Despite easily progressing directly to the last eight after going unbeaten in the league phase pre-Christmas, Chelsea find themselves having to win by at least two goals on Wednesday if they are to knock out the UEFA Women’s Champions League holders.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have been outstanding since losing two of their opening three games in the tournament, having lost just one match in all competitions since mid-November.
The Blues come into the match in mixed form but have the characters throughout the squad to overturn a tie of this nature; meanwhile, Arsenal will come into the game full on confidence to see this clash to bed having beaten Chelsea home and away already this season.
The hosts will have Australian duo Sam Kerr and Ellie Carpenter for this second-leg fixture, after they missed the meeting in North London while on international duty at the Asian Cup. Rytting Kaneryd will also be available for selection.
The Matilda stars may both start too, meaning Sonia Bompastor may look to construct a similar lineup to the one which beat Aston Villa at the weekend. In other news, Aggie Beever-Jones and Millie Bright both remain out and are big blows to the west London outfit.
Renee Slegers also has her own share of injuries to manage, however, with Leah Williamson unlikely to start and they will also be without Kyra Cooney-Cross.
The Gunners fielded a heavily rotated lineup against Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend, meaning their important stars are well-rested. This includes the likes of Beth Mead and Stina Blackstenius, with Alessia Russo also expected to start.
Predicted Lineups
Chelsea: Hannah Hampton; Lucy Bronze, Kadeisha Buchanan, Naomi Girma, Sandy Baltimore; Keira Walsh, Erin Cuthbert, Sjoeke Nusken; Lauren James, Sam Kerr, Alyssa Thompson.
Arsenal: Anneke Borbe; Emily Fox, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Laia Codina, Katie McCabe; Kim Little, Mariona Caldentey; Beth Mead, Alessia Russo, Stina Blackstenius, Chloe Kelly.
Key Players
Chelsea – Lauren James
James may not be at her blistering best this season, but she is still causing havoc amongst the opposition week in week out.
She has recorded three goal contributions in her last two games and four in her last four starts. These included massive goals against Manchester United in the League Cup final and also in giving her side a chance in this tie by scoring one week ago.
The 24-year-old comes into this game in scintillating form and will certainly ensure Arsenal earn that semi-final spot.
Chelsea are going to have to put the pressure on the visitors from the first whistle, and **James**’ runs down the flank and flaring dribbles are going to be at the heart of their play.
Arsenal – Alessia Russo
Russo has been simply stunning in 2026, averaging 0.86 goal contributions per game, which includes a goal in both meetings against Chelsea as well as a hat-trick against Tottenham on Saturday.
That goal last week against Chelsea came late on in the game, restoring **Arsenal**’s two goal advantage – something which could prove crucial in this crunch clash.
In less than three season at the Emirates, Russo has scored 56 goals and also played a starring role alongside Kelly last summer to help England lift consecutive Euro’s titles.
With her current form in mind, Russo will be looking forward to facing a Chelsea defence that looked perilous against Villa on Sunday.
Match Details
This UEFA Women’s Champions League Quarter-final is due to take place in London, England, at Stamford Bridge.
The clash will take place on Wednesday, April 1st at 20:00 BST.
UK viewers will be able to watch the game live on BBC iPlayer, BBC Two, and Disney+.
Referee: Frida Mia Klarlund Nielsen.