Chelsea FC Women vs KFF Vllaznia Shkodër
Following our victory over PSG on Thursday, our second UWCL group game is against KFF Vllaznia Shkodër. We’re hoping to build on a strong start to our campaign with a good result at home. Here is our preview for the UWCL Round 2 game against KFF Vllaznia Shkodër on October 26th at Kingsmeadow.
Chelsea
Form: W-W-W-W
Our victory over PSG last week was a huge success, providing us with the best possible start to our UWCL campaign. Millie Bright’s early goal, combined with a defensive masterclass, was all that was required to secure all three points.
Following this victory, the team defeated Brighton away on a difficult surface on Sunday evening. This gives the team even more confidence to move forward. Fans will be hoping for a win against a team they know they can beat, especially in front of a large and noisy home crowd.
Another win will keep us in the race to win our group, which will be very impressive after last season and considering the teams in the group.
Vllaznia
Form: L-W-D-W
An interesting fact for you is that Vllaznia are the first Albanian UWCL team to reach this stage. Unfortunately for Vllaznia, they have been allotted in the UWCL’s group of death. Their first game was a 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid. Vllaznia are in good form in their league, which they currently lead. This illustrates that they are a good team with a great group of players.
Vllaznia will want to improve on last week’s performance and get a positive result in the UWCL, but that may be difficult against a Chelsea side playing at home. It will be interesting to see how this game plays out.
Previous Meetings
There have been no previous meetings between the two teams, so this game will be their first meeting.
Team News
Chelsea
The only players we have doubts about are Jelena Čanković, Melanie Leupolz, and Fran Kirby. Čanković has been missing for the last two games which we think is an ongoing injury. Melanie Leupolz, on the other hand, has been a long-time absentee, and she recently had her baby. Fran has been absent due to illness since the team returned from the international break.
Vllaznia
There is a scarcity of information about women’s teams that do not compete in top leagues, so there is no way to know if Vllaznia has any injuries.
Players To Watch
Chelsea
Pernille Harder and Johanna Kaneryd are two Chelsea players to keep an eye on in Wednesday’s match.
Pernille has scored three goals in two WSL appearances. Most recently, she found the back of the net against Brighton on Sunday. Pernille is a player to keep an eye on no matter the opponent because she is a brilliant player who poses a threat to any defence. There is a noticeable difference in the team when she is or is not playing, so she is crucial in the UWCL.
Kaneryd has been our most impressive summer signing when she’s got herself on the pitch. She looked dangerous against Brighton on Sunday, where she started, and she could have assisted more than one goal if the pitch hadn’t been similar to a swimming pool. Because she is a top-tier player, having her on the team, whether starting or coming off the bench, is a huge advantage. Check out JRKs reaction after the Brighton victory on the Chelsea website here.
Vllaznia
As previously stated, there isn’t much information available on the Vllaznia team, but one player to keep an eye on is their goalkeeper, Kaylin Conner.
Kaylin is an American goalkeeper who made a strong impression against Real Madrid. Real only won 2-0, a scoreline that I believe many people expected to be higher. According to what I’ve heard, she had a great game in front of goal and made some impressive saves.
Match Details
Date/Time: Wednesday 26th October, 20:00 BST
Venue: Kingsmeadow Stadium, Kingston
Referee: Sabina Bolic
How to watch
UK: DAZN
Rest of the World: DAZN
Final Thoughts and Prediction
A lot is riding on Chelsea for this UWCL round 2 game, so there is added pressure to win, especially since we are playing at home against a team we assume we can easily beat. However, no game in the UWCL is easy, so Vllaznia will make it difficult for us. I personally believe we will easily win. Another victory will put us in a very good position in our group, the group of death.
Final Prediction: Chelsea 3 – 0 Vllaznia
Written By Meg Aherne (@meggaherne)
Edited By A Bradley (@A_thensomething)