PREVIEW: Chelsea v Manchester City

The Barclays FA Women’s Super League’s reigning champions Chelsea meet nearest rivals Manchester City at Wembley tomorrow afternoon as the FA Women’s Community Shield makes a welcome return to the calendar.

The fixture will be contested for the first time in 12 years and will act as a curtain-raiser ahead of the men’s event in the early evening.

Both clubs were plotting a return to Wembley in last season’s Women’s FA Cup and while that competition was suspended due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Chelsea and Manchester City will grace the Wembley turf again in the FA Women’s Community Shield this weekend.

Chelsea arrive at the national stadium looking to lift a second piece of silverware in as many matches. The Blues won the FA Women’s Continental League Cup in their last match almost six months ago when they defeated London rivals Arsenal 2-1 in the final at The City Ground. Forward Beth England was the match-winner on that occasion and the player is likely to again be a major threat in the FA Women’s Community Shield.

Manager Emma Hayes could offer debuts to summer signings Melanie Leupolz, Jessie Fleming and Niamh Charles against Gareth Taylor’s Manchester City side.

Taylor is set to oversee his first match in charge of City since being appointed as former boss Nick Cushing’s successor during the break. The former City academy boss has recruited well over the summer and new arrivals Chloe Kelly, Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle could all feature at Wembley.

City’s last outing came against Chelsea at The Academy Stadium in late February. The two sides played out a thrilling 3-3 draw which ultimately handed the visitors the Barclays FA Women’s Super League title on a points-per-game basis. Fireworks are again expected when the two sides meet this weekend.

The FA Women’s Community Shield is scheduled to kick-off at 12.30pm tomorrow afternoon and will be screened live on BBC One and on The FA Player.

About The Author

Daniel Pentland

I am the editor and owner of the WSL Full-Time brand which I launched in 2018.

I am an accredited journalist with the FWA, SJA and AIPS. I have reported from various levels of men’s and women’s elite football since 2016.

See author's posts