Chelsea Women vs. Arsenal, WSL preview, predicted XI

Per Chelsea's leader, Mayra Ramirez, and Nathalie Björn are both out for the contest while Fran Kirby, Lauren James, and Ann-Katrin Berger are in doubt. Kirby and James are reported to be ill according to Hayes.

Even though the attacking line getting thinner by the week, Hayes made her position on Catarina Macario in her pre-match press conference quite clear, stating, "We've spent such a long time getting Cat to this point, I'd hate to lose her because we were just a tab impatient."

It'll be interesting to see how Hayes lines up the front three if she believes Macario isn't quite ready for 45-plus on the pitch. Aggie Beever-Jones will without question be at the epicenter of that plan, potentially playing through the middle with two wingers to her sides. The strength and persistence of the Colombian in her hold-up play would be a massive boost for the Blues. The Gunners have not taken on Ramirez since she arrived from Spain in the January window.

On the defensive side of things, Kadeisha Buchanan was seen dancing on the club's socials after the Everton match, so with Bjorn out, the Canadian should make her return following the CONCACAF W Gold Cup as one of the two center-backs along with the always-consistent Jess Carter.

Arsenal will be without one of its goal-scorers from the last fixture, Swedish defender Amanda Ilestedt after she announced her pregnancy to the team this week. Dutch striker Vivianne Miedema, who has started in just three league games this year is also out due to a knee issue.