It takes conscious reminding that Chelsea’s reverse fixture to Liverpool to commence the 2022/23 season ended in a shock defeat to the newly-promoted underdogs.
Since Katie Stengel’s two penalties proved decisive on the day, the Blues have marched on to a 16-match unbeaten run in all competitions, dropping points only to Real Madrid in the Champions League group stages (1-1) and their most recent WSL clash with title-rivals Arsenal (also 1-1, courtesy of a late header from Sam Kerr).
Sunday’s home match against Liverpool - Chelsea's first home fixture since 11 December - represents a key opportunity for Emma Hayes ’ side to firmly seal that opening day chagrin in the past and retain their spot at the summit of the WSL.
Heading into Sunday, Chelsea are the only side to boast a 100% home record this season, with five wins from five, helping to make Kingsmeadow nothing short of a fortress.
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Yet, Liverpool will be geed up to wreck that record and subsequently become the first team in WSL history to complete the double over the reigning champions.
Chelsea currently sit top with a three-point lead, though title-chasers Manchester United and Arsenal both tout a game in hand.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Hayes confirmed that no fresh injury concerns plague her squad, nor any lingering memories of the defeat to the Reds from last September as she emphasised the vigour she was requiring from her training sessions in preparation.
“They are the only team to beat us in the league this year,” Hayes acknowledged. “Our performance on that day was not at our level. For me, the most interesting or important thing is that it’s an even better training session today than it was yesterday.
She added: “I am so focused on what I can control at the minute, that all my attention is on what I do on the grass. I want to go and coach and demand the intensity from this team to find another level.”
Chelsea’s loss to Liverpool engendered a debate of whether Chelsea’s near-impenetrable powers were finally waning, especially as their early performances, while ultimately victorious, continued to fall short of demonstrating their typical prowess and menace.
Yet, as the season has developed, seemingly so have Chelsea as they return to their regular-scheduled carnage. The Blues have scored 32 goals and conceded just nine in the league to tout a goal difference of +23, marginally inferior only to Manchester United (+24).
However, it's a busy week ahead for Chelsea in which they head to Tottenham Hotspur in the FA WSL Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday before travelling to Liverpool in the fourth round of the FA Women’s Cup on Saturday - a scenario that could force Hayes’ hand in rotating her talented squad.
Hayes refused to divulge her starting XI for Sunday’s match-up, declaring that Friday’s training session would prove pivotal in her decision-making.
If there is one player Liverpool will hope Hayes opts to rest, it’s Kerr. The Australian has scored 48 WSL goals in just 57 appearances for Chelsea, with her equaliser against Arsenal representing her sixth in the WSL and 12th in all competitions.
Chelsea kick-off against Liverpool at 12:30pm on Sunday from Kingsmeadow.
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