WSL 2023/24: Chelsea and Manchester City’s top-of-the-table tango – tactical preview

Friday night will see a crucial top-of-the-table WSL clash between league leaders Chelsea and second-place Manchester City. The winning side will likely go top of the table and get a crucial win in the second half of the season.

Chelsea are the reigning champions of England and have been the standard under Emma Hayes for the past decade; however, with her leaving at the end of the season, can they give her the perfect send-off before she heads off to manage the USA womens national team?

In contrast, Manchester City bavent won a league title since 2016, and Gareth Taylors side will be looking to change that this season. Having started the season in fine form, can they put pressure on the league leaders with a crucial win here?

In this tactical analysis, we will outline some key tactics and match-ups to look out for ahead of Friday nights clash.

Team News

Let’s begin with the home side, Chelsea. Hayes has favoured a 4-2-3-1 shape throughout the season.

Now in goal, they have been rotating minutes between Hannah Hampton and Swedish keeper Zećira Mušović. However, in recent weeks, Hayes has appeared to favour Hampton over Mušović. Chelsea has rotated their backline significantly this season, particularly in recent weeks. At right back, Hayes has shared minutes between Canadian Ashley Lawrence and the French Ève Périsset. Périsset was the preferred option early on in the season; however, since the 4-1 loss to Arsenal, Hayes has played Lawrence on a more regular basis. Then, at left-back, Hayes has generally Niamh Charles, who has been one of the most reliable performers in the team this season.

Then comes the centre of defence, with Chelsea typically operating a back four. Again, Hayes has several options to go with, including Nathalie Bjorn, Jess Carter, Kadeisha Buchanan, and Maren Mjelde. Millie Bright is likely ruled out until after the February international break.  Typically, Hayes has trusted Bjorn as a left centre-back following her January transfer from Everton. Then comes the right centre-back, where Hayes has typically partnered Bjorn with Carter; however, Buchanan has played significant minutes this season but, as a left-footed player, is more naturally suited to playing as a left centre-back.