Chelsea will play host to Arsenal on Thursday evening, as the WSL 1’s top two battle it out for the second time this season.
Both these sides remain the only two teams unbeaten in the top tier, with Chelsea currently six wins from six to commence a memorable 2015.
The Blues have conceded just twice so far this year, one goal of which came against Arsenal – when Chelsea manager Emma Hayes recorded a 2-1 victory over her former club in the FA Cup.
With their cup exit remaining as Arsenal’s sole defeat this season, they are only pipped to the top spot in the league courtesy of a 1-1 draw with Notts County in early April.
As both clubs have scored eight goals in four matches, and the Gunners conceding just one more than their rivals, a tight affair is expected in the clash. And Arsenal’s Kelly Smith is confident despite her side’s recent cup heartbreak.
“We’re not looking at the Chelsea game being about revenge for that FA Cup defeat – we know we need a win for the league campaign,” she said.
“Of course that game showed how strong they are and how big a test it will be when we take them on but our confidence is high. I think in that game they just wanted it more and we weren’t at our best – they were better on the day. We know how important these games are ahead of the international break.
“Chelsea have really strengthened and they’re an extremely well organised side. They’ve added a new goalkeeper in Hedvig Lindahl, who I really rate, and then they’ve got Niamh Fahey in who used to play here so we know how good she is.”
Victory for the hosts could see them soar five points clear at the top – having missed out on the title by goal difference last year – while three points for the visitors would see them overtake their London rivals. If points are split, Liverpool could close the gap to just a single point.
