Key events
In the club program today, Hayes said: “I just want to say what an honor and a privilege it has been to lead this football club. Thank you for always being behind the team, supporting us no matter the circumstances and making this journey so special. I love you all and I will never forget you.”
Bristol City manager Lauren Smith said: “It gives us another opportunity to face one of the best teams in the league. In recent history, they are the best team that has ever existed. We’ll look at it as an opportunity and also, two weeks after we play Everton, it’s an opportunity for us to try and pick up points in front of a home crowd. For us, there is something to play for.”
Today is Chelsea manager Emma Hayes the last home game in charge before she leaves this summer. Not only is this the boss’s last game in front of the club’s fans, it is also the last for Maren Mjelde and Fran Kirby, both playing having announced they will be leaving at the end of the season.
Here is the report from Manchester City’s loss to Arsenal if you want to catch up on some of the action:
Chelsea shared news about their team. Lauren James is out through injury but Millie Bright starts. Fran Kirby and Maren Mjelde are on the bench for their last home game.
Bristol team news is here. I will update you on Chelsea when they share it.
Bristol City:
Preamble
Hello and welcome back to our Women’s Super League coverage. Manchester City’s loss to Arsenal earlier today spoiled the title race and Chelsea have the chance to close the gap on City tonight when they face Bristol City.
Chelsea manager Emma Hayes said the title race was over when the Blues lost to Liverpool in midweek, but it returned with City’s loss. Gareth Taylor’s side are currently six points clear but the Blues have two games in hand, including tonight.
This season will make history as so far no team has won the WSL title after three losses in the league. Chelsea and City have both lost that amount this campaign.
However, Bristol could throw a wrench in the race as, despite being relegated at the end of the season, their performances this campaign have been good. Squad news will be released shortly before kick-off at 18:45 BST.
