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Powell: Last season's result against Chelsea gives us belief

We'll need to be at our best but we can get a result against the champions, says head coach.

By Charlie Hanson • 13 December 2020

By Paul Hazlewood
Hope Powell's side take on Chelsea this Sunday at Crawley Town's People's Pension Stadium.

Hope Powell has acknowledged that her side will have to produce a top performance if they are to give returning fans something to remember when they take on champions Chelsea today.

Supporters will return to the People's Pension Stadium for the first time since February and Albion's head coach hopes it will have a positive effect on her team's performance.

“I am delighted for the fans and for the players, hopefully it will give us a really big boost considering who we are up against.

“Crawley Town along with our club have put everything in place to make sure that it's safe. For us, it will certainly inspire the girls to perform.”

By Geoff Penn
Aileen Whelan grabbed Albion's goal in their 1-1 draw with Chelsea last season.

It is the first time Albion have faced Emma Hayes' side since a 1-1 draw in September 2019.

That game is one of just seven in the last 28 Chelsea have dropped points in during an unbeaten run that stretches back to January 2019.

“We are under no illusions about what we are up against,” Powell added. “You only have to look at their recent signings and the calibre of their squad. But then you look at some of our recent performances against Manchester City and Everton when we've done well and we can take heart from that.

“Last season we drew 1-1 with Chelsea. We have got that experience of perhaps surprising people, but we know we will have to be at our best to do well against them.

“Our players need to trust themselves. They need to be ready to go toe-to-toe and not to be afraid to play our game. The expectation is clearly for Chelsea to win, so that might takes a little bit of pressure off and let the girls play with a little bit more freedom.”