The majority of the Blues squad were away representing their national teams during the most recent international break and on their return to Cobham, attention turned swiftly to a hectic month of domestic and European football, with six matches to navigate in November.

Hayes addressed the media at our Surrey training base on Friday where she reflected on the early weeks of the season, assessed what we should expect from our opponents this weekend and spoke highly of Sophie Ingle, who could reach a hugely impressive individual milestone should she feature.

Having taken 10 points from 12 available in our opening four league matches, Hayes emphasised the season is still very much in its infancy. With two UEFA Women’s Champions League matches and four WSL games to manage, there is excitement in the squad for this upcoming run of fixtures.

‘I still think it’s really early. There has been international breaks since the start of the season so we haven’t really had a rhythm. It’s too early to make any large assessments. You can’t necessarily see patterns or trends and all teams are different, but I’m looking forward to this next block.

‘I like longer periods for the team together, more games, more opportunities for the players and a chance to practice things you work on in training. For that reason, everybody is really excited about this next part.’

Our opponents Aston Villa impressed with a fifth-place finish last season. They are looking to register their first points on the board after four games this time around, but Hayes was keen to ensure the team do not underestimate our hosts on Saturday.

‘It’s always the opponent you should be most mindful of. They are obviously disappointed with their start to the season, but I’ve watched their games and they have all been pretty close. It’s fine margins. They are at home and they have a couple of players back, key players for them that have been injured.

‘They will throw everything at us. It’ll be an aggressive performance from them, they will commit bodies forward and be aggressive in the press. I don’t expect them to sit in a low block five back. You’ll see a different side to them and my job is to prepare the team for either or scenario. Carla (Ward) will make sure her team are ready to play.’

One player who is on the cusp of achieving a significant personal milestone is Ingle. If she plays, she will equal the all-time WSL appearance record of 183 games. Her manager could not speak highly enough of the Welsh midfielder.

‘I’ve known Sophie the best part of 12 years. She was here when I first began and went home to finish her studies and play at Bristol and then Liverpool. She was always a superb talent then, a centre-back transitioned into being a central midfielder, and on her return to the club she has been outstanding.

‘She’s been a leader, she’s played in some of the biggest games. Her influence on lots of players in our squad don’t go unnoticed. She has been a consistent performer in my time here. I value her opinion highly and one that really knows what it’s like to play for Chelsea.

‘She is the DNA of the club and she is deserving of all the recognition she gets.’