And from Gareth Taylor, the Manchester City manager: ““I don’t think we need to hype it up any more,” he said. “For us, normalising it is the sensible thing for us. When you play against Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester United, the nerves and everything is there anyway.
“It’s a big game. It feels big. There’s no denying that. There’s no doubt the importance of the game and this is what we want, to be in this position. It’s when you come into it at this stage of the season and you have the opportunity to potentially go within goal difference of the league leaders. That’s exactly what we wanted.”
Some pre-match words from Chelsea manager Emma Hayes, via the BBC: “We have experience of being in this position and we understand what it takes to win titles. We will have to use all of that experience in the next part, starting from tomorrow, to be in the best position possible to win another title.
“But one thing is for certain, the title isn’t decided over one or two games, it’s effectively breaking down the season in blocks. We’re in a strong position for sure, but I do not believe we are overwhelming favourites to win a title just because of our position.”
This week’s Moving The Goalposts, to which you should sign up, features a preview of this match.
The two No 9s: KhadijaShaw has been setting records again for City. She has 13 league goals – a league high – and recently scored three hat-tricks in four games. The Jamaica international has a natural goalscoring ability, with her head or feet, and is at times unplayable. Her aerial ability and pace to beat defensive lines is coupled with her movement, hold-up play and strong relationship with those around her. There is, however, a slight doubt over Shaw’s fitness after she was withdrawn with a calf problem last weekend.
At the other end all eyes will be on Chelsea’s new acquisition, Mayra Ramírez, who made a high-profile move to the club in January. At 5ft 10in, the Colombian adds a strong presence while also possessing speed and plenty of flair. In the little time she has had with her new club, Ramírez has demonstrated the abilities needed to lead the line and opened her account with a beautifully flicked backheel strike at the weekend. Having the support of creative wide forwards and the undeniable talent of Lauren James in the pocket should be a recipe for success, but she will need time to settle and develop those relationships.
This is the big one. Should Chelsea win this one, then then chances of Emma Hayes sailing across the Atlantic with another title to her name will be greatly increased. The gap could open to six points. A win for Gareth Taylor’s team and the title race is back on, and that could let in Arsenal, against whom Chelsea lost their only match of the season, a 4-1 defeat. The teams last met in the second game of the WSL campaign, and it ended 1-1, with an exceedingly late goal by Guro Reiten.