Chelsea Women return to Women’s Super League (WSL) action on Sunday afternoon with a huge clash against London rivals Arsenal.
Sonia Bompastor knows a win would deal a significant blow to Arsenal’s title challenge while putting Chelsea five points clear of their London rivals. However, the Chelsea boss heads into the game without several key players, meaning she will need to get her tactics spot on to come away with a crucial result.
So, who makes our predicted XI?
GK - Hannah Hampton
The keeper should return after sitting out the Champions League opener, with her experience and quality giving her the edge over Livia Peng. The England international will be hoping to make her mark against several of her international teammates by keeping a clean sheet.
RB - Sabrina Carpenter
Usually deployed as a left back but will make the switch to cover for the movement and injury absentees.
CB - Lucy Bronze
Not her natural position but will cover the expected loss of Naomi Girma well, with the American likely to feature from the bench as she returns from injury
CB - Kadeisha Buchanan
Buchanan has started the last three games and her impressive performances of clean sheets this season will be hoping to continue.
LB - Katie McCabe
She will face her former teammates for the first time since moving across London in the summer and will be determined to come away with all three points.
CM - Wieke Kaptein
Scored a wonder goal in midweek and will be the one to get forward out of the two, however Bompastur may apply the handbrake a little more in this game.
CM – Sjoeke Nüsken
Nüsken could provide some much-needed physicality and energy in midfield, while her versatility gives Bompastor another option to help Chelsea deal with Arsenal’s intensity.
CM - Lexi Potter
Potter could get the nod alongside Kaptein, offering another energetic option in the middle of the pitch. Her ability to contribute defensively while keeping the ball moving makes her a useful option for such a big game.
She replaced Walsh in the Champions League and will likely be the replacement should Walsh not be passed fit.
RW – Alyssa Thompson
Her pace and directness could cause Arsenal problems, particularly when Chelsea look to counter. Will be wanting to add goals to her attacking contributions.
LW – Sandy Baltimore
Baltimore could provide the width and pace Chelsea need on the left, while her willingness to take on defenders gives Arsenal another problem to deal with. She will also need to track back and help McCabe defensively.
ST – Melvine Malard
With Chelsea potentially missing some of their usual attacking options, Malard could lead the line over Aggie Beavor-Jones. Her physicality and movement should give Arsenal's defence a different problem, while she will be eager to make her mark in such a big fixture.
Add us as a preferred source on Google