Sam Kerr's Highly-Anticipated Comeback Set to Ignite a Thrilling Clash: Chelsea vs Manchester City

Man City vs Chelsea - Sunday, 12.30pm

Kerr return could help Chelsea sharpen up

In week one, Emma Hayes expressed her discontent despite the initial triumph over Tottenham. The Chelsea manager admitted her disappointment with the team's performance, labeling it as labored, complacent, poor, and a step off. If they replicate this subpar display against their title contender, Manchester City, on Sunday, Chelsea will likely face an unfavorable outcome.

The return of Sam Kerr, who was slightly slower to recover from the World Cup compared to her teammates, may enhance Chelsea's prospects. Last week, Chelsea had 21 shots against Spurs and having Kerr present for most of those attempts could have resulted in a more favorable outcome. Furthermore, with Erin Cuthbert also set to rejoin the Chelsea matchday squad, this provides an opportunity for the Blues to demonstrate their strength and depth to their competitors.

Man City still have much to prove

Oh Manchester City. Despite their immense promise, doubts loom over their ability to maintain a consistent form throughout the entire season, often faltering at crucial moments.

Winning the WSL is not an equation set in stone, although Chelsea came close to unraveling its secret. However, City's recent attempts seem particularly uninspiring. Their previous campaign was marred by a shaky start, losing two matches and constantly having to play catch up with their rivals.

Winners take the lead from the beginning, instead of being at a disadvantage.

However, this season has the potential to be unique. City's playing style is aesthetically pleasing, often brilliant, and at their peak, they can overpower any rival team. While they have always possessed individual talent, what sets them apart now is the cohesive unity and development they have achieved over time.

Last season was possibly seen as a transitional phase due to significant player changes, arrivals from foreign leagues, and the challenge of rebuilding team unity after numerous departures.

A promising beginning to the current season, such as defeating West Ham with a disadvantaged team, would be even more satisfying if they can surprise Chelsea on Sunday. Such a result would truly bring unexpected and exciting tension to the situation.

Liverpool vs Aston Villa - Sunday, 6.45pm, live on Sky Sports

Liverpool Women

Aston Villa Women

Sunday 8th October 6:30pm

Kick off 6:45pm

Liverpool Women Aston Villa Women

Liverpool continues to make an impact in the WSL opener, achieving another remarkable outcome. After stunning Chelsea in their first match of the 2022/23 season, Matt Beard's team triumphed with a narrow 1-0 victory over Arsenal, captivating an audience that set a new attendance record at the Emirates Stadium.

Liverpool, following their surprising triumph in the previous season, endured a series of seven matches without a win. However, it is worth noting that amidst this winless streak, they engaged in captivating encounters, resulting in two 3-3 draws against Brighton and Reading. It wasn't until the beginning of December, when they faced off against West Ham, that they finally savored victory once more. "It is crucial for us to establish ourselves as more than just the team that secured the initial triumph," emphasized Liverpool midfielder Fuka Nagano in an interview with We. "We have been steadily progressing since last season, and our objective is to consistently accumulate those precious three points."

Liverpool will be featured on We for two consecutive weeks, starting with a match against Aston Villa on Sunday, followed by a significant Merseyside derby against Everton at Anfield.

Last season, Liverpool suffered a 3-0 defeat in the same fixture, only a week after defeating Chelsea. They undoubtedly desire to seek redemption for that disappointment on October 15.

"I believe our squad this time is stronger," remarked Beard on Sunday when discussing the importance of maintaining consistency.

"We have the advantage of the lessons learned from last year. When reflecting on the match at Anfield, we encountered a moment of hesitation."

"But

Liverpool must capitalise on another big opening day win

is just one game. Last year, we achieved a victory over Chelsea that garnered widespread praise, only to subsequently endure a streak of defeats. Consequently, what truly matters to me is our ability to remain level-headed and focused." Charlotte Marsh

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Aston Villa are considered favorites as they prepare to face Liverpool, despite the contrasting results both teams had in their previous matches.

Villa finished fifth last season, establishing themselves as the top team outside the traditional elite. They anticipate another successful season, bolstered by the arrival of talented new signings. The addition of Ebony Salmon and Adriana Leon strengthens their offensive capabilities, with a particular focus on increasing goal-scoring opportunities to complement a Rachel Daly-led attack.

Will Carla Ward give both players their first starts this weekend after their impressive display as substitutes last Sunday? Liverpool, on the other hand, demonstrated their defensive prowess by disrupting the flow of the game at the Emirates.

An interesting game awaits at Preston Park.Anton Toloui