The highly-anticipated clash between Chelsea and Manchester City in the Women's Super League is set to be a battle between two of the league's top goal scorers, Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw and Lauren James. Both players have been in phenomenal form this season, leading the race for the coveted Golden Boot award.
Shaw, playing as a traditional center-forward for Manchester City, has been a goal-scoring machine. With 13 goals in the league, she has consistently found the back of the net. Standing at an imposing 6 feet tall, Shaw has utilized her height advantage to score six goals with her head. Her goal-scoring prowess is evident in her impressive Expected Goals (xG) stats, with an xG of 0.75 per game and a total xG of 7.4. Shaw's strong performances have even outshined that of Erling Haaland, the star striker for Manchester City's men's team.
On the other hand, James has been a versatile attacker for Chelsea. Primarily playing as a roving No. 10, she has showcased her dribbling skills and contributed the most shots on target for her team. James' ability to float around the pitch and find dangerous positions has resulted in nine of her 12 goals being scored at home. This season, she has displayed more consistency and seems better prepared for big occasions.
While Shaw has a set position and a regular role in Manchester City's starting lineup, James has had to adapt to different positions due to team injuries. Sometimes asked to play as a No. 9 striker, she has impressed with her performances but is clearly at her best as a No. 10, given the freedom to roam and break into the box when she wishes. Her natural understanding of the game and explosive abilities have earned high praise from her manager, Emma Hayes.
Both Shaw and James bring much more than just goal-scoring prowess to their teams. Shaw's football intelligence and ability to read the game enable her to make the best decisions, whether it's to score or create goals. She has formed a great partnership with Chloe Kelly on the right-wing, capitalizing on Kelly's chance creation and crossing abilities. James, on the other hand, has showcased her versatility and willingness to adapt to different roles within the team.
As these two remarkable forwards prepare to face off, it is important to note that the outcome of the game might not decide the league title. However, both players will undoubtedly make their presence felt and leave an impact on the game, just as they have throughout the season. With the Golden Boot up for grabs, this clash presents an opportunity for both Shaw and James to lay down a marker and further solidify their status as the WSL's most formidable attackers.
