The group stage of the Women’s Champions League concludes this week with both Chelsea and Arsenal in action. Both English sides are in a strong position to qualify but Emma Hayes’ Blues have got the trickiest scenario of the two clubs. Both head into these fixtures with reverse fortunes from their most recent Women’s Super League matches, with reigning champions Chelsea falling to a surprise defeat against Reading and current table-toppers Arsenal comfortably beating strugglers Leicester City.
Here is all you need to know ahead of matchday six in Europe’s premiere competition...
Hoffenheim v Arsenal
Where: Dietmar-Hopp-Stadion, Hoffenheim
When: Wednesday 15th December
Kick-off: 8pm
How to watch: DAZN UWCL YouTube channel
Sportsman stat: Arsenal have won eight of their last 10 Champions League matches outside of England (L2).
Hoffenheim still have a slim chance of qualifying for the knockout stages, but it would have to mean beating Jonas Eidevall’s side by several goals as the Gunners defeated them 4-0 in the reverse fixture. The German side will be boosted by their victory over HB Købe last time out which, following Arsenal’s heavy defeat against Barcelona, brought them three points closer to the Gunners. However, Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall will be delighted with how his players responded against Leicester at the weekend following their Barca battering and he will be feeling confident ahead of tonight’s clash.
Wolfsburg v Chelsea
Where: AOK Stadion, Wolfsburg
When: Thursday 16th December
Kick-off: 8pm
How to watch: DAZN UWCL YouTube channel
Sportsman stat: Wolfsburg have only lost two of their last 27 matches in all competitions and have won nine of the last 10 at home, scoring three or more goals in all but one of those games.
Following a surprise defeat to Reading in the WSL at the weekend, Emma Hayes might be slightly concerned heading into the final group stage tie. Following Chelsea’s stalemate with Juventus last week, the Blues have been left with work to do to guarantee their place in the knockout stages alongside the Italian giants.
They may be top of the group but the draw last time out meant Juventus are through due to their head-to-head record. This is where the draw in the reverse fixture with Wolfsburg at home could come back to haunt them. There will be increasing pressure on last year’s finalists and Hayes faces her toughest test in the season so far and she must ensure her side avoid defeat to keep their European dream alive.
Full fixture list
Wednesday 15th December
Lyon v Häcken, 5:45pm
Bayern Munich v Benfica, 5:45pm
Barcelona v HB Køge, 8pm
Hoffenheim v Arsenal, 8pm
Thursday 16th December
Paris Saint-Germain v Breidablik, 5:45pm
Real Madrid v Zhytlobud-1, 5:45pm
Juventus v Servette FCCF, 8pm
Wolfsburg v Chelsea, 8pm
*18+ | BeGambleAware
