Chelsea Women begin their UEFA Women's Champions League campaign at home to Austria Wien on Wednesday evening. The League Stage opener kicks off at 19:00 UTC at Wheatsheaf Park.
Emma Hayes's side approach the European fixture in excellent form. They sit third in the FA Women's Super League with seven points from three games. A 2-0 win over Birmingham City last weekend followed a stunning 5-0 away victory against Manchester United. Those results mean Chelsea have scored eight goals in their last two matches while conceding none.
Austria Wien, the Austrian champions, have also started their domestic season strongly. They have won their last two league games, including a 5-0 victory over Südburgenland. Their last European outing was a 2-1 defeat to Norwegian side Brann in late August.
Chelsea's squad is expected to be strong, with the team that dismantled Manchester United likely providing the core. That lineup featured Hannah Hampton in goal, a back line of Ellie Carpenter, Lucy Bronze, Kadeisha Buchanan and Katie McCabe, and a midfield anchored by Aggie Potter and Keira Walsh. Sjoeke Nüsken, Wieke Kaptein, Lauren James and Aggie Thompson completed the attack.
The focus now shifts to Europe before a quick return to WSL action. Chelsea host rivals Arsenal at Stamford Bridge this Sunday, a match you can preview on our fixtures page. The full squad available for the Champions League push is listed on our squad page.
Chelsea Women began their Champions League campaign with a 1-0 win over Austria Wien on Wednesday. Wieke Kaptein scored the winner, striking from distance in the 12th minute. Manager Emma Hayes confirmed the victory was marred by an injury to Keira Walsh, who was forced off after 20 minutes. The win extends Chelsea's recent form to four wins and a draw from their last five matches. They remain third in the FA WSL, two points behind leaders Manchester City.
