The players who could decide the Women's FA Cup final
By Emily Keogh
With the Vitality Women's FA Cup replacing the WSL this weekend, all eyes are on Chelsea's meeting with Manchester United at Wembley.
Chelsea are looking to win their third consecutive FA Cup, but they will have to break down a formidable Manchester United, who have proven that they can compete with the WSL's best teams and are looking to win their inaugural piece of silverware.
While both teams are stacked with premier talent, there are four players who could have the most impact and win the coveted trophy for their respective sides.
Guro Reiten
Guro Reiten has been one of Chelsea's stand-out players all season, leading the WSL for assists and being one of the Blues' more impactful players.
The Norwegian has also recorded eleven goals for her side in all competitions, the second-most for the season. While she has flown under the radar in place of Aussie striker Sam Kerr, their on-pitch connection has been a match-winning, tried-and-tested partnership yielding great success in Chelsea's recent history.
Ona Batlle
Possibly the best right-back in the WSL right now, Ona Batlle has proved invaluable to a prosperous Manchester United, with her pace and physicality often helping her run rings around other teams. The Spain international has registered nine assists and a goal so far this season.
Batlle's future at the club has been in question, but her ability to impact and win games for Marc Skinner's side has been undeniable, often aiding their ability to clinch the last-minute winners that have come to be one of the Red Devils' fortes. Batlle is certainly one player that Chelsea will be looking to close down throughout the final, as her runs into the final third have often punished any opposing side.
Pernille Harder
Possibly the dark horse of the final having spent the past few months recovering from a hamstring injury, Pernille Harder has made a splash since her return to the pitch, scoring four goals in her last two WSL matches.
Whether the 30-year-old is fit enough for a place in Emma Hayes's XI or comes on as a sub, Harder is one player that has an immediate impact regardless of just how long she is on the pitch.
Even as a sub, Harder scored a goal with her first touch of the ball against Everton last week, proving that she could be the player that determines a win for the Blues. With injuries striking Chelsea, having Harder back in the side will allow Emma Hayes to breathe a sigh of relief.
Rachel Williams
Being an impact sub is not always the most desirable of positions. However, Rachel Williams has determined the calibre for what it means to impact a game in the final few minutes.
The former Lioness has stepped onto the grass often when Manchester United were in the weeds and turned games around for the current WSL table-toppers.
On where Skinner's side could look to win the trophy, having Williams' sheer talent and ability to find the back of the net as the clock rolls down will be something that the April Manager of the Month will look to optimise to try and seal a win in the final quarter of the game.
