Chelsea predicted lineup vs Man City - WSL
- Fran Kirby could return to the Chelsea starting eleven
- Sam Kerr is also in the running to start against Man City
- Lauren James to remain in an attacking midfield role
By Euan Burns
Chelsea are the reigning WSL champions which means that no matter where they go, there is no side that everyone would like to beat more than them.
Their first away match of the season promises to be a very tough one, as Emma Hayes takes her team to face Manchester City. The Cityzens got off to a winning start by beating West Ham United, but Chelsea also secured three points at the first time of asking by beating Tottenham 2-1.
With Fran Kirby coming off of the bench during that game and Sam Kerr expected to make her return to the team against City, Chelsea should be a stronger outfit than when they took on Tottenham.
Here is the starting eleven that Emma Hayes may choose to secure victory for the champions.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Man City (4-2-3-1)
GK: Zecira Musovic - Having enjoyed such an incredible World Cup with Sweden, Musovic now needs to build on it and show she can be one of the best goalkeepers around.
RB: Maren Mjelde - One of the old guard at Chelsea, Mjelde is set for another season as an important player for Chelsea. Her longevity is impressive given she joined the Blues back in 2016.
CB: Millie Bright - One of the best defenders out there, Bright will be the leader at the back for Chelsea this season and will look to chip in with some goals as well.
CB: Jess Carter - Another player whose profile was raised by the World Cup, Jess Carter is set to have a big season alongside Bright at the back for Chelsea.
LB: Niamh Charles - The English defender is very experienced for a 24-year-old and that will help her as Chelsea attempt to defend their WSL crown.
CM: Sophie Ingle - Another veteran like Mjelde, Ingle has been at Chelsea for a long time and her leadership in the midfield is extremely valuable.
CM: Sjoeke Nusken - Having impressed on her debut after making the move from Eintracht Frankfurt, Nusken can learn a lot by playing alongside Ingle who is a decade older than her.
RW: Fran Kirby - Having recovered from a serious injury, Kirby came off the bench against Tottenham and she could be set to take Johanna Rytting Kaneryd's place on the wing.
AM: Lauren James - She grabbed the headlines for positive and negative reasons during the World Cup, but James is off the mark already this season and will be a key player.
LW: Guro Reiten - An extremely skilful player, Guro Reiten should hold her place on the wing as she gets settled into another season with Chelsea.
ST: Sam Kerr - It may be slightly too early to start for Sam Kerr, but Hayes said she'll be fit and she could immediately take Mia Fishel's place.
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