Match Preview: Chelsea vs Manchester City

Image credits: BBC Sport, pictured Mayra Ramirez and Alex Greenwood last season, when Chelsea faced Manchester City in the Continental Cup semi-final.

By Millie Winslett (15/11/24)

The battle of the best in blue commences again this Saturday, 16th November, at Stamford Bridge with a 5:30 kick-off time.

Reigning WSL champions Chelsea face last season’s runners-up Manchester City in another title-deciding game with the table currently seeing City at the top with 19 points, and Chelsea just below on 18. However, with a game in hand, it is clear that Saturday’s battle at the bridge will be pivotal in this year’s title race.

Both teams will be eager for all three points this weekend to add to their perfect, unbeaten starts to the season. Whereas Manchester City have won six in seven games, only dropping points to Arsenal at the Emirates in the first game of the season.

Chelsea have a 100% win record, with six wins in six games and a new manager; Sonia Bompastor. And giving the circumstances of Chelsea’s fifth consecutive title coming down to goal difference, it is evident that Gareth Taylor’s team will be eager for their revenge.

Last season

With the matter of seven goals being the deciding factor in the 23/24 season, there is clearly not much separating the sides. Last season saw: an away win for City at Kingsmeadow with a singular goal from Bunny Shaw, a dramatic draw at the Joie Stadium that saw a late equaliser from Guro Reiten to Chloe Kelly’s early goal and a league cup semi-final win for Chelsea thanks to a singular strike from Lauren James. Will the drama from these games be replicated this weekend?

Absentees

Both sides have big names sidelined for this game with two of the most notable being this year’s summer signing Vivianne Miedema and Chelsea superstar Lauren James. Miedema has an unknown return date after having minor knee surgery earlier this month. And James is definitely not expected back until after the International Break at the end of the month, after sustaining a calf injury. With both players already contributing to their respective teams this season, will they be missed?

Players to Watch

Both teams have incredible squad depth but some names to look out for on Saturday include:

Khadija Bunny Shaw- Last season’s golden boot winner is already on track to regain her title as she already takes the lead on goal contributions with 7 goals in 7 games, working out 1.18 goal per 90 mins.

Guro Reiten- Second to Shaw on the table for goal contributions this season is Chelsea’s number 11. With 4 goals in 6 games, could the Chelsea winger be responsible for a goal again this season against City?

Jill Roord- Having a very successful comeback from her ACL injury, the Dutch midfielder is someone you should have your eyes on, especially given her 3 goal tally already this season.

Wieke Kaptein- Roord’s Dutch counterpart is having an incredible debut season in England for Bompastor’s Blues, with being only 19 she is certainly playing with more experience than her age gives credit for, keep an eye out for her dictating the midfield this weekend.