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Club News

Match Preview: Bristol City Women vs Chelsea.

08 Jun 2026BCW Media Team

If City were to beat Chelsea it would their first victory over the Blues since 2013.

Last time out:

City were held to a 1-1 draw against West Ham United in their last WSL fixture.

The Robins took an early lead when Molly Pike’s cross was deflected into the net by Emily van Egmond before Katerina Svitkova equalised for the Hammers – the midfielder fired home from close range at the beginning of the second half.

Both sides had chances to find a winner late on including a brilliant free-kick from Jemma Purfield which rattled the bar, however the honours were shared in East London.

Form:

Bristol City Women

Last five games: DWWLW

The Robins enter the game in a purple patch after two wins and a draw in their last three games.

Since Beard took over temporarily from Tanya Oxtoby, City have only lost one game – a 4-0 defeat to Everton. The boss will be hoping that his side can carry their form into the clash with Chelsea in what would be a vital win in their survival bid.

Chelsea

Last five games: WLWWW

Chelsea’s record-breaking 33 game unbeaten run in the WSL was ended last weekend in a shock 2-1 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion.

The Blues wasted no time to bounce-back however, with Emma Hayes’s side easing past Arsenal with a 3-0 victory in their last outing.

The last time the West London club suffered defeat at the hands of the Robins was in 2013, when City managed a 3-1 away win.

One to watch: Fran Kirby

The England international has been on top form in recent weeks, with the forward managing six goals in her last six games, including a four-goal haul against her former side, Reading.

Kirby scored the final goal against Arsenal in her side’s 3-0 victory in midweek to take her tally of goals to nine in the Barclays FAWSL this season.

Chelsea’s all-time top goalscorer has also managed herself five assists so far this campaign including two against the Gunners, so City’s backline will have to be at their best to keep her quiet.

Word from the camp: Molly Pike & Matt Beard

New signing Molly Pike has been enjoying life in the West-Country since her arrival on loan from Everton in January.

The attacking-midfielder has relished the challenges her and her side have confronted since she’s began at City and hopes they can carry their form into the Chelsea game.

“We’re on a really good run at the minute and we hope we can keep this up going into our last game before the international break,” said Pike.

“The girls have a great sense of togetherness and I’m really enjoying it so far.”

Beard has also reiterated that his side's 'never say never’ attitude has helped them since he took over, and even though Chelsea will be tough, his side will give everything they have to get three points.

“We know Chelsea are a world-class team, but we're in a good moment at the moment if that makes sense and I'm really looking forward to testing ourselves against a top, top team,” said the 43-year-old.

“It’s coming up to international break, so if we could get three points then it gets us off the bottom of the table, which is a great incentive for us, so as I said we’re going to Definitely have a go.”