Chelsea Women at Manchester City, Conti Cup semifinal preview, predicted XI
Expect Lauren James to be back in the lineup after serving her one-match ban, potentially slotting in as the No. 10. Though, Macario looked as if she hasn't missed a beat after over 640 days on the sidelines, it'd be a little ambitious to throw her into the starting XI for a cup semifinal. That by no means eliminates her as an impact substitute, especially considering she can provide a fresh look Taylor has not seen yet.
Sure, it's in a competition Hayes once associated with the word "uselessness", but a trophy is a trophy. We're not here to talk about whether or not we should alter the League Cup---that's for another discussion down the line. Can the Blues uncover those adjustments and execute them after a poor showing in front of their fans vs. the four-time Conti Cup winners? Will Chelsea show its resolute winning mentialty, something that is lacked at Selhurst Park last year? Those are our questions.
It's a test, a massive test in fact. We're not going to say it, but using other words, "the improbable" is still alive heading into these final few months of Hayes' tenure. The victor will take on either Aston Villa or Arsenal who are slated to kick off on Wednesday evening at Meadow Park.
Chelsea Women at Manchester City predicted starting XI
Goalkeeper: Hannah Hampton
Defenders: Jess Carter, Eve Perisset, Niamh Charles, Nathalie Björn
Midfielders: Erin Cuthbert, Sjoeke Nusken, Lauren James
Forwards: Guro Reiten, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, Mayra RamĂrez
Chelsea Women at Manchester City match info
Date: Thursday, March 7
Time: 19:15 GMT, 2:15 p.m. EST
TV Broadcast: BBC iPlayer
Get yourself a ticket for Chelsea Women's next match at Stamford Bridge against Arsenal Women on March 15. Click the link to purchase your spot in the SW6 on that day.
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