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Chelsea host Aston Villa in the opening match of the Women’s Super League season at Kingsmeadow to mark the start of a new era for the Blues under Sonia Bompastor.
The Blues won the WSL for a fifth consecutive season last campaign under the departing Emma Hayes and Bompastor has big shoes to fill after arriving from Lyon for a new era in the women’s game. The Chelsea squad has also seen several changes, with England international Lucy Bronze the pick of the new signings.
A season of possible transition under Bompastor means Chelsea are likely to face increased competition for the title from Manchester City and Arsenal – who meet at the Emirates on Sunday – so a winning start is vital in a WSL where there is usually little margin for error over the campaign. Villa finished seventh in the WSL last season and have a new manager of their own, with Dutchman Robert de Pauw replacing Carla Ward. The visitors are led by former Lionesses striker Rachel Daly.
The match is live on BBC Two, and you can follow all the latest updates in the live blog below.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Corner, Aston Villa Women. Conceded by Kadeisha Buchanan.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Foul by Lucy Bronze (Chelsea Women).
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Offside, Aston Villa Women. Kenza Dali is caught offside.
Chelsea 0-0 Aston Villa
17 mins: Chelsea are racking up the chances. First Lucy Bronze had a header straight at Sabrina D’Angelo from a Reiten cross, then Reiten turned wide on the volley.
Jamie Braidwood20 September 2024 19:18
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Attempt missed. Guro Reiten (Chelsea Women) left footed shot from the centre of the box.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Attempt saved. Lucy Bronze (Chelsea Women) header from the centre of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. Assisted by Guro Reiten with a cross.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Corner, Chelsea Women. Conceded by Jordan Nobbs.
Chelsea 0-0 Aston Villa
12 mins: What a miss! Villa should be ahead. Chelsea fail to clear the cross from the left. It falls to Chasity Grant at the back post. She fires it across but Missy Bo Kearns turns it over the bar from about a yard.
Nusken just managed to put her off.
Jamie Braidwood20 September 2024 19:14
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Attempt missed. Missy Kearns (Aston Villa Women) right footed shot from very close range is too high. Assisted by Chasity Grant.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Attempt missed. Chasity Grant (Aston Villa Women) right footed shot from the right side of the box.
