"With the Women's Super League on the line and the risk of ending the season without the two biggest trophies available to them, I wouldn't bet against Chelsea. There is a decent chance that third place is the most they can manage in the WSL this season, which would only just qualify for them for next season's Champions League. Any lower than that, and their only path to returning here next year would be to win this season's competition."
"There is precedent here: We saw something similar last year with Arsenal, who suffered two heavy league defeats in the run-up to the final in Lisbon. I can absolutely see Chelsea throwing everything at these quarterfinals in a bid to make this season a success. Form will be an issue for Sonio Bompastor, though. Chelsea have struggled in recent games and things aren't quite clicking for them."
"It's a tough game to call: domestically, the teams drew 1-1 back in November, and then Arsenal won 2-0 last month. Chelsea are four points ahead in the WSL table, but Arsenal have two games in hand. In the Women's Champions League, Chelsea were two points better off in the league phase, while last season, the draw kept them apart, on opposite sides of the bracket. The best guide we've got right now is that meeting at Stamford Bridge on Jan. 24,"
Arsenal, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Wolfsburg progressed to the Women's Champions League quarterfinals, joining Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and OL Lyonnes. Arsenal will meet Chelsea in the last eight. Chelsea enter the tie as slight favourites because the Women's Super League situation could leave them reliant on continental success to qualify for next season's Champions League. Past examples show teams sometimes prioritise European competition when domestic form falters. Chelsea's recent struggles raise questions, yet two-legged ties and squad experience could favour them. Domestic results between the sides have been close, leaving the tie finely balanced.
Read at ESPN.com
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