With the men’s team on a winter break, our attention turns to the Chelsea women’s team. Tomorrow at 4.30pm, the Blues women’s team face a trip to Manchester United.
As it stands Chelsea are second in the FA Super League table, one point behind leaders Manchester City, with a superior goal difference, but most importantly with a game in hand.
Arsenal are also in the race, a point behind Chelsea, having played a game more. United sit a further 14-points back.
Tomorrow’s fixture gives the Blues an opportunity to keep the pressure on the leaders, who face a trip to West Ham. Chelsea beat the Hammers 8-0 last week, and also recently won 1-0 at fourth-placed Manchester United in the League Cup.
Despite the victory, manager Emma Hayes told chelseafc.com that there is a difference between league and cup games. She said:
“The league campaign is very different to a cup competition and although we are unbeaten in all this season, it’s a crucial period of the season.”
Hayes also spoke of the need to remain focussed by adding:
“Our team, our squad and our goals are all aligned and it is so important at this stage of the season that everybody in our group is collectively pushing, because these are the games that will make the difference about where we are going to finish in the league.”
Manchester United are managed by former Chelsea defender, Casey Stoney. Hayes feels they are one the best defensively in the league. The Chelsea boss also heaped praise on the 37-year-old for all she has done at United.
“I respect Manchester United and Casey Stoney, she’s done an incredible job with that young group and we are going to have to be at our very best.”
“We’re playing a Manchester United team that are brilliant defensively. They don’t commit a lot of numbers forward because their defensive organisation is so strong and they are the toughest team for us to break down so far this season, so we really have to work for a goal against them.”
Chelsea have their work cut out to keep their amazing run going. The Blues are unbeaten all season in all competitions.
The women’s game is gradually growing, and Chelsea have one of the best teams in the country. Home games are played at Aldershot Town FC with the Blues next fixture next Wednesday, against Birmingham City.
They then face Liverpool in the FA Cup next weekend. The game is live on BBC red button with a 12.30pm kick off.
