Manchester City are looking to mix it with the biggest sides in the WSL this season after finishing fourth in 2022/23 and they will face the reigning champions Chelsea this weekend.
After getting off to a winning start in the first game of the season with a 2-0 away win against West Ham United, Gareth Taylor’s side will be hosting a Chelsea team that will be aiming to defend their crown in style under Emma Hayes.
Leila Ouhabi is suspended, while Khadija Shaw was absent from the matchday squad last time out.
Here is the City team that Taylor may choose to face Chelsea in the WSL.
GK: Khiara Keating – She may only be 19 years old but Keating kept a clean sheet for Man City in the first game so there is no reason for her to be replaced against Chelsea.
RB: Laia Aleixandri – This is a pretty safe starting position for Aleixandri given her quality, although there are other options for Taylor in the squad who can play right-back.
CB: Alanna Kennedy – There is a good chance that Kennedy is in line for more starts at Man City over the course of this season and there is no reason to drop her after the West Ham win.
CB: Alex Greenwood – After a great World Cup with England, Alex Greenwood is set for a big season in Man City’s defence.
LB: Demi Stokes – Needing a replacement for the suspended Leila Ouahabi, Taylor is expected to call on the experienced Demi Stokes with not many left-backs in the squad.
CM: Deyna Castellanos – The Venezuelan attacking midfielder suits this system quite well and she is expected to hold her place against Chelsea.
CM: Yui Hasegawa – One of Japan’s most important players during the Women’s World Cup, Hasegawa is set for a big season at the base of City’s midfield.
CM: Jill Roord – Having moved to the club in the summer, Roord grabbed her first goal for the club against West Ham and is going to try and lead the team to victory against Chelsea.
RW: Chloe Kelly – One of the most important players in the squad, Kelly was dangerous against West Ham and Chelsea will be focusing on marking her out of the game.
ST: Lauren Hemp – Another important England player, Hemp got off the mark for the season against West Ham and she won’t stop there in this new central role.
LW: Mary Fowler – At 20 years of age, this could be the season where Fowler really announces herself as one of the most dangerous attackers in the WSL.
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