We have a golden opportunity to extend our lead at the top of the Women’s Super League table on Sunday when we face champions Chelsea at Meadow Park.
THE STORY SO FAR
We’re currently top of the WSL table on 30 points having picked up a record-breaking 10 wins from 11 league outings.
Manchester City and Chelsea trail us by two and five points respectively, but we boast the advantage of having a game in hand.
We’ve scored 46 goals over the course of the season so far, more than any other WSL side, in addition to conceding an average of just 0.8 per game. Only Chelsea and Manchester City can better our defensive record.
Vivianne Miedema remains the top goalscorer in the competition with 14 goals - averaging one every 71 minutes - while Beth Mead tops the chart for assists (9)
The last time we faced the Blues we ran out 5-0 winners at Kingsmeadow thanks to goals from Kim Little, Miedema (2) and Jordan Nobbs (2).
THE OPPOSITION
Chelsea made a slow start to their WSL season with three consecutive goalless draws, but they’ve since turned a corner and find themselves on a six-game winning streak.
Emma Hayes’ side have only scored 18 goals over the course of the season so far, 28 fewer than us, but from a defensive standpoint they’re leading the pack.
The only WSL goals they’ve conceded this season came in our 5-0 win at Kingsmeadow, meaning they’ve kept clean sheets in each of their remaining 11 fixtures.
The Blues have now gone 12 consecutive fixtures without conceding in all competitions.
THE MANAGER’S NOTES
“It’s going to be a tough game,” said Joe Montemurro. “They’re on a bit of a roll at the moment and we are where we are with the squad, and we have to understand that. We just have to freshen the team up now and get ready for a big game.”
ONE TO WATCH
Danielle Van de Donk heads into this fixture in fine form having scored a crucial double against West Ham in the WSL and a late equaliser against Birmingham in the Continental Cup.
Prior to this season, goals had never been a standout feature of Van de Donk’s game, but under the guidance of Montemurro, she’s been also to score 10 goals in 11 WSL outings.
With Chelsea possessing such an organised and resilient defence, we’ll be needing Van de Donk’s movement and creativity to seal all three points on Sunday.
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