their place in the knockout stages by winning their final two group stage matches, overcoming rivals Crystal Palace 5-1 at home, before travelling to Yeovil one week later and defeating the Glovers 4-1 to claim their first away win in all competitions this season.

Those results meant Albion finished as runners-up to Group 1 South winners, Chelsea.

This evening's opponents Manchester City head into this match having finished the group stages unbeaten, keeping a clean sheet in all five of their group stage matches.

The Citizens opened their campaign against Birmingham City, drawing 0-0 before winning on penalties – the only time they dropped points. Wins over Bristol City, Sheffield United, Aston Villa and Leicester City followed and ensured a first place finish and a home quarter-final draw.

The teams have met once so far this season, with City claiming victory in an FA Women’s Super League encounter.

Albion supporters can follow a live text blog on the Match Centre, with a match report to go online shortly after the full-time whistle.