Emma Hayes’ team return to the Barclays Women’s Super League tomorrow as we host Manchester United for the first time ever, and here we preview the historic occasion…
WHEN AND WHERE?
Chelsea welcome Manchester United to Kingsmeadow on Sunday (2pm kick-off) for what will be our sixth league game of the 2019/20 campaign.
HOW TO BUY TICKETS
A sell-out crowd is expected at Kingsmeadow on Sunday, with only few tickets remaining in the East Stand. Buy yours now to make sure you do not miss out on matchday. Tickets are priced at £9 for adults and £1 for juniors (aged under 20) and senior fans (aged 65 or over).
Click here to buy your tickets
THE FORM
After a short pause due to international fixtures, Chelsea will be looking to extend our winning run to stay in the No.1 spot of the table. So far the Blues have dropped two points out of a possible 15 – resulting in our joint-best return at this stage alongside 13 points in 2017/18 and 2015 – the last two campaigns in which we went on to win the title.
Our last fixture was in the Continental Tyres Cup against Championship side Lewes. The rain poured down and strong winds made it difficult, but despite all of that, the Blues dug deep to secure a 2-1 victory. Erin Cuthbert netted her first of the term when she calmly slotted past the opposition goalkeeper early on. However, we were level at the interval due to Katie Rood’s spectacular strike that flew into the far top corner. Skipper Magdalena Eriksson got the winner in the 80th minute to ensure we left East Sussex with the three points.
Our last WSL match was away to West Ham and although we conceded first, Hayes’ team showed great character and responded by scoring three second-half goals. Ji So-Yun was at the heart of the comeback, setting up the first for Sophie Ingle and then netting a sublime second which sent us top of the Barclays Women’s Super League table. Drew Spence added in injury time with a cool close-range finish.
Manchester United are in their first season in the top flight following promotion to the WSL as Championship champions. The Red Devils, who are managed by former Chelsea player Casey Stoney, seem to be settling in well having won three games out of a possible five.
They currently sit fourth having beaten Liverpool, Tottenham and Reading without conceding. Their most recent match was at the start of November in the Continental Tyres League Cup where they triumphed 3-0 against fifth place Everton. Lauren James, the younger sister of Chelsea’s Reece James, scored their opener after 20 minutes of play. Katie Zelem and Amy Turner netted two late goals to ensure they made it two wins from two in the competition.
CHELSEA V MANCHESTER UNITED HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD
Sunday will mark the first ever competitive meeting between the two sides. Manchester United were founded in May 2018, following the club’s successful application to join the FA Women’s Championship, which is now in its second season.
HOW TO FOLLOW AND HOW TO WATCH THE LIVE STREAM
Fans who are unable to support the Blues at our KT1 home can keep up to date with the clash via our social media channels. There will be live commentary on our Twitter page, regular updates Facebook and footage of the matchday on our Instagram story. Simply search ‘ChelseaFCW' on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date.
The game will also be shown live on The FA Player, a free streaming platform, exclusively dedicated for women’s football in England.
WOMENS FOOTBALL WEEKEND AND MATCHDAY
The match takes place during Women's Football Weekend, an event launched by the FA to capitalise on the men's international break and encourage supporters to attend a women’s match at any level in the pyramid on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November.
Ahead of this exciting encounter, there will be pre-match entertainment where fans can get their face painted and have their photos taken with mascots Stamford and Bridget. Supporters also have the opportunity to enjoy Barclays activations, including a pop-up photo booth.
NEXT UP AT KINGSMEADOW
You do not have to wait long for another Blues game at Kingsmeadow as we host Tottenham Hotspur for the second time this season on Wednesday 20 November. The game is our penultimate Continental Tyres League Cup fixture and it kicks off at 7pm.
Tickets can be purchased at £3 for adults and £1 for juniors (aged under 20) and seniors (aged over 65).