| Venue: Wembley Stadium Date: Sunday 15 May, 14:30 BST |
| Coverage: Watch on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport web site and the BBC Sport app. Listen to commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra and comply with textual content updates on the BBC Sport web site |
A yr in the past, taking part in in an FA Cup last was one thing Manchester City ahead Chloe Kelly might solely dream of after struggling an anterior cruciate ligament harm.
However, after 11 months on the sidelines, the 24-year-old has now returned to the pitch “hungry” for achievement and nonetheless hopeful of creating a late declare for a spot within the England squad at this summer time’s Euros.
She may have the prospect to impress on the largest stage on Sunday as City look to assert their second trophy of the season in opposition to holders Chelsea within the FA Cup last at Wembley.
According to Kelly, City don’t worry any team within the Women’s Super League, not even the newly topped champions.
“There’s not a team within the league that can match our footballing capability,” Kelly advised BBC Sport. “I believe the way in which we play is good and that is why I really like taking part in right here at Manchester City.”
Both groups are focusing on their second items of silverware for the season.
Chelsea clinched a historic third successive WSL title final Sunday, however City will probably be hoping so as to add to their Continental League Cup trophy that they gained in March by beating Emma Hayes’ side 3-1 in the final.
“We know we beat them within the Continental Cup already this season so that provides us a little bit of confidence going into the sport.” Kelly defined.
“Of course they’ve their threats however we have to deal with what we can do to interrupt them down and discover their weaknesses, somewhat than worrying about them an excessive amount of.”
‘I’m hungry to win’
FA Cup fever has unfold by Kelly’s household and mates, with round 90 of them snapping up tickets to assist her at Wembley.
“The complete household are wanting ahead to it, in all probability extra so than me as a result of I’ve performed at Wembley earlier than however with out the followers there, so this time to do it in entrance of my household will probably be further particular,” mentioned Kelly, who joined City from Everton in 2020.
“My mum in all probability will not even be watching the sport, she is going to in all probability be chatting to maintain her thoughts off it.”
It has been an extended journey again for the England worldwide since that match in opposition to Birmingham in May 2021 the place she scored twice before a clash of knees caused her ACL injury.
“I’ve watched it again a good few occasions however I do know that wasn’t in my management, it was a problem. So when individuals do their ACLs and it’s non-contact, perhaps you do not belief your physique as a lot any extra, however I belief my physique. I haven’t got any worry in my knee, I really feel good,” Kelly mentioned.
“When you may have that spell on the sidelines, whenever you come again you simply admire it a lot extra so I’m simply having fun with each minute again on the pitch.
“I really feel like a child in the mean time, I do not need the season to finish. I’m hungry to study, I’m hungry to win trophies.”
‘Everyone wrote us off’
On paper Gareth Taylor’s facet head into Sunday’s last as underdogs having finished third in the WSL, 9 factors behind Chelsea, however they’re arguably the league’s most in-form team after successful their previous 13 video games in all competitions, scoring 46 targets within the course of.
City have bounced again from an injury-hit begin to the season which noticed them lie in ninth place in November. “I believe the beginning was troublesome,” Kelly mentioned. “Everyone wrote us off for the Champions League.
“But we all the time believed that we might qualify for the Champions League and to be within the FA Cup last. We’ve gained the Conti Cup already and third place within the league – no-one actually anticipated that apart from ourselves.”
Fully recovered and rediscovering her greatest kind, Kelly can also be hoping to defy the chances by making Sarina Wiegman’s England squad for the Euros, which start on 6 July.
“In myself I knew I’d get again and I’d be on the pitch again to my greatest once more however I believe from the surface wanting in individuals did not assume I’d be on this place now,” she mentioned.
“Of course I wish to be at that Euros and that is what I’m combating for in the mean time. Each recreation is a stepping stone for getting there so I’m specializing in taking every week because it comes.”
