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      England name Women’s World Cup squad as several stars left out by Sarina Wiegman including Euro 2022 hero

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      ENGLAND manager Sarina Wiegman has named her 23-woman squad for this year’s World Cup.Wiegman has made seven changes to last year’s European Championship winning squad.
      Wiegman has named her 23-woman squad for the Women’s World CupCredit: PA
      Daly has been named as an attacker following her prolific season with Aston VillaCredit: Getty
      Man Utd favourites Russo and Toone have been includedCredit: Getty
      The 2023 Women’s World Cup – which will take place in Australia and New Zealand – is set to kick off on July 20.
      England’s first match, against Haiti, is scheduled for July 22.
      The Lionesses are also set to face China and Denmark in the group stages.
      Mary Earps, Hannah Hampton and Ellie Roebuck remain the 53-year-old’s preferred goalkeepers.
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      Lucy Bronze, Jess Carter, Alex Greenwood, Millie Bright and Lotte Wubben-Moy keep their respective places along with midfielders Kiera Walsh, Ella Toone and Georgia Stanway.
      England’s attacking options include; Bethany England, Lauren Hemp, Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo and Rachel Daly – who claimed the WSL Golden Boot award at the weekend.
      Daly, who started all six of England’s Euro 2022 games as a left-back, signed for Aston Villa last summer and enjoyed an impressive 2022-23 campaign in the No.9 role, scoring 22 times and equalling Vivianne Miedema’s record for the most goals scored in a single WSL season.
      Lauren James is set to make her first appearance at a major tournament following her successful season with Chelsea, as is Esme Morgan, Niamh Charles, Katie Zelem, Laura Coombs and Katie Robinson.
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      Williamson misses out due to an ACL injuryCredit: Reuters
      Mead is also unavailable as she continues to recover from her ACL injuryCredit: Getty
      Jordan Nobbs returns to the squad after missing out on Euro 2022 due to a knee injury.
      England captain Leah Williamson was ruled out of the tournament in April after sustaining a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
      She is set to pass the captain’s armband to vice skipper Bright.
      Beth Mead – Euro 2022 Golden Boot winner and Player of the Tournament – has also missed out on a spot in the squad due to an ACL injury she sustained in November.
      Earlier this month, the 28-year-old revealed that she was hopeful of earning a place in the squad despite missing a large chunk of the season.
      She told Sky Sports: “The injury’s okay, I’m a good five months in and back on the pitch and kicking a ball again, feeling good, ahead of schedule. That’s all I can do that’s in my control right now.
      “I wouldn’t say I’m confident [of going to the World Cup] because it’s out of my control, but I’m working hard to get as close to it as possible – but at the end of the day, it’s probably going to be Sarina’s decision.”
      However, Wiegman believes the tournament comes too soon for the Arsenal star.
      Chelsea midfielder Fran Kirby is also set to miss out on the tournament.
      The 29-year-old was ruled out for a “significant” period earlier this month after it was revealed that she required knee surgery.
      When naming her chosen squad, Wieman said: “I have huge belief in this squad and we’re very fortunate to be selecting a fantastic group of players to travel to Australia.
      “We know we will face tough challenges from strong teams, and we will have to be competitive from the first match on 22 July. We will doeverything to be at our very best again this summer.
      “It is important the players get some well-deserved time to rest and recover over the next few weeks before we start the final preparations to get them ready.
      “We learned a lot of positive lessons about how to get the players fit, fresh and ready from the EURO last summer and we know what we have to do to make sure we hit the ground running in the right way when the tournament starts.”
      Steph Houghton, Maya Le Tissier and Nikita Parris narrowly miss out on a spot in the squad.
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      Le Tissier has been named on the standby list along with Jess Park and goalkeeper Emily Ramsey.
      Wiegman added: “It is always tough to leave some players out of the squad, but they know they could still be needed if we have any issues before we start the tournament. I am very happy that we have such a professional group.” More

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      Huge summer sporting event has NO TV deal sparking ‘concern’ with bosses

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      BBC and ITV are under pressure to announce a TV deal for the Women’s World Cup after the governments of the Big Five European markets weighed into the ongoing row.Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer was among the five signatories stating their “concern” at the lack of agreement with just seven weeks until kick-off in Australia and New Zealand.
      Some broadcasters are yet to claim rights for the Women’s World Cup despite the success of Euro 2022Credit: Getty
      ITV and the Beeb are understood to have made a £9m joint bid which Fifa is expected to accept.
      But broadcasters in France, Germany, Italy and Spain are said to have proposed “derisory” offers of a fraction of the bids for the men’s tournament.
      They have been strongly criticised by Fifa President Gianni Infantino, who is reluctant to dig further into the world body’s funds.
      And now the governments have pledged to put on the big squeeze.
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      In a joint statement by the senior sports ministers of all five countries, the governments said: “We have acknowledged with concern that until now, no television rights have been attributed for the matches broadcasting in our countries.
      “We are aware of the legitimate interests and budgetary constraints pressuring both assignees and independent broadcasters, who need a viable economic model for each of them. 
      “And we also recognise the specific organisational constraints that are likely to affect the ‘market value’ of the European broadcasters’ rights, such as the hours of broadcasting.
      “However, we are convinced that the media coverage of the Women’s World Cup will be decisive in improving the global visibility of women’s sports in our European countries. 
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      “Media exposure to women’s sports has indeed a highly significant impact on the development of women’s and young girls’ sports practices. 
      “Because of the high potential of the Fifa Women’s World Cup and the sport and social issues at stake, we consider it our responsibility to fully mobilise all stakeholders, for them to quickly reach an agreement. 
      “These are decisions for Fifa and broadcasters to take independently, but we know that discussions are in progress and we are confident in Fifa and independent broadcasters’ capability to find a common path toward fair development.” More

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      Smith and Flaherty hope to see Bethany England included in Lionesses squad ahead of Women’s World Cup

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      KELLY SMITH and Gilly Flaherty hope Bethany England will make Sarina Wiegman’s World Cup squad today. The striker, 29, has been in lethal form since her British record-breaking January transfer to Tottenham from Chelsea. 
      Bethany England’s effort could see her make a return to the Lionesses squadCredit: Getty
      Kelly Smith hopes to see England included in the squad selected by Lionesses boss Sarina WiegmanCredit: Getty
      Gilly Flaherty also wants to see England named in Wiegman’s 23-strong squad ahead of the Women’s World Cup in JulyCredit: Getty
      She became their all-time leading scorer in the top tier, netting 12 goals in 12 WSL appearances following her move for a reported fee of £250,000. 
      Her efforts helped the team win their battle to avoid relegation from the WSL with Tottenham finishing ninth in the table this season.
      England was not included Wiegman’s last squad before her team’s Women’s Finalissima win against Brazil and 2-0 friendly loss to Australia in April.
      Lionesses legend Smith, 44, who made 117 senior international appearances during her playing career,  believes a recall is deserved. 
      She said: “I expect Bethany England to be in there. I think she’s a player that needs to be in that set up. 
      Retired WSL ace Gilly Flaherty, 31, agreed, adding: “Beth deserves a call-up. 
      “She helped keep Tottenham up (in the WSL) with so many important goals. 
      “I would love to see her on that plane and I hope to see England do as well as they possibly can (at the tournament).” 
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      At 2:00 pm today England boss Wiegman will pick her 23-strong squad ahead of the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand which starts on July 20th. 
      The announcement will be made at the home of grassroots football club Boldmere St. Michaels FC in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham.
      Smith also thinks Rachel Daly can help fill the void left up front, with Fran Kirby out with a knee injury and Beth Mead a big doubt. 
      This month the Arsenal forward told Sky Sports she is doing all she can to be fit but acknowledged the World Cup may be too soon for her return
      Villa striker, Daly, 31, finished this season as the WSL’s top scorer — bagging 22 goals in 22 games.
      Rachel Daly won the Barclays Women’s Super League Player of the Season award following her displays for Aston VillaCredit: Getty
      This saw the Lioness, who has played for England as a full-back, equal the record set by Arsenal ace Vivianne Miedema in the 2018-19 
      Smith, who is now a Barclays WSL ambassador, added: “I want to see Rachel as a striker, not as a left-back, given her performances and goal ratio this season. 
      “I also want to see Millie Bright in there for her leadership, grit and determination. Hopefully England will have a good showing.” More

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      ‘Manchester feels like home. I can only get better and grow’, says Man City striker Bunny Shaw

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      KHADIJA SHAW expects her ruthless form to improve at Manchester City after signing a two-year contract extension with the WSL side. The striker’s new deal with the club runs until the summer of 2026 and follows her finishing as this WSL season’s second highest scorer.
      Khadija Shaw’s form has led to the WSL ace extending her contract at Manchester CityCredit: Getty
      The Jamaica striker, whose is nicknamed Bunny, scored 31 goals in 30 games across all competitions this term
      Shaw’s previous contract, a three-year one she signed in 2021, was set to come to an end next summer. 
      And Man City, who finished fourth, are eager to retain the services of the player who bagged 20 goals in 22 top-flight games this term. 
      Shaw, 26, who goes by the nickname Bunny, said: “City is the perfect place for me. 
      “I put all my effort and time on the pitch and obviously for the position I play and the quality I have around me, I know I’m going to be in positions to score goals.
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      “I’m delighted to continue my journey with this amazing group. 
      “Everyone made me feel welcome from the first day I came here.”
      This season Shaw has established a formidable attacking triumvirate alongside City and England forwards Lauren Hemp and Chloe Kelly. 
      Together the trio notched up 36 goals and 22 assists in the WSL season. 
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      “I enjoy the way we play and I’m at a stage now where I understand the way we play and I can only get better and grow.”
      Shaw, who goes by the nickname Bunny, joined City from French club Bordeaux two years ago.
      The player, who has scored 50 times for Gareth’s Southgate’s side, bagged 31 goals in 30 games across all competitions this term.
      Of her life in Manchester, Shaw adds: “I’ve always said Manchester feels like home away from home too. 
      “I enjoy coming into the City ground every day and training with the group, vibing with the girls and I also have family here, so Manchester has felt like home ever since I arrived.”
      This month Shaw was named Concacaf Women’s Player of the Year, beating off competition from five players including USA’s Alex Morgan and Canada’s Jessie Fleming 
      She is set to play for Jamaica at this year’s World Cup with the Reggae Girlz facing Euros 2022 semi-finalists France in their group stage opener. 
      Gareth Taylor believes Shaw will improve the form that has seen her finish as the second highest scorer in the WSL this termCredit: PA
      Citizens boss Gareth Taylor added: “Bunny’s growth and development as a player over the past two years, but particularly this season, has been fantastic.

      “She is still a young player who wants to improve and is hungry for success. 
      “We’re only scratching the surface with her which is a very exciting prospect as we aim to develop her even further over the next three years.” More

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      Paul Konchesky leaves job as West Ham Women’s chief after one year at the helm of the WSL team

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      PAUL KONCHESKY has left his role as boss of West Ham Women after one season in charge.The departure of the former Irons’ left-back follows a season that saw the team finish eighth after one win in 12 WSL games since January. 
      Paul Konchesky has left his role as West Ham Women’s chief after steering the team through 29 gamesCredit: Getty
      Konchesky’s departure comes a day after the Irons’ 2-2 draw with Tottenham in their final match this seasonCredit: Getty
      Konchesky, 42, who made 70 appearances for the club’s men’s side, took charge of the women’s team in May 2022. 
      The ex-England defender was promoted from his role as assistant following the departure of the Irons’ former head coach Olli Harder. 
      During his stint in charge Konchesky led his team to this year’s league cup semi-final where they fell to a 7-0 loss to Chelsea in February. 
      He told West Ham’s website: “I am proud and honoured to have had the opportunity to manage this club.
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      “My players and my staff have always given me 100%.
      “While some of our results have been disappointing this season, we still have a lot to be proud of, including reaching the semi-final of the Conti Cup. I wish the club well for the future.”
      Konchesky, who signed a two-year deal to manage the team, has departed after 29 games at the helm. 
      His last match in charge saw the team register a 2-2 draw with London rivals Tottenham who finished one place below his side in the top tier. 
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      West Ham Women’s general manager, Aidan Boxall, said: “We would like to thank Paul for his contribution to the club, both as manager and during his spell as assistant manager. 
      “He has played a key role in the ongoing development of the women’s team and we wish him well for the future.”
      Konchesky’s departure comes a day after Kate Longhurst announced she is leaving the club this summer following the end of her contract.
      The lifelong Irons fan, 34, joined the team in 2018 as part of their first-ever professional women’s side. 
      And she played her final match for the team in their score draw at home with Spurs 
      Longhurst, who has made 129 West Ham appearances, said: “While I can’t hide my sadness at moving on, I am leaving full of pride.
      Kate Longhurst has bid farewell to West Ham after a five-year spell at the clubCredit: Reuters
      “I am so proud of my time here and my role in the founding years of a professional women’s team at this club.
      “West Ham United has been my whole life. In my younger years, that was solely as a fan. 
      “But in the last few years, I have also had the immense privilege to play for the club I love so much.” More

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      ‘This has definitely been my hardest year’, says Emma Hayes after leading Chelsea to their sixth WSL title

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      EMMA HAYES believes Chelsea’s title-winning chase this season has been her hardest after leading her side to a fourth successive league crown. Sam Kerr’s brace and Guro Reiten’s skillful strike paved the way for the Blues’ 3-0 win against Reading with the Royals relegated to the Women’s Championship. 
      Emma Hayes hailed Chelsea for finding different ways to win after the Blues lifted their sixth WSL titleCredit: Getty
      Hayes described Chelsea’s triumph as a victory for her backroom staff as well as her team but said she was sad to see Kelly Chambers’ side relegatedCredit: PA
      Chelsea notched up 19 wins in 22 WSL games on their way to winning the titleCredit: Getty
      Chelsea’s sixth title win came in a season that saw Hayes absent from the dugout for a period with the head coach recovering from an emergency hysterectomy. 
      Her players maintained their winning streak during that spell, with Blues assistant Denise Reddy and general manager Paul Green on the touchline and Hayes in touch with them remotely.
      And their domestic form picked up following their gaffer’s return. 
      Towards the end of the season the team won their last seven games across all competitions scoring 25 goals and conceding just once. 
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      During that run the Blues lifted the FA Cup for a fifth time.
      And their only domestic losses this term occurred against Liverpool in the league in September, and to Arsenal in the Conti Cup final in March.
      Hayes, 46, said: “This has definitely been the hardest year.
      “I’m relieved that it’s over, for lots of reasons.
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      “I’m actually a bit sad because winning the league and relegating a friend doesn’t feel good in my soul, with who I am. 
      “It’s a victory for the team because my backroom staff have carried me in so many different ways this year. 
      “They’ve been unbelievable, particularly in the first part of the season when I was unwell. 
      “The team has carried each other and the senior players who didn’t play as much.
      “I think other seniors picked them up, and the second half of the season we saw so many of our newer players start to bear fruit. 
      “We found different ways to win, and you have to, it can’t look the same all the time.”
      Chelsea’s title triumph saw them break the record for the most wins in a season by a WSL side with the team winning 19 of their 22 games this term. 
      One of their standout performers this term has been Norway forward Reiten who has notched up nine goals in the WSL this term. 
      Hayes added: “Guro deserves to be recognised as one of the best players in the world because she is
       “She’s my player of the season. She’s unreal and exceptional. She’s really grown up and become a leader in this team.
      “I think (for us) when you’re always chasing the whole year, because you lose the first game and then games are cancelled.
      “It almost felt like the pressure wasn’t on us in many ways, because we were never in the front position for long. 
      “This year we knew we had to dig out results sometimes when we didn’t create many chances, those sort of things. 
      “It’s just unbelievable character from the players to do that. 
      “I think it’s the same off the pitch, my staff have been unreal at keeping the team ticking along.”
      Reading’s loss sees Kelly Chambers’ side return to the Championship for the first time since 2015.
      The Royals have previously been one of the WSL’s most resilient sides achieving mid-table finishes in recent years, 
      Under Chambers, who is a mum-of-one and pregnant with her second child, the team finished fourth in 2018. 
      However injuries to players including Rachel Rowe and forward Deanne Rose has seen them struggle in recent months. 
      Royals boss Chambers  said: “When you’re trying to compete with the teams in and around us this season, it was always going to get harder and harder every season, especially when you haven’t had the investment to keep up with those teams. 
      “We are where we are now. It will hurt, especially for someone like myself who’s been here for so long.
      “It’s a case of reset, rebuild and go again.”
      Reading’s relegation comes in a year that has seen the club’s men’s side drop down from the Championship to League One. 
      On whether the women’s team will remain a full-time outfit, Chambers added: “I hope so.
      “We’ve got players and staff who are still with us in full-time capacity, so yeah, that’s what I want to happen.
      Kelly Chambers says Reading will be focused on a reset and rebuild following their relegationCredit: Getty
      “If we want to be a team who competes and bounces back in the championship that’s the way the championship is going now.
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      “If you are going to be in that league and you want to compete, you’ve got to be in that set-up.
      “They’re the plans I’ve put forward so fingers crossed that the club can support us doing that.” More

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      Kelly Smith backs Arsenal and Chelsea to ‘push on’ in Europe and reflects on ‘goosebumps’ moment at the Emirates

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      KELLY SMITH is backing Arsenal to bounce back from their injury struggles and their younger stars to shine next term. And the Gunners legend, 44, reckons this season’s WSL title and relegation battles have made it one the most enthralling. 
      Arsenal will host Aston Villa in their final game of the WSL season at 2:30 pm todayCredit: Getty
      Centre-back Rafaelle is set to make her final appearance for the club with the Brazil star leaving Arsenal this summerCredit: Getty
      Kelly Smith believes Arsenal will grow and ‘kick on’ following the injury issues they have faced this seasonCredit: Getty
      Reading and Chelsea will go head-to-head in a game likely to decide who will be crowned WSL champions and which side drops into the Championship. 
      Three points for the Blues would guarantee them a fourth successive WSL crown under boss Emma Hayes.
      And a Royals victory could potentially see Kelly Chambers’ side, who are bottom, win their battle to beat the drop if Leicester lose or draw with Brighton. 
      Smith, who is a Barclays WSL ambassador, told SunSport: “It’s been so exciting because it’s all come down to the last day. 
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      “Whether it’s Man United or Chelsea winning, or whether it’s Leicester or Reading going down, it’s been the most competitive season. 
      “Kelly Chambers is a really good manager and she’s been in the league for a long time and Reading have been a mid-table team. 
      “But they’ve just fallen away as the season has gone on. 
      “It’s going to be a miracle needed for them to turn that around and beat a team that’s hungry to win a third title.”
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      A Reading defeat of Chelsea could also pave the way for Manchester United to lift the title for the first time should Marc Skinner’s team beat Liverpool. 
      Their clash at Prenton Hall  is one of six fixtures taking place later on the final day of this WSL season. 
      Of Skinner and Man United’s efforts, Smith added: “He’s done an incredible job, particularly defensively. 
      “He’s made them really sound and they’ve got the best defensive record in the WSL. 
      “The partnership between Hayley Ladd and Katie Zelem has been exceptional in the middle and they’ve got goals coming from everyone.
      Smith reckons Manchester United have become more defensively sound under Marc SkinnerCredit: PA
      “They’ve done exceptionally well beating Arsenal back-to-back this season and winning against Man City. You can see there’s belief.”
      Last month saw Smith return to her old side to take up a coaching role working until the end of this term. 
      Her work with the Gunners has come in a season in which the team have been contending with injuries to key players including Kim Little, Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema. 
      Smith, who lifted four league titles and five FA Cups with Arsenal, said: “It’s been tough for them losing so many key players to long-term injuries. 
      “It’s been psychologically difficult for the squad but they’ve worked with a sport psychologist and other players have stepped up.
      “Lotte Wubben-Moy has been quality at the back.
      “And younger players coming in like Katherine Kuhl and Victoria Pelova have got a lot more game time. 
      “When you consider those we’ve lost (to injuries) like Kim Little, Lia Walti, Beth Mead, Viv Miedema – those players probably wouldn’t have got a lot of match time.
      “They would have been coming off the bench to be impact players.
      “They certainly will grow from this and will kick on next season. 
      “I expect next season to be even better for Arsenal. I see it day-in, day-out with the quality in this squad.
      “They really get what Jonas (Eidevall) wants from them.”
      Smith was in the dugout when the Gunners battled Wolfsburg in a Champions League second-leg semis watched by a record Emirates crowd. 
      And while they fell to a 3-2 loss being at the ground filled with more than 60,000 fans was an unforgettable experience. 
      Smith, who won the contest in 2007 with Arsenal,  added: “It is goosebumps stuff really
      “Walking out as a former player and now a coach and just looking around, it’s just like ‘wow, this is unreal’. 
      Smith expects her old club and Chelsea to push on in Europe next term following their run to the Champions League semi-finals this season.   
      She said: “Chelsea and Arsenal are getting closer given they have reached the semi-finals. 
      Smith hopes to see bigger crowds at women’s games next season following some record turnouts this termCredit: Getty
      “Our players certainly learned a lot throughout their campaign playing at the Emirates.
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      “There’s going to be new players coming in for next season. 
      “Top players want to be playing Champions League football. If Arsenal can secure that it’s a major bonus for the club.” More

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      Hayes and Chelsea ready to face a Reading side ‘fighting for their lives’ in a pivotal WSL title and survival clash

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      EMMA HAYES insists Chelsea’s focus is on what they can control in their bid to be crowned WSL champions for a fourth successive season. The Blues manager is preparing her team to face a Reading side ‘fighting for their lives’ with the Royals aiming to avoid relegation.
      Chelsea will be a targeting a win that would see them clinch a third successive league and FA Cup doubleCredit: PA
      A win against Chelsea for bottom-placed Reading could see them remain in the WSL if Leicester draw with or lose to BrightonCredit: Getty
      Emma Hayes hopes to steer Chelsea a fourth WSL title win on the bounceCredit: Getty
      Saturday’s match is one of six end-of-season clashes, all kicking off at 2:30 pm.
      The result of this encounter and Manchester United’s duel with Liverpool will decide whether the Blues retain the title, or if the Red Devils win it for the first time in their history. 
      Hayes said: “We respect that we’re facing a team fighting for their lives for a manager I know very well. 
      “For us, we have to take care of all the right things. 
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      “When I think back to every campaign (where we’ve won the title), we’ve only ever won the league by a couple of points at the best.
      “This is just business as usual for us”.
      A Chelsea away victory would see them claim a third successive league and FA Cup double.  
      And three points for Kelly Chambers’ Royals would see them leap out of the drop zone if rivals Leicester fail to beat Brighton. 
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      Last season Chelsea lost 1-0 on the road to Reading with Canada forward Deanne Rose netting the winning goal.
      However Hayes says that defeat will not enter her players’ minds in their duel with the Royals. 
      The Blues chief added: “We don’t think about that. We’re in a position to control the outcome.
      “Everybody behind the scenes (staff and players) have worked so hard to get to this point.
      “The focus, the concentration and consistency is all I’ve been interested in with them all week, to make sure that we’re in a position to perform. 
      “Everybody knows their roles and tasks and we’re in the best mindset. 
      Should Chelsea lose and Man United beat the Reds away, Marc Skinner’s side will become WSL champions for the first time in their history. 
      On whether she will keep an eye on United’s score, Hayes said: “I might ask at halftime but for the most part I will focus on just what we were in control of.
      “If I need to ask in the second half then I will do but I don’t think about it.
      “I just think about getting off to the right start.”
      A Reading loss would see them drop out of the top-flight eight years on from winning promotion to the WSL.” 
      Royals head coach Chambers said: “As tough as the challenge ahead is for us, it is a game of football. 
      “We are where we are and for different reasons, and honest conversations have happened.
      “As much as it is a hard position to be in right now, the players have really attacked the week in a positive mindset to try to do everything they can for the weekend.
      “We are still in the fight. We have to leave everything out there.”
      Between 2018 and 2022 the Royals have been a solid mid-table side with the team finishing fifth three years ago.
      This term the club have struggled with injuries including forward Rose sidelined with an Achilles issue last September.
      Deanne Rose netted for Reading when they beat Chelsea 1-0 in the league in December 2021Credit: Reuters
      The Canada ace made her return with a 60th minute substitute appearance during Reading’s 4-1 loss to Tottenham last time out. 
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      Chambers added: “Deanne gives us a completely different dimension to the squad that we haven’t had all season. 
      “What we saw (from her) against Tottenham is what we’ve missed this season. More