Sciatika

For me, the primary aim for this season is progression. That means doing better than last year. A trophy is always lovely and getting into the EL is progress over the ECL. However, the prime target has to be fourth and the CL.

At the risk of sounding like a bad loser, can I say Pickford's 2-footed challenge on Gusto, Delap dive against Jorgensson, Neto Penalty by Mitchell, and Brooks red card. And now we have Hackett suggesting that referees keep a closer watch on Cucurella's on field behaviour. https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/players/chelsea-warned-serial-offender-new-30783614?int_source=nba

Sponsorship deals are signed overmultie years. I suspect the current squad, one year older would get into the knockout phase.

The key is CL qualification bringing better sponsorship and media income. This hasn't changed.

They won't do anything that impacts on their income.

A loss here will feel like a kick in the Cherries.

Leeds against Millwall (assuming they beat D&G) is probably something for the old-schoolers.

I am not sure OLF are comparable. Here is an article that might shed some light: https://archive.ph/OYLPq

Bear in mind that the conference league knockout phase starts about a week later, and we will be playing Brighton in both the Cup and League within a week or so of each other,

Extra Time

Come on, Tamworth.

I doubt the FA would want to be seen undervaluing Chelsea Women, given that they have won eight of the last ten domestic leagues, five of the last ten FA Cups, were finalists in the last five league cups, are current league leaders, CL quarter-finalists and are third in the UEFA club coefficients - the leading FA side. I think it would be a kick in the teeth.

Nkunku scores.

It's nice to hear Tom on the club commentary.