Women's Cup reaches knockout stage

All four UEFA Women's Cup quarter-final first-leg matches take place this weekend, with three being played on Saturday including Arsenal FC's meeting with French champions Toulouse FC in London.

London club on form
Arsenal won all three matches in the group stage, conceding only one goal, and currently lead the FA Women's Premier League having won all eleven games. However, they are well aware that things may not be so easy as the European competition reaches the knockout stage.

Akers hopes for big crowd
Manager Vic Akers said: "It's a major game and hopefully we can get a big crowd at Boreham Wood. We definitely have to gain an advantage at home in the first leg of the quarter-final. Toulouse are a strong side, they are all good athletes and sound technically, so we will have to focus and go all out for a good result on Saturday."

'Biggest game'
England captain and Arsenal forward Angela Banks is also enthusiastic about the match, saying: "This is the biggest game I've ever had at club level and, like all the girls, I'm looking forward to it."

German double holders in action
The eventual winners of that tie will face a semi-final against either Odense BK or 1. FFC Frankfurt, who play their first leg in Denmark on Saturday. Frankfurt are both league and cup holders in Germany, and are relishing the new level of competition the European Women's Cup provides.

'Boost to women's football'
Frankfurt coach Monika Staab said: "The European Women's Cup will bring another boost to women's football. The players will have to use all of their physical and performance skills and attract international attention. We are very proud to be in the company of the best."

Duo injured
Staab can call on German internationals Nia Künzer and Tina Wunderlich, but will be without Sandra Minnert and Judith Affeld due to injury. Midfield player Renate Lingor and Bisanca Rech face late fitness tests.

Scandinavian trio in action
Finland's HJK Helsinki, who surprisingly eliminated Italian champions Torres Terra Sarda in the qualifying round, will tackle SK Trondheims-Orn of Norway in Saturday's third match. The winner will play either Umeå IK of Sweden or Russian club TNK Ryazan, who contest their first leg on Sunday at the home of the Scandinavians, with the return on 28 March.