The fixtures are coming thick and fast for Women's Super League title contenders Chelsea and they'll hope to take another step forward this Sunday when they welcome Everton to Kingsmeadow.
Last time out, the Blues welcomed another Merseyside club in Liverpool midweek and clinched a late winner after going behind in the early stages of the game. Niamh Charles headed home against her former club before Sam Kerr stepped up with just minutes left to play to ensure Chelsea's title hopes remained firmly alive.
Emma Hayes' side now sit third in the table, just four points off the top spot. However, they do have two games in hand over both Manchester clubs.
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Wednesday night's win over Liverpool cannot be understated. They were minutes away from dropping points if not for Kerr making it count when it mattered most.
Finding a way to win, by whatever means, is a characteristic of the champions-elect. However, given how incredibly tight it is at the top of the table, Chelsea arguably cannot afford to push the boundaries much further.
That's not to say they must comfortably win every single one of their final five games, one of which is against Arsenal. Still, any drop in levels over the next few weeks could result in points missed and, ultimately, the title heading elsewhere.
If the reverse fixture against Everton at Walton Hall Park is anything to go by, Chelsea are firm favourites heading into Sunday's game. A brace from Pernille Harder and a late goal from Charles proved to be decisive back in October and the Blues will certainly need a similar performance this time around.
The Merseyside club will be no pushovers, however, as their previous outing proves just how stern a test they will be. After going 2-0 down against strugglers Reading, Brian Sorensen's side fought to eventually win 3-2 and further cement their place in sixth.
Chelsea have their destiny in their own hands - the current table confirms just as much. Hayes admitted her side may have had a hangover from their Champions League defeat at the Camp Nou in the opening stages against Liverpool on Wednesday.
They'll hope it's firmly out of their system heading into another crucial game in the title race. Chelsea will be confident they can keep digging out results, but with United also clinching late wins themselves, the London club cannot afford even the slightest of slip-ups.
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