Gareth Taylor’s side welcome the Londoners to the Academy Stadium on Sunday, 26 March, with kick-off scheduled for 12:40 (UK).
Despite a valiant effort in the reverse fixture at Kingsmeadow, we fell to a 2-0 defeat to the reigning champions in September 2022.
An extra time loss to Aston Villa in the Women’s FA Cup aside, we’ve been in scintillating form since then, embarking on a 13-game unbeaten league run.
This sees us firmly in the hunt for the title, as we sit two points away from league leaders Chelsea in third place.
And Kelly, who has scored three goals and registered 10 assists this term, is relishing the task at hand on Sunday.
“[Chelsea will be] another good challenge for us and I think we’re ready for the challenge,” she said.
“I think the girls are finding great form at the minute – Bunny’s on fire and I think all the girls are just really enjoying ourselves. On the training pitch we’re working hard.
“Gaz [Taylor] is giving us good information on how to break teams down, but I think the information we’re getting we’re really taking to the pitch and we’re believing in our playing style and the way we play.
“Now we trust the process and now it’s time to show what we’re capable of.”
City and Chelsea enter the fixture in similar veins of form, with both without defeat in the league since September.
Emma Hayes’ side’s last loss in all competitions came in the Continental Cup final earlier in March, as they fell to a 3-1 defeat to Arsenal at Selhurst Park.
However, Kelly believes facing a team who’s looking to avenge League Cup heartbreak makes them a potentially more dangerous opponent.
She added: “We’re expecting a reaction from them.
“Losing a cup final is always so disappointing so you just want to get back out on the pitch and go again.
“We’re in good form, so I think it’s about worrying about us too.”
