City v Blues isn’t just a big game ...it’s first leg of a title DECIDER

IF there are two moments that are going to decide where this season’s WSL1 trophy is going then it’s tomorrow’s game between Chelsea and Manchester City, and next year’s return fixture.

Already these two have shown why they’re at the top and while Chelsea enjoyed a blistering start they’ve already dropped points against Reading.

City have started to show the same championship-winning form as last season after a shaky start where they were leaking goals so it’s set up for a great game.

One of the biggest decisions for City manager Nick Cushing will be who to start in goal.

Ellie Roebuck has been playing regularly and although she is very young she hasn’t faltered.

She’s better with her feet than Karen Bardsley which helps City playing out from the back and she is one of the reasons City have been so consistent in the last few games.

Chelsea manager Emma Hayes could go for a slight change of tactics, and this season she’s already shown she has a plan B.

Last season when these two teams played I was disappointed with the way Chelsea set up.

They sat back and didn’t take the game to City but I don’t expect them to do the same this time.

They rely on their forward players and attacking midfielders and one of the key battles for them will be down the right.

City’s Abbie Mcmanus isn’t known for her pace so it will be interesting to see how she gets on against speedy Gemma Davison or Crystal Dunn down the wing.

City have shown they’re good if they’ve got possession at the back moving it through the thirds very quickly and they’re effective at going straight down the neck of the opposition.

And if Chelsea are to avoid dropping more points that’s where they’re going to have to win their battles, right in the heart of midfield.

Should they do that they’ve got their own phenomenal forward-line to cause City problems.

Kaz Carney and Drew Spence have become so well synchronised with Fran Kirby’s runs and they can really pose a threat.

After being disappointed with Chelsea last season in this fixture I’m confident Hayes won’t change a successful game plan.

They’ve shown they’re more than capable of soaking up the pressure from good attacking teams and Hayes really utilises the best of her players.

Because of that and the strength and depth of Chelsea’s squad I’m tipping Chelsea for the win and title.