After recording a hugely important win over European heavyweights PSG last time out, Chelsea return to WSL action on Sunday with a trip to Brighton.
The Blues suffered a surprise defeat to Liverpool on the opening day of the campaign, but have recovered to win four on the bounce in all competitions since then, even in the more recent absence of manager Emma Hayes.
They face a Brighton side who have won just one of their first three WSL matches after heavy defeats by Arsenal and Manchester United, but who have actually taken points off Chelsea twice in the past two seasons.
When is kick off? Sunday 23 October, 18:45 (BST)
Where is the match being played? Broadfield Stadium
TV channel/live stream? Sky Sports Football (UK), FA Player (International)
What time does coverage start? 18:30 (BST)
Referee? Abigail Byrne
Rebekah Stott and Megan Connolly remain unavailable for Brighton, the former having undergone ankle surgery, and the latter suffering a fractured rib while on international duty. Hope Powell confirmed on Thursday that the pair are back on the grass.
Brighton (3-4-3): Walsh; Kullberg, Williams, Green; Pattinson, Zigiotti Olme, Robinson, Park; Sarri, Lee, Terland.
Fran Kirby is on the mend and Paul Green stated on Thursday that Chelsea were ‘hoping’ she could be included in the Chelsea squad this weekend. The forward has missed her side’s last two through illness.
Green suggested there would be ‘some rotation’ to the Chelsea side, having played on Thursday evening and with another Champions League fixture against Vllaznia scheduled on Wednesday.
Chelsea (3-5-2): Berger; Bright, Buchanan, Eriksson; Perisset, Cuthbert, Fleming, Harder, Rytting Kaneryd; Kerr, James.
Having suffered heavy defeats to both Arsenal and Manchester United this season – admittedly playing the majority of the match with 10 players against the former – Brighton could be really up against it when they face Chelsea. However, they can take heart from the fact that they have form when it comes to frustrating the Blues, taking points off them in successive seasons.
Chelsea have a congested fixture to contend with over the coming weeks, but arguably boast the greatest strength in depth in the top flight. They should secure a comfortable victory on Sunday.
Prediction: Brighton 0-3 Chelsea
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