Man City can take control of the WSL title race over the next few weeks, a fixture build-up for Chelsea means they play once in the league before May 1, while City play three times, starting with their 4-1 victory over Liverpool on Saturday
Saturday 30 March 2024 15:49, UK
Man City now lead the way in the Women's Super League title hunt and a fixture build-up for Chelsea means Gareth Taylor's side could take further control of the race over the next few weeks.
City have a three-point lead at the top of the table after their 4-1 victory over Liverpool. They also have a slightly better goal difference (+37 vs +36) than Chelsea, who have a game in hand, and with not many fixtures remaining in the league season, it promises to be a dramatic title race run-in between now and May 18.
However, due to this weekend's Continental Cup final and their appearances in the Champions League and FA Cup semi-finals, Chelsea only play once in the WSL between now and the end of April. City, on the other hand, have two more fixtures in this period.
That means - should City win those games - Taylor's team will open up a six-point lead at the top of the WSL at the very least, putting the pressure on Emma Hayes' Chelsea in their quest for a fifth successive league title.
That run for City continues on April 21 when they host West Ham before a trip to Bristol City on April 28
Speaking before City's trip to Liverpool, City manager Taylor was asked if it is a positive thing that City could go into the April international break on top of the table and ahead of Chelsea, albeit with the Blues having a game in hand.
"It is. There's no doubt," he replied. "Taking that as a positive is something we've spoke about a lot. We have the chance to be there - to be chased.
"If we can do that with four games to go, it's in our hands, we have to take it game by game and be the best version of ourselves as we can.
"I quite enjoy the chasing part. But we have the opportunity to turn that around and become the team to try and catch.
"If it happens, it's nice. If it doesn't we move to the next game. We are not underestimating any team we play. No game is tougher than the other.
"Any team can take points off each other. We are pretty much aware we have to win our five games. And it may not be enough. But I think if we do, it'll be enough. It's a nice place to be in with five games to go."
I think Man City will win it. I think they deserve to win it and they have been the best team this year. I think Gareth [Taylor] has done a great job.
Taylor was also asked if Chelsea's heavy schedule of playing every three days and playing in three competitions is a help or a hindrance to City's chances.
"You can look at it in a couple of ways," he said. "Yes, it's a tough calendar for them, some tough games in there as well. But it can work in your benefit, getting in the rhythm of playing three days.
"I would prefer to play three or four days if we can, especially if you're in a good place."
March 30: Liverpool 1-4 Man City, Women's Super League
*Chelsea are not involved in league action this weekend due to the Continental Cup final with Arsenal*
April 14: Neither team is involved in league action due to the FA Cup semi-finals.
April 17: Chelsea vs Aston Villa, Women's Super League, live on Sky Sports, kick-off 7pm
April 21: Man City vs West Ham, kick-off 2.15pm
*Chelsea are not involved in league action on this weekend due to the Champions League semi-final first leg*
April 28: Bristol City vs Man City, Women's Super League, live on Sky Sports, kick-off 6.45pm
*Chelsea are not involved in league action on this weekend due to the Champions League semi-final second leg*
May 1: Liverpool vs Chelsea, Women's Super League, live on Sky Sports, kick-off 7pm
May 5: Man City vs Arsenal & Chelsea vs Bristol City - both in the Women's Super League
May 15: Tottenham vs Chelsea, Women's Super League, kick-off 1pm
May 18: Aston Villa vs Man City, Man Utd vs Chelsea - both Women's Super League
