Opta Analyst: Chelsea Are Favourites to Beat Man City in WSL Clash
Despite Manchester City sitting at the summit of the Women’s Super League, Opta Analyst reports that Chelsea are the supercomputer’s favourites to win this weekend’s clash with a 49.1% win probability.
This is the first WSL season to feature two unbeaten teams after nine matchdays since the 2020-21 campaign.
Are Chelsea the underdogs this weekend?
To consider Chelsea as underdogs in domestic competition feels alien. The Analyst notes that to a club so endowed with silverware, it is like a dirty word reserved for opponents, but reality bites hard after losing the title to Manchester City last term.
That 5-1 drubbing back in February remains the most obvious illustration of the gap that appeared between the superpowers. Yet, the table shows City have only a two-point cushion after nine matches, having collected 25 points through eight wins and a draw.
How do the tactical setups compare?
Sonia Bompastor’s side have shifted from a direct approach toward structured positional dominance this year. The Analyst points out that Sandy Baltimore and Ellie Carpenter's effectiveness out wide has transformed the Blues' performance.
Meanwhile, Andrée Jeglertz’s team relies heavily on Khadija Shaw, who is personally responsible for 45 per cent of their goal tally. Shaw has scored 12 goals in just nine league appearances this season.
What do the coaches say about the title race?
“We need to move on quickly,” Sonia Bompastor told BBC Sport. “This group has a lot of experience with that and we will go into the next game really prepared.”
Manchester City boss Andrée Jeglertz struck a cautious tone regarding the standings. “At the moment, I don’t care about it so much,” Jeglertz told BBC Sport when asked about Chelsea dropping points. “If we win all our games, we’ll be fine but if we struggle, then of course it doesn’t matter what other teams do.”
Disclaimer: The insights provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.