The top two in the Barclays Women's Super League turn their attention to the UEFA Women's Champions League this weekend, with Arsenal and Chelsea both seeking to overturn first-leg deficits. Arsenal travel to Lyon trailing 2-1 after a late strike from Melchie Dumornay cancelled out Mariona Caldentey's equaliser at the Emirates. Chelsea face an even steeper task, needing to recover from a 4-1 loss to Barcelona in their semi-final first leg.
Arsenal will take confidence from having overturned first-leg deficits in previous rounds against Häcken and Real Madrid. Goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar could return from injury, while Chloe Kelly is expected to start after appearing from the bench last weekend. Renee Slegers' side will be underdogs at the Groupama Stadium but have pedigree in this competition.
Chelsea, managed by Sonia Bompastor and featuring former Barcelona duo Keira Walsh and Lucy Bronze, have been eliminated by the Catalans in the last two Champions League semi-finals. Despite their domestic dominance, few expect a comeback, though the Blues did overturn a two-goal deficit against Manchester City to reach this stage. They warmed up with a 4-0 WSL win over Crystal Palace.
In the WSL, Liverpool host Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. The Reds moved into fifth place with a 2-1 victory over Brighton, with Olivia Smith expected to feature despite an injury picked up in that match. Spurs are without a win in seven games and will miss the suspended Drew Spence and Eveliina Summanen, though Bethany England returned from injury last time out.
Crystal Palace face West Ham United needing a miracle to avoid relegation, sitting seven points from safety after a 4-0 defeat to Chelsea. West Ham are unbeaten in four matches, having drawn with Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City. Everton host Brighton, with manager Brian Sorensen extending his contract until June 2027 after a point at Manchester City, while Brighton have lost to City and Liverpool in recent weeks.
