The last time Nathalie Bjorn faced Man City's Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw, the latter scored a hat-trick in a 4-1 win over Everton; the Swedish defender has since completed a January move to Chelsea, with City travelling to Kingsmeadow in a top of the table clash on Friday night
Friday 16 February 2024 18:39, UK
Chelsea defender Nathalie Bjorn has issued a warning to Man City forward Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw that she won't be allowed to repeat her hat-trick heroics against her when the Women's Super League's top two teams meet on Friday night.
The last time Bjorn came up against WSL top scorer Shaw was in Everton colours, as the City forward scored three in a 4-1 win in December.
Since then, the Swedish defender completed a January transfer window move to the WSL leaders, who take on City at Kingsmeadow.
"Bunny is a really good football player. She's strong, good in the air, good at turning. So it will be a tough game," Bjorn told Sky Sports.
"It's good that I've played against her a few times, so I know what kind of player she is.
"Last time I played against her she scored a hat-trick, that will not happen on Friday."
Shaw's City go to Chelsea on a 10-match winning run in all competitions and lie three points behind the leaders.
However, the Blues are on a good run themselves having won their last nine in all competitions. They have also only conceded once while new signing Bjorn has been on the pitch.
Focus will turn to how the Swedish defender can help stop City's firing attack, which also includes Lauren Hemp and Chloe Kelly.
Asked how she deals with the individual battle against a striker like Shaw, Bjorn replied: "Like any other game. They are very good players and are so good at what they do.
"But other than that, before a game like this I just prepare how I would in any game and think about myself and what I can do to help my team."
After Friday's game, Chelsea have a busy March schedule as they try to give Emma Hayes the perfect send-off as they fight for four competitions.
Next month, the Blues have a League Cup semi-final with Man City, an FA Cup quarter-final away at Bjorn's former club Everton, a Champions League last-eight tie with Ajax - plus another WSL heavyweight clash with Arsenal, live on Sky Sports on March 15.
It's a massive week in the WSL this weekend - as the top four teams all face each other in a week that could have a huge impact on the title race.
Chelsea host Man City on Friday night at Kingsmeadow, with just three points separating the two teams. You can follow that game on Sky Sports' digital platforms via the live blog, with kick-off at 7.15pm.
Then on Saturday lunchtime, third-placed Arsenal host Man Utd at the Emirates Stadium, live on Sky Sports. Both clubs will be hoping to make the most of dropped points from Friday night's game to keep their title ambitions as strong as possible.
Kick-off in north London is at 12.30pm, with coverage starting at 11.30am.
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