FAWSL 2020/21: Chelsea Women vs Everton Women – tactical preview

The return of the FAWSL sees two of the league’s in-form teams play each other in what is expected to be a tight clash. Everton Women and Chelsea Women have both played some exceptional football having beaten some impressive teams with some swagger. Everton have amassed six wins and one draw including a thrashing at Aston Villa Women. Chelsea, on the other hand, have already beaten Manchester City Women and Arsenal Women in the league and cup competition. An impressive 9-0 win against Bristol City showed the attacking potential they have so how do the two teams stack up against each other for this tie?

This tactical analysis will analyse the finer tactical details between both teams and how they will play out against each other.

Predicted Lineups

Chelsea Women should line up in their 4-4-2 formation which should give them firepower up front and width from the wide areas. The only change from their last league game against Manchester City will be enforced with Fran Kirby picking up an injury and be replaced by Guro Reiten. The rest of the team should be unchanged.

Everton Women should line up in their 4-1-4-1 formation to try and match Chelsea in midfield. The battle will be won and lost there so having enough numbers to match and balance attack and defence will be key.

Chelsea Women’s attacking tactics vs Everton Women’s low block

Chelsea have an identity playing quick, free-flowing football harnessing the attacking qualities of Sam Kerr and Pernille Harder. They’ve retained their 4-4-2 shape and system that served them well, however, there have been some adjustments this year to accommodate the newer players.