By Jaime Spencer
Chelsea and Lyon meet in west London this week in the decisive second leg of the quarter-finals of the Women’s Champions League.
The Blues opened up a narrow 1-0 aggregate lead in the first meeting courtesy of a lavish curling finish from Guro Reiten. But teams have responded to that result in different ways.
Chelsea has been pegged in wsl extension title race with a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City, a second defeat this month after Arsenal beat them in the Conti Cup final.
Lyon, meanwhile, vented their frustration on Guingamp in a 6-0 demolition that should at least restore some confidence even if it was a match they were always expected to win comfortably.
Where to watch Chelsea vs Lyon on TV/live stream
When is kick-off? Thursday 30 March, 8.00pm (BST)
Where is the game played? Stamford Bridge
TV channel/live stream? DAZN UEFA Women’s Champions League YouTube
Referee? Ivana Martincic (CRO)
Chelsea squad news
Millie Bright did not train on Wednesday but has not yet been ruled out, having gone off injured in the first half of the first leg with a minor knee injury. She sat out the weekend defeat in Manchester but was included in next month’s England squad.
Chelsea are left without Fran Kirby, whose fitness issues are a “concern” for England manager Sarina Wiegman with the World Cup just months away. Pernille Harder is also out but not far from a potential return, while Katerina Svitkova is another confirmed absentee.
Lyon team news
Amel Majri started in her first game since recovering from injury at the weekend, while Ada Hegerberg managed 20 minutes off the bench and scored in that game and could have more opportunities here – she was an unused substitute in the went to Groupama Stadium.
Amandine Henry’s absence in recent weeks has come as a major blow just as the injury crisis that has ravaged the squad this season has greatly improved.
Chelsea-Lyon score prediction
Even with a few setbacks this month alone, Chelsea have equally demonstrated in recent weeks that they are capable of simply getting a job done when it really comes down to it. The Blues executed a perfect game plan against Manchester United in the WSL and again in Lyon last week.
As long as Chelsea avoid defeat, they will reach the semi-finals of the Champions League for the fourth time in six seasons. Even with last season’s title behind them, Lyon are no longer the strength they once were at this level: the rest of Europe has finally caught up.
Prediction: Chelsea – Lyon 1-1
This article was originally posted on 90min.com as Chelsea vs Lyon – UWCL Preview: TV Channel, Live Stream, Team News & Predictions.
