With both clubs recovering from unconvincing wins in the league, Chelsea and Arsenal look to set themselves to claim the top spot in the group. Chelsea will face Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and London City in the group stages of the Continental Cup.
Ironically, Chelsea are the title defenders having won their first Continental Cup last season against Arsenal via a stoppage time goal from Bethany England. Arsenal are the most decorated team in this competition, therefore, winning isn’t a simple task.
With Pernille Harder and Sam Kerr starting from the bench last game, this suggests we could see the both of them up front. Ji was also on the bench against Birmingham City which might mean we should expect her in the starting lineup. With Berger having an outstanding performance in the final, it is also expected she would start in goal. Jessie Fleming is still looking for her first start for the blues and it would be great to see her cement her place in the team.
Chelsea won all three matches against Arsenal last season. A loss would mean that we are taking steps back in terms of performances and signings. Although a clean sheet would be nice, it is very unlikely as Arsenal have a very attacking style of play. My prediction is a 2-2 draw.
Predicted lineup:
Berger
Mjelde, Bright, Eriksson, Andersson
Reiten, Ingle, Leupolz, Ji
Kerr, Harder
