Chelsea vs West Ham, Conti Cup semi preview: final on the horizon

For Emma Hayes and the Chelsea Women, this Thursday concludes a run of four matches within a 15-day span. Rest from club action is around the corner, but first, there is a job to do. For the first time this season, the Blues visit Chigwell Construction Stadium to take on West Ham United for a place in the Conti Cup final on March 5. The balancing act for Hayes continues. Over the last two weeks, CFC has competed in three different competitions, and in the next few weeks, another one will be reintroduced.

Hayes has made it clear, no competition holds more importance than the other. With Manchester United and Arsenal dropping points in the Women’s Super League this past weekend, CFC can breathe a sigh of relief as it turns its eyes to the league cup. This matchup will be a rematch of the Conti Cup quarterfinal from last season at Victoria Road where Pernille Harder’s hat trick saw the Blues through to the next round. Despite the fact that the Irons have never defeated Chelsea in the past in any competition, their spirited defensive display against Arsenal at home this past weekend has provided them with some sort of confidence.

There will be no fear from Paul Konchesky and his team come Thursday night. After their shocking 3-nil defeat to Everton on the road, the Irons have strung together three consecutive clean sheets in all competitions. Australian goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold has been in top form. Arnold has the most saves in the WSL so far this season with 44, saving nine total shots against Arsenal last time out. The Blues are going to have to be dialed in if they want to beat Arnold given her world-class form at the moment.