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Chelsea have taken nine points from their first three WSL Cup group stage games, and have already secured advancement to the quarterfinal stage, making this match all but a formality. Tottenham, on the other hand, can only progress by beating the Blues. A chance, then, to deny them success.
Date / Time: Wednesday, December 6, 19:00 GMT; 2pm EST; 12:30am IST (next day)
Venue: Kingsmeadow, Kingston-upon-Thames, England
Forecast: Cold and humid; overcast
On TV/Streaming online: This match won’t be broadcast live, which means following along on Twitter (unless on can make it in person).
Chelsea team news: All signs point to a quick recovery for Eni Aluko after her scary collision with the advertising hoardings over the weekend, but I highly doubt she’ll be included in the squad for Wednesday. There is absolutely no need to risk a key player in what is mostly a meaningless match. Jade Bailey and Deanna Cooper continue their rehabilitation programs and there’s no light at the end of those tunnels just yet.
With the massive league match against Manchester City at the weekend, I expect Hayes to start a well-rotated lineup.
Predicted Line-up: Spencer | Thorisdottir - Flaherty - Eriksson | Blundell - Bright - Chapman - Rafferty | Ji - Cuthbert - Carney
There will be a special recognition for Rafferty ahead of the game for 10 stellar years in Chelsea Blue.
Tomorrow's game against Spurs will be a very special occasion for @clrafferty1...https://t.co/S84yHEGuhV
— Chelsea Ladies FC (@ChelseaLFC) December 5, 2017
Tottenham team news: Spurs, a mid-table side in division 2 of the WSL, have been absolutely dismantled in their previous two matches, losing by a score of 4-1 to both Doncaster and Brighton & Hove Albion. They need a win here to progress, otherwise Bristol City join Chelsea in the next round. Spurs’ website is a bit outdated, but it looks as though they have everyone available for selection.
Previously: Rather unbelievably, given the rivalry between the men’s teams, this will be the first time these two sides have ever met.
“It’s a game we are expected to win, but that counts for nothing unless you perform. And it doesn’t matter whether it’s men’s football or women’s – Chelsea versus Tottenham is a derby and there is always a lot at stake.”
-Claire Rafferty; source: Chelsea FC