The Blues sit at the summit of the WSL following a scintillating 9-0 win against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium last weekend, and Hayes says the task is very clear: win every game to claim a third successive league title.

The boss is aware of the challenges Reading will pose, having lost the away fixture 1-0 earlier this season at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Hayes was full of praise for Kelly Chambers’ side. Speaking at Cobham this afternoon, the boss said: ‘They defend so well as a unit. They make it really difficult especially in the penalty box, they put every player in that.

‘On the counter they’ve been excellent. Natasha Dowie and Deanne Rose have been two pivotal players for them and part of the reason why we lost to them and part of the reason why they’ve had success, especially in the second half of the season.’

Hayes’ side go into the fixture full of confidence, having won our last four league games back-to-back, scoring 17 goals and conceding just once.

The boss noted how important it is to have that confidence as her side enter the business end of the season, adding:  ‘I want the girls to approach every game with the confidence that we’re showing. That confidence is playing dividends because of the work they’re doing every day in training.

‘We’re just enjoying our football. We don’t think about it too much in our environment, the girls demand demanding training sessions. There’s a joy in the way that we’re playing, cohesion in what we’re doing.’

The Blues have just five league games left this season, which includes playing Tottenham Hotspur twice before hosting Manchester United on the final day.

‘We know we’ve got a tough run-in; it doesn’t change. For us to win the league [by winning remaining games] – we still have some really tricky opponents.

‘We’ve just got to stay in our lane, keep doing the work every day and let the results take care of themselves.'

The Blues are one point ahead of Arsenal having both played 17 league games.

‘We’re used to being in this position and to be honest the pressures… we don’t feel that because I’d rather be in the position where something’s within our control than the other way around.’

The boss is also full of praise for Bethany England, who has netted four goals in two games for the Blues.

‘She’s trained so well this side of Christmas and her application, her attitude, her contributions to the team have been outstanding. She’s getting the just rewards for that hard work, she’s been diligent, quiet in her work and we’re seeing her best form.

‘I felt that a few weeks ago but she’s got to keep building on it and keep producing the performances she’s putting in.’

Hayes also provided an update on team news ahead of Sunday’s game, revealing Fran Kirby and Pernille Harder will not be available for selection.

‘They’re just not ready. Will Pernille be ready sooner than Fran? I don’t know. I know that they’re not available for selection.

‘You can’t put timelines on things, I hope it’s really short. With Pernille, her knee just keeps flaring up a little bit - a little bit of swelling there, so they’re taking time to get that right and Fran is just not recovered. She might be available in a week, she might not be.’

Following the news around tickets being sold, Hayes welcomes that Chelsea supporters will be able to purchase tickets to women’s games again, highlighting the importance of the fans at fixtures.

‘I don’t know what the current numbers are but the fact that the tickets sales are open again I hope we all push hard to get as many in as we can, even though it’s 6.45 kick-off.

‘They’re critical to the way that we play and how we perform, so the more the merrier!’Sunday’s game against Reading kicks of at 6:45pm and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Football. You can also follow all the live action on our social channels @ChelseaFCW.

To purchase tickets for Sunday’s game, click here.