8 months ago
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As the WSL returns, Emma Hayes looks all set to bow out as Chelsea boss by leading her side to a fifth consecutive title.
The Blues sit top of the WSL table on 25 points, three points clear of the nearest contenders Manchester City and Arsenal.
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Their impressive first half of the season saw them drop points in just two games and key errors by Arsenal, Manchester United, and Man City mean Chelsea have retained their dominance.
The Blues have been clinical in recent years and have not lost more than two games in any WSL season since 2016/17.
But Chelsea's season could be about to hit something of a roadblock.
They are back in action on Sunday, January 21 in a mouth-watering top-of-the-table clash which will see them host last year's runners-up Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.
For the Red Devils, this could well be their last chance to stay within touching distance of the top three - a loss would likely mean bidding goodbye to any Champions League hopes this season.
Chelsea will be hoping to extend their lead in the title-race - but history is not on their side.
If their last few seasons are anything to go by, the Blues are about to drop points in this crucial fixture.
In both the 2022/23 season and the 2021/22 season, Chelsea have failed to win their first games back after the winter break.
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They could only salvage a 1-1 draw against Arsenal in their first January fixture last season and had to settle for a goalless draw against Brighton the season before.
Not to mention, Manchester United will not be making things easy for them.
Chelsea have suffered the devastating loss of Sam Kerr with the Australian striker picking up an ACL injury during the winter break.
Her replacement will have to find a way to make it past United's Mary Earps, who has just been named FIFA The Best Goalkeeper for the second year running.
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United have had a rocky season so far overall, suffering losses to Liverpool and Manchester City before the break - but knowing this could be their last chance to keep their season alive could prove significant.
Despite losing Alessia Russo at the start of the season, they have no shortage of attacking options including the skilful Brazilian Geyse and World Cup Golden Boot winner Hinata Miyazawa.
Questions also surround the future of manager Marc Skinner after their disappointing start to the season who might suspect his survival at the club depends on the results of games like these.
With just three points separating the top three, any loss of points by Chelsea might just open the door for their rivals.
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Arsenal are on the hunt, having regained injury-hit stars Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema, and with England captain Leah Williamson just weeks away from a return.
And in another key WSL fixture, Manchester City host this season's dark horses, Liverpool, live on talkSPORT on Sunday 21 January from 2:30pm.
A win for City would keep the pressure on the Blues who know they face a formidable title rival, having already dropped points to them this season.
For Hayes, this is her last chance to achieve perhaps the only thing that has eluded her with Chelsea: the quadruple.
While the biggest challenge within that may seem to be securing a first ever Champions League win, the sheer difficulty of retaining the WSL title in what is the most competitive season yet should not be underestimated.
