We travelled to Manchester United for the Adobe Women’s FA Cup semi-finals on Sunday, where we fell to a disappointing 2-1 defeat. Goals from Lucia Garcia and Rachel Williams set the hosts on their way, but Lauren James reduced the deficit on the stroke of half-time to reignite the tie.

A dominant second half display saw us battle for a route back into the game, but despite our best efforts, it wasn’t meant to be for the Blues on this occasion. A quick turnaround between matches presents an opportunity to respond as attention turns swiftly to the defence of our WSL crown.

We go into the match against Carla Ward’s side three points behind leaders Manchester City. However, the right result would see us reclaim top spot before domestic duties are put on hold for our two-legged UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.

Buy your tickets for the games against Aston Villa and Barcelona by clicking here

When and where?

We welcome Aston Villa to Kingsmeadow in the WSL this Wednesday 17 April, with kick-off scheduled for 7.00pm (UK time).

How to follow

As always, you can follow the game via Chelsea Women’s social media channels. There will be live commentary on our Twitter page and regular updates on Facebook and Instagram. Simply search ‘ChelseaFCW’ on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

For supporters who are unable to attend the match, this has been selected for live television coverage on Sky Sports for UK customers.

The form

Ahead of kick-off, we occupy second place in the division and three points shy of Manchester City in at the summit. We have the opportunity to reclaim top spot with a positive result against Aston Villa on Wednesday night.

After 14 wins, one draw and two defeats from 17 league matches to date, we have earned 43 points from 51 available. With 50 goals scored and 14 conceded in the process, we possess a goal difference of 36 – just one less than Manchester City (37).

As for Aston Villa, they sit seventh in the league table ahead of their trip to London with 20 points having won six, drawn two and lost 10 of their 18 league games to date. They have netted 24 goals and conceded 37 leaving them with a goal difference of -13.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa – Recent head-to-head

For the reverse league fixture in November, we produced an emphatic display and scored six goals without reply at the Poundland Bescot Stadium.

There were six different goalscorers on the day with Millie Bright, Fran Kirby, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, Ashley Lawrence, Aggie Beever-Jones and Niamh Charles all finding the target.

Next up

The UEFA Women’s Champions League takes centre stage as we prepare for the first leg of our semi-final encounter with Barcelona on Saturday 20 April at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, with kick-off at 12.30pm (UK time).

One week later, we will host Barcelona in the second leg at Stamford Bridge on Saturday 27 April, with kick-off at 5.30pm (UK time).

Be loud, be proud and back your Blues at the Bridge by purchasing your tickets now!