When and where
Gareth Taylor’s side travel to Kingsmeadow on Sunday 11 October at 2:30pm BST.
The game will be shown live via BT Sport. Those outside of the UK can tune in via the FA Player or NBCSN in the United States.
You can also follow the action on our Matchday Centre or our dedicated matchday Twitter account: @ManCityWomen.
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RULES
For safety reasons in the wake of the pandemic, the fixture will be played behind-closed-doors.
In line with current protocols, additional balls will be placed at intervals around the pitch.
TEAM NEWS
Lucy Bronze was rested in the midweek Continental Cup win over Everton as a precaution.
Aoife Mannion, Megan Campbell and Lauren Hemp remain sidelined through injury.
WATCH: Welcome to Manchester: Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle
Manager’s preview: Gareth Taylor
“We’re playing Chelsea so it’s natural people would think we want a bit of revenge from the Community Shield, but we’ll look at them like we do with any opponent.
“We’ll make sure we’re prepared to play a good game. It’s one we’re really looking forward to - the first of two decent games, going into the international break.”
CHECK OUT OUR 2020/21 WOMEN’S TRAINING RANGE
Last time out
Rose Lavelle marked her full City debut with a goal, as Gareth Taylor’s side produced a superb second half fightback to defeat Everton 3-1 in the Continental Cup.
The United States star struck seven minutes into the second half to open her account and level the score, before Chloe Kelly continued her superb scoring streak to turn the tie against her former Club and youngster Jess Park sealed the victory with a thumping finish.
Danielle Turner had broken the deadlock on 20 minutes but the home side produced a spirited display to turn the game on its head and kick off our Group C campaign on a positive note.
The triumph marked further good news for City, as Karen Bardsley made her first competitive appearance since the 2019 World Cup.
WATCH: Conti Cup highlights: City 3-1 Everton
Last meeting
City fell to a 2-0 defeat against Chelsea in the FA Women’s Community Shield at Wembley Stadium, with Millie Bright and Erin Cuthbert netting in the second half after Jill Scott was sent off for a second bookable offence with 28 minutes to go.
Chelsea took advantage of Scott’s dismissal just after the hour mark, with Bright striking in a thunderous opener from 30 yards, four minutes after the red card, before Cuthbert added a second in stoppage time.
Chelsea’s Sam Kerr failed to convert on multiple occasions, whilst City debutant Chloe Kelly came closest for Gareth Taylor’s side, striking the post ten minutes before half time.
Janine Beckie had a goal ruled out for offside in the first period after a wonderful run from Chloe Kelly, but Emma Hayes’ side went on to claim the first silverware of the season.
WATCH: Chelsea 2-0 City: Community Shield highlights
Stats
• The last three FA Women’s Super League games between Chelsea and City have seen 13 goals, one more than our previous seven encounters.
• City have lost just one of their last 12 league meetings with Chelsea (W5 D6), although that defeat was on our last trip to Kingsmeadow.
• Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 24 WSL matches (W18 D6). If they avoid defeat against City, they will equal their longest undefeated streak in the competition (25 games between May 2017 and September 2018).
• City have forced 37 high turnovers in the league this season; 11 more than any other side in the competition, with 11 of these ending in a shot, also a division-high.
• Chelsea’s Millie Bright has made more successful passes than any other player in the WSL this season (238).
• After her goal against Tottenham last time out, City’s Ellen White (48) is just one goal away from equalling Nikita Parris (49) as the all-time top goalscorer in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League.
