Chelsea's quest for a seventh consecutive Women's Super League title kicks off with a home clash against Manchester City at Kingsmeadow.
The Blues became the first women's side to go unbeaten in a league campaign on their way to a brilliant domestic treble in Sonia Bompastor's first season in charge. They fell again in Europe, but domestically, their status has never been higher.
City were beaten in the League Cup final, and the challenge for new manager Andrée Jeglertz is to take on the Blues both on Friday night and throughout the season.
The Sporting News has all the latest odds, tips and predictions for this heavyweight WSL opener.
Chelsea vs. Manchester City prediction
It's hard to back anything but a Chelsea win in any game, and that isn't changing here.
They are near-unbeatable at Kingsmeadow, and should be able to see off City in relatively comfortable fashion to start the season.
Chelsea are 13/20 to win with Ladbrokes, with City back at 3/1. The draw is 11/4.
The Sporting News' Score Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Manchester City
- Chelsea to beat Manchester City is given a 60.6% probability by Ladbrokes.
- Learn more about reading odds, different types of bets and the best online betting sites through our how to bet on football guide
Chelsea vs. Manchester City expected lineups
Here's how we think these two sides will line up on Friday night.
Chelsea lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left)
- Hampton (GK) — Carpenter, Bright, Girma, Baltimore — Walsh, Cuthbert — Rytting Kaneryd, Nusken, Beever-Jones — Macario
Injured: Mayra Ramirez, Lauren James, Sam Kerr
Suspended: None
Manchester City lineup (4-3-3, right to left)
- Keating (GK) — Rose, Prior, Greenwood — Casparij, Hasegawa, Lohmann, Beney — Kerolin, Miedema, Shae
Injured: Rebecca Knaak
Suspended: None
Chelsea vs. Manchester City latest odds, correct score betting
Our 3-1 prediction is at good odds with Ladbrokes, but there are plenty of other possible score lines that are worth looking at for this one. Here's a look at some of the most likely outcomes according to the bookmakers.
Chelsea 1-0 | |
Chelsea 2-0 | |
Chelsea 2-1 | |
Chelsea 3-1 | |
1-1 draw |
*Click odds to bet direct with our selected partners. Odds correct at time of publish.
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Chelsea vs. Manchester City team news
- Mayra Ramirez is set to be out until 2026 with a hamstring injury, while Lauren James will miss out following her own injury in EURO 2025.
- Rebecca Knaak also got injured during the summer tournament and is unavailable for City.
- Bunny Shaw will play her first game the League Cup final loss to the Blues in March, while Grace Clinton could feature if her move from Manchester United is finalised.
Chelsea vs. Manchester City Bet Builder tips
Our bet builder for this game is a Chelsea win with a -1 handicap, both teams to score and Catarina Macario to score anytime. That is currently over 10/1 with Bet365.
You can check out the latest odds and bet direct with our selected partners using the bet builder tool below.
How to watch Chelsea vs. Manchester City: Live stream, TV channel
- Date: Friday, September 5
- Venue: Kingsmeadow
- Time: 7:30 p.m. BST
- TV/Stream: Sky Sports