Chelsea vs. Birmingham, Women’s Super League: Preview, team news, how to watch
Can we keep going?
An astonishing 5-0 win away against Manchester United was exactly what Chelsea Women needed after a Women's Super League season debut that left a bad impression on everybody. To show this wasn't mere happenstance the Blues host recently promoted outfit Birmingham City at Stamford Bridge, hoping they don't fall into the trappings that caught them a couple of weeks ago at the same stage.
Date / Time: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 12.45 BST; 7:45am EDT Venue: Stamford Bridge, SW6 Referee: Alice Parker
On TV: Sky Sports Premier League (UK); none (USA); elsewhere Streaming: Sky Go (UK); Paramount+ (USA)
Chelsea team news: The Blues' victory over Manchester United last weekend reminded us of times not too long ago when we easily dispatched any team that wasn't in the top three of the league. Of course we were greatly helped by a Red Devils side that looked completely clueless as we relentlessly pressed them. This shouldn't take merit away from the pressing work itself, which was a sight to behold and gave many a feeling they haven't felt in a while when watching this team under head coach Sonia Bompastor.
Injuries, which haven't helped Sonia in the slightest, continue to be a concern. We will have centre-backs Nathalie Björn and Naomi Girma back in contention, as well as centre-forward Melvine Malard . However Mayra Ramírez, Manaka Matsukubo and Erin Cuthbert remain sidelined.
Birmingham City team news: The West Midlands club returned to the Women's Super League after a four-season stretch by winning the Women's Super League 2 on goal difference – +22 versus +18 GD as they were tied at 44 points with Crystal Palace .
They made some investments into the team as they don't want to return to the WSL 2 anytime soon. Manchester United veterans, Millie Turner and Lisa Naalsund, joined the club. And so did goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley , in a return to her former youth team.
After losing their WSL debut 3-1 away to defending champions Manchester City and letting a 2-0 lead slip to a 2-2 draw to Brighton at home, they will seek to at least surprise the Blues much like Aston Villa did at the Bridge.
Previously: A hat-trick by Sam Kerr complemented with Fran Kirby 's brace in a 5-0 win at Kingsmeadow.
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