After failing to win their last two games, Chelsea Women will be looking to return to winning ways when they face Bristol City Women in Sunday's Women's Super League contest.
While the Blues are sitting top of the standings, the hosts are currently languishing in 11th position with five points to their name after nine matches.
Match preview
© Reuters
Bristol City are sitting just one point above the sole relegation place after winning only one of their nine league games this season (D2, L6).
The Robins took the lead in their most recent league outing against Liverpool, but Amalie Thestrup's opener was cancelled out by Sophia Roman Haug to ensure that the spoils was shared.
The result did at least extend Bristol City's unbeaten away run to three matches, which is in stark contrast to their poor home form.
Lauren Smith's side have lost each of their four home league games this season, scoring just three goals, while conceding 10 times in that period.
Having shipped 23 goals across their nine WSL matches, Bristol City have the worst defensive record in the top flight, and that will be a cause for concern ahead of a difficult fixture against a free-scoring Chelsea side.
© Reuters
Chelsea enjoyed a 15-game unbeaten start to the season prior to last Sunday's away clash with title rivals Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Unfortunately for the Blues, that impressive record was brought to an end by a heavy 4-1 defeat, representing just their second WSL loss of 2023.
Emma Hayes's side experienced another frustrating result in midweek, as they played out a goalless draw with Hacken in the Champions League group stage, leaving them in second place and two points behind the Swedish side.
While the Blues are at least sitting top of the WSL table, only goal difference separates them from second-placed Arsenal, who have the chance to put pressure on Chelsea when they face Tottenham Hotspur in Saturday's North London derby.
Having racked up 29 goals in nine league matches, the reigning WSL champions are currently the highest scorers in the top flight, and they will look to make that firepower count when they face their newly-promoted opponents on Sunday.
- L
- D
- L
- L
- D
- L
Team News
© Reuters
Bristol City are unable to call upon the services of Fran Bentley, Kaylan Marckese, Satara Murray and Rachel Furness.
While Chelsea loanee Brooke Aspin is sidelined with a knee injury, she would have been ineligible to face her parent club even if she was fit.
Having scored five times in nine WSL appearances, Danish attacker Thestrup represents one of the home side's main goal threats.
As for the Blues, they are still without Millie Bright, Aniek Nouwen, Jelena Cankovic, Katerina Svitkova and Catarina Macario.
Melanie Leupolz and Ashley Lawrence are set to return to training ahead of Sunday's contest, and the duo could provide Hayes with useful options from the bench.
The Chelsea boss has also hinted that 19-year-old Japan forward Maika Hamano may be involved in the matchday squad.
Bristol City Women possible starting lineup:
Clark; Powell, Layzell, Connolly, Mustaki, Napier; Morgan, Rodgers, Syme, Thestrup; Harrison
Chelsea Women possible starting lineup:
Musovic; Perisset, Buchanan, Carter, Charles; Nusken, Cuthbert; Rytting Kaneryd, Fleming, James; Kerr
We say: Bristol City Women 0-3 Chelsea Women
Sunday's fixture is likely to be Bristol City's toughest game of the season so far, and we think that the Robins will be outclassed by a Chelsea side that will be determined to return to winning ways following a couple of frustrating results.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
