Women’s Super League title race: Chelsea in driving seat ahead of final day clash with Man City | Football news

Chelsea moved past Man City ahead of the final day of the WSL – but the title is still up for grabs on Saturday as Emma Hayes bids for a fifth straight league win before heading to the US.

And on the face of it, everyone is relaxed and enjoying the tightest WSL decider day in a decade. Behind the scenes at Chelsea and Man City, it’s a much more complicated picture.

For Chelsea, this is not just any game. It’s the final game for legendary head coach Hayes and the last chance to send her to the States with a trophy.

Captain Millie Bright has already spoken about missing so much of her boss’s last dance due to injury. There is a massive desire at the club not to let their reign of dominance end in disappointment.

At one point we were talking about a potential quadruple for Chelsea – now it’s WSL or nothing.

Hayes not only coached a number of individuals into international stardom, but instilled a belief and determination unmatched by many others. This club is not used to an empty trophy cabinet and does not want to experience that now.

Man City have had time to grieve after throwing away the chance to be in control of their own WSL destiny.

Saturday, May 18, 2:00 p.m

Now it comes down to an old-fashioned shootout. Beat Aston Villa by three more goals than Chelsea can manage at Old Trafford and the eight-year drought is over.

And not only is Hayes leaving the WSL this weekend, another inspirational figure is leaving the league on Saturday as well.

Steph Houghton’s final game as a pro is a chance to ride off into the sunset with the WSL trophy tucked under his arm.

She completed her penultimate training session as a Man City player on Thursday, practicing free-kicks from outside the box.

Man City will need goals on Saturday. It would be a comic book ending if their ‘Captain Fantastic’ gets in on the scoring action and leads his team to glory one last time.

Last Day WSL Permutations

Chelsea and City are level on 52 points after the Blues’ 1-0 win at Tottenham on Wednesday, but Hayes’ side have a +47 goal difference to City’s +45, meaning the champions are currently ahead.

They will win the WSL if they beat Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday – live Sky Sports – and retain their advantage on goal difference over City, who travel to Aston Villa.

If Chelsea and City finish level on points and goal difference, the title will be decided on goals scored. Chelsea currently have 65 compared to City’s 59.

However, if Chelsea draw at United, a City win at Villa will hand Gareth Taylor’s side the title.

If Chelsea lose at Old Trafford, City only need to avoid defeat by Villa to win the league.

How the table changed

CHELSEA

Position: 1
Points: 52
Goal difference: +47
Remaining matches: 1

Chelsea matches

May 18: Man Utd vs Chelseastart 15:00, live Sky Sports

MAN CITY

Position: 2nd
Points: 52
Goal difference: +45
Remaining matches: 1

Man City matches

May 18: Aston Villa vs Man Citystart at 15.00

What does the supercomputer say?

How to watch the final day of the WSL with Sky Sports

Watch Man Utd vs Chelsea live Sky Sports Premier League and The main event from 2 p.m.; start at 15.00. You can also stream the game with NOW.

You can follow the twists and turns of every WSL game Sky Sports’ digital platforms with our dedicated live blogs, including in-game clips and free match highlights from Old Trafford.

We’ll also have analysis and insights from an exciting final day, as well as free match highlights from every WSL match later on Saturday.

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