Chelsea news: High-stakes games for Chelsea managers Enzo Maresca and Sonia Bompastor this weekend
It’s a big weekend for Chelsea Football Club, with the Men’s team set to face Manchester City at the Etihad, and the Women’s team hosting Arsenal for the London Derby.
The Premier League clash will be on Saturday, 25 January, at 17:30 GMT, followed by the Women’s Super League thriller on Sunday, 26 January, at 12:30 GMT.
Both matches carry significant weight and could have a major impact on the final standings in their respective league tables.
The Men’s side currently sit third in the league, while Chelsea Women lead the pack, seven points ahead of third-placed Arsenal.
Enzo Maresca’s Blues face a tough test at the Etihad
Enzo Maresca will have to make do without Romeo Lavia for the trip to Manchester, but Blues fans will be relieved to see both Levi Colwill and Enzo Fernandez available for selection against City.
The last Premier League clash between City and Chelsea was on the opening day of the season, where the reigning champions made a commanding start to their title defence.
Chelsea, meanwhile, were adjusting to life under a new manager and integrating fresh faces into the squad.
Since then, the roles have reversed somewhat.
Pep Guardiola’s men experienced a dip in form mid-season, while Chelsea impressed with strong performances that even sparked whispers of a title challenge.
However, fortunes have shifted again.
City appear to have rediscovered their winning groove, while Chelsea have hit a rough patch, managing just one Premier League victory since December 15, 2024.
Sonia Bompastor to host London Derby
Chelsea Women's head coach, Sonia Bompastor, has delivered encouraging news ahead of the London Derby, confirming that Lauren James may feature in the lineup.
James boasts an impressive record at Stamford Bridge, having netted eight goals in four Women's Super League matches at the club’s home stadium.
In her first season as Chelsea head coach, Bompastor has shattered records, guiding the team to an unbeaten run across all competitions, with only one draw in the league.
The Blues remain favourites to clinch all domestic titles and are formidable contenders for the UEFA Women's Champions League.
Sunday's clash against Arsenal at the Bridge promises to be a stern test, especially under the guidance of head coach Renee Slegers, who has excelled since succeeding Jonas Eidevall.
Nevertheless, given Chelsea's formidable form, a victory on Sunday afternoon would come as no surprise.
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