LAUREN HEMP says her Manchester City side will relish their underdog status against Chelsea.
City’s 20-goal leading scorer is confident they can shock the newly crowned WSL champs at Wembley and secure a cup double.
The Citizens beat the Blues 3-1 to win the Continental Cup in March and winger Hemp, 21, is confident.
She said: “We’ve got the utmost respect for Chelsea and they deserve credit for winning the title.
“But we won’t fear them and there’s no way we will be daunted.
“They’ll probably be favourites but we’re relishing our status as underdogs as it will spur us on.
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“We’re coming up against the best side around but we know we’ve got what it takes to win.
“We’ve got world-class players and we’re in really good form so we’re in a confident mood.”
Hemp helped City end the WSL campaign in style by opening the scoring in a 4-0 win at Reading which has secured a Champions League spot.
She said: “I’m proud we’ve bounced back strongly after what was a really tough start to the season.
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“Injuries took a toll and we struggled to get going at the start of the campaign but we’re determined to end on a high.
“We’ve started dominating games, scoring lots of goals and keeping clean sheets so there’s a real feel-good factor across the squad.”
England star Hemp (below) will be crucial in this summer’s Euros but is now focused on club glory.
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She said: “The final is a real showpiece occasion and it’s games like this which create memories that last a lifetime.
“I count myself fortunate to have come on as a sub in the final in 2019 when we beat West Ham 3-0.
“That was one of the highlights of my career and it’d be great to write another chapter in our club’s history.
“Wembley finals are the games that you dream of as a kid and it’s the same when you’re a professional.”
Hemp scored twice in a 4-1 semi-final win over West Ham which booked Gareth Taylor’s side’s Wembley date.
She added: “The manager gives me freedom to express myself.
"He lets me roam in attack which is a great but it only works because we work so well as a team.”
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