Chelsea not ‘overwhelming favourites for WSL title

Chelsea drew 1-1 with Manchester City when they last met in OctoberWomen’s Super League: Chelsea v Manchester CityVenue: Kingsmeadow, London Date: Friday, 16 February Kick-off: 19:15 GMTCoverage: Watch live on BBC Two from 19:00 GMT or follow on the BBC Sport websiteChelsea are not “overwhelming favourites” to win the Women’s Super League title, said boss Emma Hayes.

The Blues are three points clear at the top of the table, but host second-placed Manchester City on Friday.

Chelsea are still in the hunt for four trophies, with knockout games in the League Cup, FA Cup and Champions League coming up.

“We have experience of being in this position and we understand what it takes to win titles,” Hayes added.

“We will have to use all of that experience in the next part, starting from tomorrow, to be in the best position possible to win another title. But one thing is for certain, the title isn’t decided over one or two games, it’s effectively breaking down the season in blocks.

“We’re in a strong position for sure, but I do not believe we are overwhelming favourites to win a title just because of our position.”

Man City not ‘talked about as much’ in title race’I don’t think we need to hype it up’Manchester City are unbeaten since their League Cup defeat by Leicester City in NovemberGareth Taylor’s City side head to Kingsmeadow full of confidence after beating WSL rivals Arsenal in the FA Cup last weekend.

City can go top if they beat Chelsea by three or more goals, but Taylor will not be labelling the game as a title decider to add motivation for his players.

“I don’t think we need to hype it up any more,” he said. “For us, normalising it is the sensible thing for us. When you play against Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester United, the nerves and everything is there anyway.

“It’s a big game. It feels big. There’s no denying that. There’s no doubt the importance of the game and this is what we want, to be in this position.

“It’s when you come into it at this stage of the season and you have the opportunity to potentially go within goal difference of the league leaders. That’s exactly what we wanted.”