Arsenal Women vs Chelsea Women predictions and confirmed line-ups
The first piece of silverware in women’s football this season is up for grabs this weekend with Arsenal facing Chelsea in the Continental Cup final.
Arsenal are the most successful club in the competition’s history with five wins so far and reached the final by beating holders Manchester City.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are in the final for the first time and will be hoping a win over Arsenal can kickstart their push for the Women’s Super League title, which many believe is in their hands.
So, can Emma Hayes’ side take the first step towards a potential treble? Or will Arsenal’s domination of the Continental Cup continue? Read on for our Arsenal vs Chelsea preview, predictions, team news and TV coverage information.
When is Arsenal Women vs Chelsea Women and where can I watch live?
Competition: FA Women’s Continental League Cup
Venue: City Ground
Date: Saturday, 29 February 2020
Kick-off: 5:30 PM (UK time)
TV coverage (UK): BT Sport 1
Last five meetings: Arsenal Women vs Chelsea Women
19 January 2020: Arsenal 1-4 Chelsea (Women’s Super League)
13 October 2019: Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal (Women’s Super League)
17 February 2018: Chelsea 3-0 Arsenal (Women’s FA Cup)
13 January 2018: Arsenal 1-2 Chelsea (Women’s Super League)
14 October 2018: Chelsea 0-5 Arsenal (Women’s Super League)
Aggregate Score: Arsenal Women (LLLLW) 8-11 Chelsea Women (WWWWL)
Ones to watch
Arsenal Women: Vivianne Miedema
Arsenal have many stars among their ranks, but the one to have shone brightest this season is Vivianne Miedema.
The 23-year-old is already one of the best strikers in the world, scoring goals with relative ease, finishing even the toughest of shots as if it were a tap in on the line.
But that’s not all she can do. Despite her goal-scoring record, Miedema is happy to drop deep and set up her teammates, causing several problems for teams who try to keep her quiet. Holland’s all-time top scorer, Miedema has had a slow start to 2020 but is finding the net once more and will be hoping to add to her tally against Chelsea in pursuit of a trophy.
Key stat: Vivianne Miedema has scored 29 goals in 26 games across all competitions for Arsenal this season.
Chelsea Women: Bethany England
When Sam Kerr joined Chelsea in the winter, some feared for the impact it might have on Bethany England and her form.
But the 25-year-old has taken her game to another level both with and without Kerr in the team. In the WSL, England has scored in nine consecutive games with a variety of goals including headers and long-range efforts.
England was on the scoresheet in Chelsea’s 4-1 league win over Arsenal in January and may just be the most in-form striker in women’s football.
Key stat: Bethany England has scored 19 goals in 23 games for Chelsea this season.
Confirmed Arsenal Women line-up
📋 #CONTICUP FINAL TEAM NEWS 🏆#WeAreTheArsenal 🔴 pic.twitter.com/ufIoy9sy04
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) February 29, 2020
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Confirmed Chelsea Women line-up
Here's our #ContiCup final starting line-up! 👊
What do you think? 🤔#CFCW pic.twitter.com/eLFTHmv1xZ
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) February 29, 2020
Squawka prediction
Chelsea cruised past Arsenal when these sides met in the league last month but this is a cup final, and the Gunners know they will need to step up.
While Chelsea were fighting hard in a 3-3 draw with Manchester City last weekend, Arsenal rested some of their key players in FA Cup action against Lewes so should be the fresher of the two sides going into Saturday game.
However, this Chelsea team look unbeatable at the moment and have currently worked out how to avoid defeat in big matches. It will be a close one, but Chelsea may just edge it.
