Watford Women face possibly the toughest test of all in the FA Cup Fourth Round after being drawn away to 14-times winners Arsenal.

The Golden Girls earned a place in the draw for the first time since 2020 by winning 6-1 away at Southampton on Sunday, and their reward is a trip to face the Gunners, who are currently second in the Women’s Super League.

The Arsenal squad is full of famous names such as England internationals Beth Mead, Leah Williamson and Alessia Russo, as well as Dutch striker Vivianne Miedema and Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe.

They handed leaders Chelsea their first league defeat of the season on Sunday when they beat them 4-1 in front of a crowd of 59,042 at the Emirates Stadium – a new record attendance for the Women’s Super League.

That was Arsenal’s ninth straight win in all competitions, underlining the size of the task Watford now face.

“It is pretty much the ultimate test,” said head coach Damon Lathrope.

“I think our first choice would have been a tie with a lower-ranked side in the hope that we would progress, but after that we wanted one of the big teams – and they don’t come much bigger than Arsenal.”

Watford’s squad contains three players on dual registration from Arsenal: midfielder Laila Harbert scored a hat-trick in Sunday’s victory and the 16-year-old won Player of the Round for her performance.

Fellow Arsenal teammate Michelle Agyemang scored the first goal on Sunday while Katie Reid played in defence.

Lathrope’s first task is to discuss with Arsenal whether he can play Harbert, Agyemang and Reid in the game, which is expected to take place at Boreham Wood FC.

“Because all three played in the game on Sunday they’re cup-tied now anyway, but Arsenal may mot want to have three of their own players playing against them,” he explained.

“It has happened before, and it’s down to each individual club to decide. Hopefully Arsenal will say yes.

“Whatever team we put out, we’ll give it a really good go. You don’t get many shocks at all in women’s football because the difference between each level is so high, and us beating Arsenal would probably be one of the biggest shocks ever.

“But we won’t be going there to sick 11 players behind the ball and see how long we can hold on for. We can’t afford to be too adventurous either because Arsenal have a squad full of world-class players, but we’ll try and strike a balance to give them a really good game and showcase the women’s football programme at Watford.”

Victory at Southampton on Sunday earned Watford £35,000 in prize money, and they will pocket another £13,000 just for being in the Fourth Round.

Their prize money should they cause one of the greatest shocks in women's football? They'd receive £54,000.

Fourth Round ties will be played on Sunday January 14, 2024.