Featured image credit: Katie Chan.
After both teams booked a place in the women’s league cup final this week, the pair now face off in the league. Chelsea are hoping to maintain the pressure on league leaders Arsenal whilst Manchester City will be hoping to climb closer to the top with manager Gareth Taylor believing that the title race is not over just yet for his team.
Both sides have been on a strong run of form, City are unbeaten in their last eight in all competitions whilst Chelsea are unbeaten in five. The last time the sides met, it was Emma Hayes’ blues that were victorious, putting four past the City defence.
Fran Kirby, Sam Kerr and Erin Cuthbert were on top form against the Citizens and have continued to impress this season. Kerr leads the way in goals scored this season with nine, as her teammate Kirby tops the charts for most assists with six. The trio rank highly in ShePlays points earned and will be determined to add to their tallies this weekend.
Though, Taylor’s team aren’t short of quality. They’ve scored nearly 30 goals in the league so far courtesy of the likes of Lauren Hemp, Georgia Stanway and Ellen White. Fullback Alex Greenwood has not only defended well but also provided a creative outlet for her side, helping her rack up 147 ShePlays points.
Despite their creative efficiency, City have been vulnerable at the back following the long term absences of captain Steph Houghton and Lucy Bronze but with the pair’s recent return to the backline the side have only conceded two goals in all competitions.
Chelsea will be without their captain Magdalena Eriksson, who is likely to be sidelined by an injury as well as Ji So-Yun, away on international duties. Though the blues will be happy to see their star striker Sam Kerr return who could help make the difference in an encounter where neither side can afford to drop points.