Gareth Taylor’s side go into Sunday’s 15:00 (UK) kick-off at the Academy Stadium hoping to claim a third successive win in all competitions, and fourth in our last five matches.
Our last meeting with Chelsea saw the visitors come out on top in October’s FA Cup semi-final, but victory in this weekend’s tie would see us move to within five points of our opponents in the WSL table.
And Hemp, who was on target in our 4-1 win away to Leicester last weekend, says she and her teammates are desperate to claim a statement result against Emma Hayes’ side.
“These are the games you want to be involved in, I am really looking forward to Sunday,” she declared.
“Our recent result against Chelsea wasn’t what we wanted but we are hungrier than ever to put things right.
“I don’t mind pressure. I like when it is on me. I am really excited and looking forward to it.
“It was really crucial (to beat Leicester last weekend).
“It is important we regain our form, that really started at Leicester and we are looking forward to doing the same this weekend and throughout the season.
“If you put in a performance like we did last weekend, it shows what we can do as a team.”
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Hemp grabbed one goal and one assist in our last league encounter with Chelsea - a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Academy Stadium back in April.
And while she’s confident that City have what it takes to get the better of our opponents on Sunday, she’s also under no illusions that it will be a hugely difficult task.
Emma Hayes’ side come into the tie at the Academy Stadium as the reigning WSL champions and have won each of their five league matches since an opening day defeat to Arsenal.
“(Chelsea are a) fantastic side. They have got so many amazing players,” Hemp pointed out.
“They are tough to beat. They have some fantastic players, score so many goals, and are solid at the back as well.
“It’s hard to break them down but we are looking to do that.
“(But) we are just as capable of beating them.”
Hemp has continued to go from strength to strength in the early stages of the 2021-22 campaign, playing a vital role in our deserved win at Leicester last time out.
That rapid ascent has seen the 21-year-old awarded PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year an incredible three times in the past four campaigns.
But the winger still believes the best is yet to come from both herself and City more generally.
She said: “We haven’t started how we wanted to but it’s exciting with this group of players.
“It is crazy to think how far we can go. I still believe we can get the trophies we want.
“I have learned a lot from Gareth Taylor and I am excited to see how far we can go. You want someone who is going to believe in you and trust you.
“I am learning every day and believe I am in a good environment. I am excited for the future.”
