The Women’s Super League race is wide open. The Blues face a tricky FA Cup Semi-Final against high-flying Aston Villa. Completing the triumvirate of tough competitions to navigate is Chelsea’s 2nd leg against Olympique Lyonnais in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Chelsea face Lyon knowing a showdown with Barcelona likely awaits if they are victorious.
Following a solid defensive performance at the Groupama Stadium, Emma Hayes’s side enters the 2nd leg in an advantageous position. Guro Reiten’s stunner gave her side a first-ever victory against the 8-time European Champions. However, Lyon will welcome back Ada Hegerberg for the 2nd leg and boast a frightening arsenal of attacking talent.
As Chelsea face Lyon on Thursday, here are 3 key decisions Chelsea needs to get right to ensure they can finish the job and claim an almighty scalp in the UWCL
3 or 4 at the Back?
The biggest question that Emma Hayes has to decide upon is whether to stick with a 4-ATB system, or switch to a 3/5 formation.
Whilst Millie Bright and Kadeisha Buchanan have proved a successful partnership in the UWCL, both players have struggled when paired with other players. Although Magda Eriksson performed well overall against Lyon last week, she did struggle significantly with the pace and pressure of Manchester City. Similarly, Buchanan also looked flustered in the weekend fixture. Assuming that Millie Bright is unavailable for Thursday’s showpiece fixture, it presents a difficult choice.
On one hand, Chelsea could stick with the 4-ATB that they have favoured in the competition. Eve Perisset’s defensive aptitude and Carter’s ability to be defensively solid could help ensure Lyon are unable to flood their fullbacks forward. Both Ellie Carpenter and Selma Bacha are integral parts to the Lyon attacking machine and limiting their service massively helped the Blues in the first leg. However, as stated, Chelsea face Lyon this week with a now-fit Ada Hegerberg and if there is any weakness in the back 4, she will target it.
Embed from Getty ImagesOn the flipside, Chelsea could use a 3-ATB formation. This would likely mean that Carter and Eriksson slot into the outside CB roles, with Perisset and Niamh Charles pushed to wingback. Although this would ensure that Ada is definitely outnumbered, it would limit Chelsea’s ability to dominate in the midfield or require them to sacrifice an attacking option. Eriksson certainly looks better in a 3-person defence, but Buchanan has struggled in the centre of the defence.
What midfield should Chelsea face Lyon with?
Erin Cuthbert’s injury in Sunday’s match inevitably means it’s unlikely she will be available to play the entirety of Thursday’s match. This will be a huge blow for the home side, because she was so strong and dominant in the first leg.
It’s almost certain that Sophie Ingle will start on Thursday. Despite her early hooking on Sunday, she is the most experienced defensive midfielder in the squad and that experience could be critical, especially in the absence of Millie Bright. Melly Leupolz struggled with possession last week, but she was very good from a defensive point on view. This could be critical as Lyon will have to come into the game with a more offensive game plan.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe biggest question is who else partners with them. If Fran Kirby is fit, she offers the quality and ability to turn games by herself. However, she isn’t defensively as strong as say Jessie Fleming or Jelena Cankovic. She also is unlikely to have the fitness to play a significant part. Cankovic was a late substitute against Manchester City, but she does have very good ball retention qualities, and an ability to pick a pass. Fleming is the more energetic option and she will certainly press Lyon, but again, this season she hasn’t really offered enough from an offensive point of view.
Chelsea face Lyon with a midfield puzzle that looks as confusing as ever.
How best to counter-attack?
Chelsea face Lyon in an unprecedented position. The Blues have never led against OL in a two-legged tie in the UWCL.
Despite drawing a blank against Manchester City, Emma Hayes’s side will be confident in their ability to score against Lyon. They already did once and in retrospect, they may be disappointed to not take more away from the Groupama stadium.
It’s certain that Sam Kerr will start upfront. Despite not scoring, she caused real problems for the defending champions, having a particularly good battle against Wendie Renard. Guro Reiten’s quality means she is a surefire pick on the left, which means there is one final slot to select.
Again, if either were fit, you would fancy Pernille Harder or Fran Kirby to occupy the right side. They have real quality and big game experience at the highest level. However, it’s most likely that neither will be able to feature at all on Thursday. This means Chelsea have to choose between Lauren James, Jo Kaneryd or Niamh Charles.
Embed from Getty ImagesLauren James is the obvious pick with her quality and ability to carry the ball and also have end product when it matters. She was again hooked earlier against Manchester City, but this might just fire her up even more. In contrast, Kaneryd impressed off the bench and adds energy, but her lack of end product has been noticeable this season. Such fine margins might be the difference when Chelsea face Lyon.
Finally, the wildcard is Niamh Charles. She wouldn’t necessarily offer the attack output of the other players. However, she does offer defensive stability. This also might help pin back Selma Bacha and Danielle Van De Donk on the left-side.
It’s a huge match. Chelsea face Lyon with no fear on Thursday. Getting these three decisions right will make their life a lot easier. Fail to read the room and the situation will be much harder.