If Houghton’s missing, City will struggle
IT’S the clash of the top two again – Manchester City and Chelsea.
In some ways it would be better if this game was happening closer to the end of the season because, ultimately, it is the second leg of a two-legged title decider.
The last game ended in a stalemate, but there’s going to be goals in this one, and could be a turning point in the season.
City still have that narrow lead at the top of the table, but having a few big names out injured could be the undoing of them.
Steph Houghton, Karen Bardsley and Jill Scott are all doubts, and while Nick Cushing (below) has brought in top players, they’re not tried and tested in the WSL.
Ellie Roebuck has done a brilliant job of deputising for Bardsley. She shows a calmness and style that’s way beyond her years, and she’ll undoubtedly be a senior England international keeper in the near future. But, while City will be covered if Bardsley misses the game, I’m not sure they have enough strength in defence without Houghton (with Chelsea’s Ramona Bachmann, top).
At the start of the season, when Jen Beattie was missing, City were leaking goals. When she returned, it took time for them to get back to that level of understanding, solidity and synchronised movement.
The risk with Houghton potentially being out is they’re going to lose that again and, at the moment, that’s what’s setting them apart from their nearest rivals.
Both teams are very good going forward, but City have had the edge at the back. In the away game against Chelsea, they were able to play their usual attacking style, but dug in when it was needed.
Ultimately, City’s back line is stronger, but it will be interesting to see Chelsea’s attack against a back four without Houghton.
Cushing’s side may be top of the table, but Chelsea have a squad depth which isn’t seen anywhere else in the WSL.
That could make a huge difference.