In a pivotal Women’s Super League (WSL) clash that could define the title race, Chelsea is set to take on Manchester City. The showdown, scheduled for October 8, 2023, has garnered significant attention, primarily due to the selection dilemma Chelsea’s head coach, Emma Hayes, now faces. Sam Kerr, widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers of her generation, is on the verge of returning after a calf injury. However, the emergence of a new signing, Mia Fishel, has raised questions about Kerr’s place in the starting lineup.
Fishel’s Strong Case
Kerr missed Chelsea’s WSL opener due to her calf injury but is expected to be available for the clash with their title rivals. However, the young talent Mia Fishel has made a compelling case for a spot on the starting lineup. Fishel’s performance against Tottenham, where she scored Chelsea’s first goal in a 2-1 victory, showcased her skills and determination, making her not only an excellent understudy to Kerr but also a potential starting striker in her own right.
Competition for Starting Spots
Chelsea’s attacking options don’t end with Kerr and Fishel. The team boasts an array of talent, including Lauren James, Guro Reiten, and the return of Fran Kirby from injury. This abundance of options presents a challenging decision for Emma Hayes, who must choose between the reliable Kerr and the exciting new talent Fishel as they head to the Joie Stadium for the crucial encounter.
Potential Game Plan
Given the severity of Kerr’s recent injury, it appears likely that Hayes may opt to start Fishel up front and introduce Kerr as an impact substitute later in the game. This strategic decision would enable Chelsea to have an impactful substitution option and provide Kerr with the opportunity to ease back into competitive action.
Manchester City’s Dilemma
It’s not just Chelsea dealing with a selection dilemma. Manchester City also faces a conundrum with Bunny Shaw set to return. The team started their campaign with a 2-0 win over West Ham, even though they were reduced to ten players for the final 20 minutes due to Leila Ouahabi’s red card. While West Ham couldn’t fully exploit the numerical advantage, City showed moments of vulnerability that stronger teams could capitalize on.
