Due to our UEFA Women’s Champions League commitments, we enter the League Cup at the quarter-final stage and the draw has pitted us against Sunderland, who occupy second place in the Barclays Women’s Championship.

We return to Kingsmeadow for the second of four consecutive home matches across three different competitions, having started the month with a 3-0 victory over Everton in the Barclays Women’s Super League to restore our three-point lead at the top of the table.

Previous encounters with Sunderland have come during WSL campaigns of years past, and while the visitors have their eyes on a return to the top flight, they will be aiming to prevent the Blues from continuing our quest for a third League Cup triumph.

When and where?

Sunderland are the visitors to Kingsmeadow in the FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup quarter-finals this Wednesday 7 February, with kick-off at 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 fixture will be available to watch live on the FA Player platform.

The form

Domestically, we hold a three-point lead at the top of the WSL table, with 34 points coming from 11 wins, one draw, and one defeat.

As for Sunderland, they have enjoyed a successful season in the Women’s Championship with eight wins, four draws, and three defeats to date. They have accumulated 28 points and are just two adrift of leaders Charlton Athletic.

On route to the quarter-final stage, Sunderland came through a group consisting of Aston Villa, Durham, Blackburn Rovers, and Sheffield United. They progressed as group winners and were unbeaten after three wins and one draw from four matches.

Chelsea vs. Sunderland recent head-to-head record

Our most recent meeting with Sunderland came at Kingsmeadow in the WSL back in May 2018. We ran out 2-1 winners on that day.

Goals on either side of half-time from Fran Kirby and Eniola Aluko set us on our way to victory. The visitors scored in the final five minutes to reduce the deficit, but we held on to secure the victory.

What comes next?

We continue our Adobe Women’s FA Cup campaign with a fifth-round tie against Crystal Palace at Kingsmeadow on Sunday 11 February,. Kick-off is at 2.00pm (UK time).