Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal have reached the Continental Cup semi-finals for the second year running.

Yesterday evening saw the quarter-finals take place, with Manchester City putting four past Championship side Sheffield United. Women's Super League leaders Arsenal left it late but in their 1-0 win over Reading, Manchester United defeated Brighton 2-1, and Chelsea won against Championship leaders Aston Villa 3-1. 

A date for the semi-final draw is yet to be decided, but the fixtures are set to take place across the 29th and 30th of January. Last year, Arsenal were drawn against Manchester United and Manchester City met with Chelsea. 

Should Arsenal and Manchester City make it through the semi-final's, it will be the third consecutive time that the two sides have faced each other in the Conti Cup final. They are the only two teams to have ever won the competition, with Man City having lifted the cup three times and Arsenal an impressive five.

The venue for this year's final hasn't yet been announced, but it will be held in a neutral venue and take place on the 29th February, subject to broadcast schedules.

Last years final was played in Sheffield at Bramall Lane and after a goalless ninety minutes, went to extra time and penalties which ended in a Man City win.

Earlier in the season, the competition came under fire from fans following poor accessibility, lack of coverage and questionable scheduling. With the same four teams continuing to advance through to the later stages of the Conti Cup, perhaps the question should be asked again: just how important is the Conti Cup to women’s football?