/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68746565/1188970078.0.jpg)
A resounding 4-0 victory against Aston Villa midweek gave Chelsea the incredible WSL record of 32 consecutive unbeaten matches. Though it can be difficult to put these sorts of achievements in context, Emma Hayes has called this the best Chelsea side she’s ever coached.
'This is the best Chelsea team that I've ever had.'@EmmaHayes1 is one boss tonight! #WinningIsOurAim pic.twitter.com/KWQRiXfP6y
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) January 27, 2021
While the pressure of going for the record isn’t hanging over the team anymore, every match is crucial as the Blues have loftier goals in sight. Chelsea can take another step toward a second consecutive WSL title with victory over rivals Tottenham at Kingsmeadow.
Date / Time: Sunday, January 31st, 2020, 12:30pm BST; 7:30am EST; 6:00pm IST
Venue: Kingsmeadow
Referee: Sarah Garratt
Forecast: Cold, overcast
On TV: None BBC Red Button (UK); none (USA); elsewhere
Streaming: BBC iPlayer (UK); NBC Sports App
Chelsea FCW team news: The ridiculous depth in this team has been evidenced by continued stellar performances, even with regularly rotated lineups.
Jessie Fleming started her first WSL match for Chelsea last time out, while Melanie Leupolz was given a rest. Fran Kirby was also on the bench and should be well rested. Sam Kerr added to her scoring tally with a well-taken strike against Aston Villa and may join Bethany England up top.
We’ve enjoyed some good individual and team performances against Spurs over the years, but England’s stunning goal from last season is one of my all-time favorite moments.
We'll. Never. Get. Tired. Of. Watching. This.
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) January 30, 2021
@Bethany_Eng15 pic.twitter.com/NeV9c6DesR
Tottenham FCW team news: Tottenham’s match last weekend against Everton was postponed due to an unplayable pitch, so Spurs have only played (and won) one league match in 2021.
Finding themselves sitting squarely in mid-table, Tottenham have brought in a few fresh faces on loan to deepen the squad. Cho So-hyun, midfielder and captain of the South Korean national team, arrived from West Ham on loan, with an option to make the move permanent. Joining her is defender Abbie McManus, on loan from Manchester United. McManus is an England international, and like Cho So-hyun, comes with WSL experience.
First day at Hotspur Way ✅#WelcomeCho ⚪ #COYS pic.twitter.com/xXwdpSZhv3
— Tottenham Hotspur Women (@SpursWomen) January 29, 2021
Previously: These London rivals met most recently in a Continental Cup group stage match in November. The Blues came away 2-0 winners with goals from Erin Cuthbert and Melanie Leupolz.