Chelsea Women have confirmed their starting XI for Saturday’s Women’s Super League clash with Birmingham City at Stamford Bridge.
Sonia Bompastor has made several notable selection calls for the 12.45pm kick-off, with Lauren James absent from the matchday squad and Lexi Potter handed another start.
Lucy Bronze captains the Blues, while Sandy Baltimore and Alyssa Thompson are both included in Chelsea’s attack.
James’ omission is the standout development from Bompastor’s selection.
The England international is not among Chelsea’s starters or substitutes, leaving the Blues without one of their major attacking threats.
Potter, meanwhile, receives another opportunity after starting Chelsea’s 5-0 victory over Manchester United last weekend.
The academy midfielder has quickly established herself as a genuine first-team option, with Bompastor publicly praising the opportunities she has earned following that victory.
Chelsea have also received a significant boost on the bench.
Naomi Girma, Nathalie Björn and Melvine Malard are all available after Bompastor confirmed before the game that the trio had returned to contention.
Supporters unable to attend Stamford Bridge can find the full viewing information in our [Chelsea Women vs Birmingham City TV channel and live stream guide](https://readchelsea.com/2026/09/14/chelsea-women-birmingham-tv-channel-live-stream/).
Hampton; Carpenter, Buurman, Buchanan, Bronze (C); Walsh, Kaptein, Nüsken, Potter; Baltimore, Thompson.
**Substitutes:** Peng, Rudz, Björn, Girma, Las, McCabe, Dragoni, Hamano, Malard.
Baggaley; Levasseur, Turner (C), Herron, McKenna; Miyagawa, Naalsund; Lee, Crosthwaite, Hurtré; Leidhammar.
**Substitutes:** Thomas, Harris, Rastocle, Cooke, Amano, Holloway, Cornet, Effa Effa, Sarri.
Birmingham captain Millie Turner starts in defence, while Sophie Baggaley continues in goal and Wilma Leidhammar leads the attack.
Chelsea enter the contest looking to build on last weekend’s emphatic victory over Manchester United.
The Blues have four points from their opening two WSL matches, while Birmingham arrive at Stamford Bridge following a 2-2 draw with Brighton.
Kick-off at Stamford Bridge is at 12.45pm.