EMMA HAYES admits she will miss pitting her wits against Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall.
And the head coach expects nothing less than a “Chelsea standard” performance from her players at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues and third-placed Arsenal go toe-to-toe tonight in a clash that will be among the most pivotal in this term’s title race.
A win for Hayes’ side at Stamford Bridge, would give the team a six-point lead over the Gunners at the top of the WSL.
Victory would also move her aces three points ahead of second-placed Manchester City.
Hayes, who leaves Chelsea at the end of the season to take charge of the USA Women’s national side, told reporters: “I’ll miss these games, that’s for sure.
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“I always enjoy my time with Jonas anyway, not during the game, because of course, we’re rivals. But I’m looking forward to the game.
“When it comes to (business) on the pitch, Jonas and I have played against each other plenty of times.
“I think – and don’t get me wrong – he can be a pain in the backside on the touchline to the fourth officials.
“But I think he’d acknowledge that.
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“Off the pitch, we’ve had many conversations around the growth of the game around things we might have done in each other’s environments to learn from each other.
“I’m sure we’ll do more of that after my time at Chelsea.
“I have huge respect for him and the work that he’s done at Arsenal.”
Hayes revealed her team could be without Lauren James, who is sick and potentially Fran Kirby.
Striker Mayra Ramirez, defender Nathalie Bjorn and goalkeeper Ann-Katrin will all be absent.
Hayes, whose side are playing eight matches this month, including a Champions League duel against Ajax, added: “The accumulation of games has definitely taken its toll.
“However, when you get a single game week, like this week, you get a couple more days recovery so we are fresher going into the game but it’s a slog.
“I will not accept a performance less than a Chelsea standard no matter who plays for us.”
The last WSL clash between the title rivals saw the Gunners run riot at the Emirates sealing a memorable 4-1 win.
However, Chelsea are unbeaten in their last four WSL home battles with Arsenal.
And Eidevall hopes Gunners fans will spur his side to a win with the club having sold all their away tickets for the game.
The Sweden-born coach, 41, said: “Our fans have been lifting us through the whole season home and away and we hear them.
“We’ve had a few of those really good performances (like our win against Chelsea) in the last two seasons, but I’m under no illusion.
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“We will need to get a performance like that again to be able to win the game.”
Chelsea vs Arsenal in the WSL can be watched live on Sky Sports Showcase or Sky Sports Main Event from 7pm this evening.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
