It was announced at the start of September that Emma Hayes’ squad had been drawn in Group B along with Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Championship side London City Lionesses, with fixture details now finalised.

We begin our defence of the Conti Cup with a mouth-watering home match against 2019 finalists Arsenal on Wednesday 7 October, with a 7pm kick-off. Our next group fixture is due to be on the evening of Wednesday 4 November against Tottenham Hotspur and this also has a 7pm kick-off under the Kingsmeadow lights.

The Blues then travel to Kent to face London City Lionesses for our final group stage match and this encounter will be on Wednesday 18 November with a 7.30pm kick-off.

The format of the competition has been adjusted slightly this year, with the tournament increased from four groups to six. Four teams will compete in five of the groups and three in the other. The six teams finishing top of their group will progress to the quarter-final stage alongside the two best runners-up.

The Blues are the current holders of this trophy after defeating London rivals Arsenal 2-1 at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground at the end of February, with our number nine Bethany England netting both goals.

Please note all games are still be played behind closed doors until it is deemed safe by the government for fans to return to stadiums.

Our Women's FA Cup quarter-final against Everton this Sunday 27 September will be streamed live and for free on the 5th Stand app. The match kicks off at 1pm.