Emma Hayes: ‘They’re top of the league for a reason – so we’re going to have to be at our best to beat them’

EMMA Hayes’ Chelsea will look to step up their FA Women’s Super League title defence this week with a top-of-the-table clash with Manchester United followed by a midweek derby against Spurs.

The Blues were hit by a Covid-19 outbreak before Christmas, but bounced back to leapfrog Arsenal into second last weekend as four goals from Fran Kirby and one from Ji So-yun secured an emphatic 5-0 victory over Reading.

It was the only WSL tie to go ahead after some teams were unable to field the requisite 14 players after being hit by Covid-19 outbreaks or injuries.

The elite league will aim to get back on track this Sunday when Arsenal are away to Reading and Spurs go to West Ham, both live on The FA Player.

But the pick of the bunch is United’s visit to Chelsea – live on BT Sport 1 on Sunday – and former Parliament Hill School pupil Hayes will not underestimate Casey Stoney’s side.

“They’re top of the league for a reason,” said Hayes. “So we’re going to have to be at our best to beat them. But we’ve certainly got all the qualities in our squad to do that.”