Preview: Chelsea Women vs. Everton Ladies - prediction, team news, lineups

Chelsea Women and Everton Ladies meet in the Women's Super League on Sunday afternoon after starting their respective campaigns with a defeat.

While champions Chelsea lost out in a thriller to Arsenal, Everton conceded four goals without reply to Manchester City.

Match preview

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Despite losing out to Arsenal in a friendly last month, Chelsea would not have foreseen an opening-day defeat to their London rivals once the competitive action got underway.

Nevertheless, the Gunners deserved their win in front of an 8,000 crowd at the Emirates Stadium, suggesting that they can emerge as contenders to dethrone the Blues.

Although Chelsea had more possession and shots, Emma Hayes could have few complaints about the result, and she will hope that it eradicates any complacency within their ranks.

On a positive note, Pernille Harder got herself on the scoresheet after arguably failing to live up to expectations last season after her world-record transfer.

As far as Everton are concerned, last week's 4-0 loss against Man City extended their run of defeats to four matches in all competitions.

Three goals during a 12-minute period in the first half ended the game as a contest, increasing the pressure on Willie Kirk as he bids to build on last season's fifth-placed finish in the league.

The fixture list is kinder to the Toffees after the trip to Kingsmeadow, but the visit to the capital after their recent run is less than ideal.

These two teams have squared off on two occasions since the middle of March, both games ending in a 3-0 victory for Chelsea.

The most recent of those encounters came in the Women's FA Cup fifth round, Chelsea earning a date with Birmingham City at the end of this month.

Team News

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Hayes made three substitutions before the hour mark last week, potentially a sign that changes will be made for this contest.

Sophie Ingle, Sam Kerr and Fran Kirby will all feel that they have cases to be recalled to the Chelsea XI.

Despite getting on the scoresheet against Arsenal, Erin Cuthbert could drop out of a three-player attack.

Kirk will also make alterations to his Everton side, potentially handing a start to captain Lucy Graham.

Claire Emslie may also come back into the team after playing the second half versus City.

Chelsea Women possible starting lineup:

Berger; Carter, Bright, Eriksson; Charles, Ingle, Ji, Reiten; Kirby, Kerr, Harder

Everton Ladies possible starting lineup:

MacIver; Sevecke, Bjorn, Finnigan, George, Turner; Christiansen, Galli, Graham; Anvegard, Duggan

We say: Chelsea Women 2-0 Everton Ladies

Having been handed a wake-up call by their London rivals, we expect a professional performance from Chelsea on Sunday. While Everton may be competitive to a certain point, the Blues should have enough quality to claim all three points.