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      Faye White hopeful Arsenal can ride out rough moments in WSL derby battle with Chelsea

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      FAYE WHITE believes Arsenal can use the disappointment of a shock draw and loss in the league and Europe to fuel their battle to beat Chelsea.The Gunners icon thinks Sonia Bompastor’s first Emirates visit as Blues boss could be the ideal moment for her old side to stun their rivals.Faye White expects Arsenal will want to redeem themselves following their loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions LeagueCredit: ReutersThe Gunners hope to pick up their first match win at the Emirates this season but will face a huge challenge from ChelseaCredit: GettyToday’s game is a pivotal one for White’s former club who suffered two difficult results in the past seven days.A scoreless draw at home against injury-hit Everton was followed by a brutal 5-2 Champions League group stage loss away at Bayern Munich.A match where ex-Chelsea midfielder Pernille Harder ran riot against Jonas Eidevall’s players netting a 13-minute hat-trick.But White, 46, who was part of the Arsenal team that made history becoming the first English side to win a Women’s Champions League in 2007, reckons they will need little motivation to bounce back.Read More Football StoriesAnd she hopes the Gunners will be ready to ride out tough moments on the pitch.The former Arsenal captain, who won 11 top-flight titles including a WSL crown during her 17-year career at the club, said: “It’s about using that disappointment that you feel.“During my playing career, I won nine FA Cups, but I remember the one that I lost the most. I used that as motivation to want to not feel that again.“When you lose as a player, you want to get out there, get it out of your mind and redeem yourself.Most read in Football“But the team won’t need any getting up for this game. They’re at home, they’ll have the home crowd.“They know they’ve beaten Chelsea well at the Emirates before, but also how tough games can be (against them).“They just have to have that confidence and belief a little bit more, but also that desire, hunger, and the resilience side of it.”A mixed start to the season combined with two underwhelming results in the WSL and Champions League has seen the team’s tactics come into question.On his Wrighty’s House podcast club legend and Barclays football ambassador Ian Wright likened their performance against Everton to that of a mid-table side.White adds: “I’ve been there and done it where you can get yourself up for the tough games“But it’s also those matches against teams lower in the table where you’re expected to win because of the quality you have on the pitch and the bench, but you can’t quite break them down.“And then your rivals get their hopes up and step up a level as they feel they can nick a point or even a win.”Eidevall’s side are yet to win on their turf in the league this term with all their WSL home matches being played at the Emirates this season.However, his team went unbeaten in their last four home games against Chelsea in the top tier.Results include a 4-1 win last December against the Blues, then managed by former boss Emma Hayes, with Beth Mead and Alessia Russo among their scorers.White said: “Chelsea are seen as the team to beat. If there is any time for them to be got at, it’s now.“This is possibly a time where you could get at them because of a slight change of messaging (from their new manager) and a certain way players have been asked to play.“This will be the first time Bompastor experiences this kind of derby.“It’s going to be a good match but Arsenal have to be at their best and ride out those tough moments.”Chelsea are currently unbeaten in the league having notched 1-0 and 7-0 defeats of Aston Villa.Sonia Bompastor hopes to maintain her unbeaten run by consigning the Gunners to defeatCredit: GettyDespite Arsenal’s recent results, Bompastor is not taking the threat they pose lightly.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Blues boss, 41, who won September’s WSL Manager of the Month prize said: “I don’t pay attention to their context or their dynamic.“This team has a lot of talent. This game will be a tough game no matter what the context is for them.” More

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      Lauren Hemp ready for ‘tough tasks ahead’ after Manchester City’s ‘statement’ win against Barcelona

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      LAUREN HEMP insists Manchester City have made a statement with their gritty 2-0 win against Barcelona in the Champions League.  The City ace praised defender Naomi Layzell’s goalscoring display during the defeat of the contest’s winners before their return to WSL action on Sunday.Lauren Hemp and her team-mates will aim to maintain their unbeaten run in the WSL as well as Europe when they visit Liverpool nextCredit: AlamyCity summer signing Naomi Layzell impressed during the team’s 2-0 win against Barcelona playing out of position as a full-backCredit: GettySpain’s top-flight leaders, who Cityzens boss Gareth Taylor described as the best side in the world, fell to their first loss in the tournament’s group stage on Wednesday.A prodded finish from Layzell, her first in a Man City shirt and in the contest, gave Taylor’s side the lead in the first half.And that opener, assisted by Vivianne Miedema’s flicked header, was followed by Khadija Shaw rounding Barca goalkeeper Cata Coll late in the game to slot home to secure the points.The result saw the three-time Champions League winners beaten for the first time ever in the competitions group stage and for the first time this season. Read More Football Stories And Hemp and her team-mates maintained their unbeaten run across all contests before their WSL clash with Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.Hemp said: “Hopefully that puts a statement out on a good start in the group stages.”It was a great win. I thought in the first half, we dominated, possession. “And we created a lot of chances and in the second half, but it looked a bit different.Most read in Football“I felt like we defended so well, put our bodies on the line. “We’ve still got to play them again. It’s going to be a tough task going to their place.”City, who take on Austrian team SKN St Polten in the tournament next Wednesday, handed a group stage debut to centre-back Layzell.The England Under-23s central defender, signed from Bristol City in August for a record fee, played as a full-back in the Joie Stadium duel. The Wednesday night game was the defender’s first time playing in the tournament’s group stage.  It also came almost five years on from Layzell making her debut appearance in the WSL for the Robins against the club she would eventually join this summer. And the player, who went off injured after appearing to her roll her ankle, rewarded boss Taylor’s faith by helping her club shut out some of the most lethal attacking talents in EuropeThese included Ballon d’Or winners Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas and Barca striker Ewa Pajor. Hemp added: “She’s done so well since she got here. I’m proud of her.”Not only did she score, but she defended so well, kept the ball most of the time and topped it off with a goal which was amazing and we’re all so happy for her.”Man City will take on Austria’s top-flight leaders SKN St. Polten in their second Champions League group stage game on October 10Credit: AlamyChelsea narrowly defeating Real Madrid in their group stage opener one night before Man City’s victory, made it good week for English clubs going up against two of the best sides in Spain’s top tier.READ MORE SUN STORIESOn her side’s chances of going all the way in the contest, Hemp said: “Every game is going to be different.   “We know there are so many tough tasks ahead of us. We’re just going to take it one game at a time. More

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      Chelsea boss ‘disappointed’ by postponement of Blues’ Women Super League duel with Manchester United

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      SONIA BOMPASTOR says Chelsea were “disappointed” to have their top-flight clash with Manchester United postponed.The Blues boss also reckons the move to put their Women’s Super League duel on hold, was not good.Sonia Bompastor hopes authorities in charge of the WSL will help English clubs competing in the Women’s Champions LeagueCredit: GettyChelsea will face Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge in their opening group stage game in this term’s tournamentCredit: AlamyBompastor, whose team hosts Real Madrid in the Champions League tomorrow, was reflecting on the decision that resulted in Chelsea missing out on WSL action at the weekend.Their duel with the Red Devils was scheduled to take place on Sunday – just two days before their group stage opener against Madrid at Stamford Bridge.  The Chelsea chief, 44, said: “Of course, we were disappointed, players and staff. “I think everyone has to understand we were supposed to play.Read More Football Stories “We were in a very, very good team dynamic, and not having the opportunity to play this weekend changed everything in preparation for the game against Real Madrid.”When you have the opportunity to play one game a week, and with this decision being made and postponing the game, now we have been out of competition for 10 days, which is completely different.”If you look at the situation, the decision is not good. “It’s not good for all the English clubs who are in the Champions League competition.”Most read in FootballChelsea’s title win last term saw them automatically reach the tournament’s group stages this season. And last month Arsenal and Manchester City joined them after battling through competition’s qualifiers.On September 29 the Women’s Professional League Limited, who this term took over the running of the WSL, announced the postponement of the Blues’ clash with United.They cited player welfare as the reason given the tight turnaround between domestic and European games for the WSL title-holders.The organisation has come in for criticism concerning its decision, with Uefa having published its Champions League match calendar more than a year ago.And Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall described the handling of the situation as “amateurish”.On if better communication is needed between Uefa and federations and authorities like the WPLL, Bompastor added: “The league is a professional league. “They need to know about the rules. I just said to the league my thoughts on the situation, I think that’s good enough for me. “I don’t want to share more here in a press conference.”For them, it’s good to have our feedback and as I always said to the league, we should be proud to have three English clubs in the Champions League this year.”All the decisions in this league through the season have to be made in order to help the English clubs to compete in the Champions League.”Tomorrow night at Stamford Bridge Chelsea will begin their quest to win a Women’s Champions League for the first time in their history.Their game against Madrid, who are second in Spain’s top-flight and currently level on points with leaders Barcelona, will be Bompastor’s first in Europe as the Blues’ gaffer.The last time Bompastor oversaw side competing in contest at the stadium was when her old club Lyon faced Chelsea in a second-leg semi-final game In March last year they were beaten by the Blues, then managed Emma Hayes, via a dramatic penalty shootout. Bompastor, who has won the tournament as a player and coach, also played for a Lyon team that reached the contest final at Stamford Bridge in 2013. Back then they fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat to German giants Wolfsburg.The last time Bompastor managed a team in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge was when Lyon played Chelsea in the 2023 semisCredit: GettyThe Blues manager adds: “I played in a Champions League final at Stamford Bridge in 2013 and I’ve been here as a manager of Lyon.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Now I’m really excited because now I’m in the dugout for Chelsea and I’m the Chelsea manager.”I can’t wait to be in that position, enjoy the game and enjoy to be out there with the players and the fans.” More

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      Jonas Eidevall hopes Arsenal can get job done against Bayern Munich and Chelsea after Everton clinch draw

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      JONAS EIDEVALL wants Arsenal to move past the disappointment of their 0-0 draw with Everton, with clashes with Bayern Munich and Chelsea to come.The Toffees withstood a barrage before thwarting the Gunners’ attempts to claim their first win in the league at the Emirates on Sunday. Arsenal were frustrated by Everton with the Toffees putting in a gritty defensive shift at the EmiratesCredit: GettyCourtney Brosnan pulled off several saves as the hosts piled on the pressure against EvertonCredit: GettyEverton shot stopper Courtney Brosnan put in a player of the match shift as her side found themselves hemmed into their own half for large spells.The Republic of Ireland goalkeeper made several impressive saves including a close-range injury-time stop of Stina Blackstenius’s attempted tap-in.The stalemate resulted in Arsenal falling two points behind Manchester City ahead of two of their biggest games of the season in Europe and the WSL.The Cityzens leapt to top spot following their 2-0 home win against West Ham with moving to Liverpool fifth and one place above Eidevall’s side on goal difference.Read More FootballThe Arsenal boss, whose side will face Bayern in their Champions League group stage opener in Munich on Wednesday, said: “First half we played with too little intent and moved the ball too slow.”We had quite a bit of control in that half, but here at home at the Emirates we should have much higher demands and standards for ourselves and our attacking game.”When we don’t move the ball quick enough then it’s really hard to break down a side like Everton.”They defend with so many players behind the ball and are really dedicated in their defendingMost read in Football”We’re disappointed with the result and the performance. “But we need to look forward to two really exciting, tough, challenging games.”With the games coming up, playing away against Munich and at home against Chelsea, we don’t need any more fuel or motivation.”Those games and those opponents are fuel enough. “We now need to look forward because no matter how disappointed we are with the draw, we still have a job to do.”The Gunners’ scoreless draw with the Toffees was the first of three games they will play in the space of seven days.Eidevall added: “It’s a quick turnaround so we can’t put a foot wrong with recovery and preparation so that needs to be the focus, but no about it we’re disappointed.”Arsenal were handed a fitness boost with defenders Leah Williamson and Steph Catley making their returns from injury.Catley came on in the 77th minute with England skipper Williamson entering the fray 13 minutes earlier having missed Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Man City, and wins against BK Hacken and Leicester with StephOf their return to action, Eidevall said: “It’s really important for us. We’ve been playing a lot of minutes with the same players.”When we look at our back four and given we have five games within 15 days here. “It would not have been sustainable to keep on piling on the minutes for those players so it’s really important to have them back.”Arsenal’s Emily Fox almost broke the deadlock with her floated 10th-minute delivery into the box hitting the crossbar.At the other end a loose pass from Gunners keeper Daphne van Domselaar, in the 18-yard almost handed a scoring chance to the visitors moments later.Brosnan made a perfectly-timed diving stop to keep out Mariona Caldentey’s shot from distance before Veatriki Sarri prompted Van Domselaar to tip the ball against the crossbar close to half-time.The second spell saw Everton and Arsenal shuffle their decks with Blackstenius and Caitlin Foord amongst the subs coming on.And Foord went close with a half-volleyed 90th-minute strike before Brosnan denied Blackstenius in injury time. The scoreless draw resulted in Everton ending their winless run in the top tier and picking up their first point of the season.And Brian Sorensen’s side will hope to register their first victory in the league this term when they host West Ham next Sunday (13 October).Leah Williamson returned to match action for Arsenal having missed their last two league games due to injuryCredit: AlamyThe Toffees boss said: “We were strong defensively and I don’t think they had big, big chances. The plan was good and the girls were even better executing it.READ MORE SUN STORIES”What pleased me most? The resilience, the togetherness, the willingness to fight for each other, the coolness, the calmness. I’m super proud.”This result is only going to build our confidence.” More

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      Arsenal Women’s boss Jonas Eidevall slams ‘amateurish’ handling of Chelsea and Man United fixture problem

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      Jonas Eidevall hit out at Women’s Super League chiefs for “having no plan B” for Champions League and WSL fixture congestion.The Arsenal chief criticised the “amateurish” scheduling that led to Chelsea having a top-flight game pencilled in two days before a match Europe.Jonas Eidevall wants authorities in charge of scheduling WSL games to be more proactive around planning for possible fixture clashesCredit: GettyThe Arsenal boss was sharing his thoughts about Chelsea having a league game postponed due to concerns with it being two days before their Champions League fixtureCredit: GettyEidevall was reflecting on scenario that led to the Blues’ home duel with the Red Devils, initially scheduled for Sunday, being shelved with just seven days’ notice.This was down to player welfare worries with the title-holders having a Champions League clash with Real Madrid just two days after their United game. The calling off of the match by Women’s Professional League Limited, who took over running the WSL at the start of the season, has been criticised by fans including the Chelsea Women’s Supporters Group.Earlier this week Man United boss Marc Skinner said the Red Devils had sold all their away tickets for the clash.Read More Football StoriesHowever some fans were also sympathetic to the Blues situation and the club looking out for players’ wellbeing, given the tight turnaround between the games.Eidevall, whose Arsenal team host Everton on the WSL on Sunday, said: “The fans are the backbone to what we’re trying to build.”Getting postponed games as supporters – this time it doesn’t concern Arsenal fans – but it does concern fans of other clubs in the league.”It is simply unacceptable to have people’s money and time being treated in that way beforehand and it’s simply not good enough from the league.Most read in Football”The three English teams (competing in the Champions League) were all scheduled to play (WSL games) on Sunday with each having a 50% chance to play their (European) game on Tuesday. “That has been the information that’s been there for months.”That we have a lead organisation that doesn’t act proactively on these matters – it’s damaging for the fans.”The problem is the proactiveness about what you do and to have a plan for when different scenarios come about. “There was a risk or chance to be playing on Tuesday, which would rule out the possibility to play your game on Sunday.”Now, if you have that new planning scenario, of course now you need to have a plan B. What happens if you play on Tuesday? “And if you don’t have a clear answer to that, you have a problem.”Last Sunday in their game postponement statement, the WPLL said they wished to put “player welfare first” with the WSL leaders playing a Champions League game next Tuesday.Last Saturday Uefa confirmed the date for the Blues’ opening group stage game (against Real Madrid) would be Tuesday 8 October.Amid concern over players having to contest two matches in 48 hours, Chelsea and the WPLL asked Uefa if the fixture could be pushed back.The approach to Champion’s League football and the proactiveness with the respect to the supporters has to change.Jonas EidevallHowever the European football authority explained its calendar for the contest had been published more than a year ago.Eidevall added: “Do the league want the English club teams to be successful at European level?”I would hope the answer to that is ‘yes’, but the action shows differently. “It shows that this is not one of their priorities to have the club teams to be successful.”That is very negative for English women’s club football because it’s very important that this is the first time in the group stage that three teams reach the group stage. “That should be something that we celebrate.”Because of this amateurish behaviour – with not having a proactive plan and taking away a game like Chelsea’s and postponing that – it now puts us in a situation where we play Sunday.“Then we play Wednesday away against Bayern Munich. “They do not play (this) Sunday because they of course play (on) Saturday because they have a league organisation that sees the value of getting their top teams in better positions in the Champions League. “Then we return to playing Saturday against Chelsea at the Emirates and we have considerably less preparations than the opponents.”We’ll be handling this sporting disadvantage in two huge games for us.”But we’re not a team that’s going to lie down and give up just because situations are tough.“We’re going to dig deeper than we have ever done before and we’re going to try and fuel a lot of performances from that. READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal will take on Bayern Munich away in the Champions League three days after their WSL home game against EvertonCredit: Getty”But what needs to change?”I think the approach to Champion’s League football, and the proactiveness with the respect to the supporters, this has to change.”It’s not good enough to blame it on Uefa because everyone across Europe has had the same information for so long. “The only one that hasn’t acted on that information is the WSL.” More

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      Man Utd Women’s boss says WSL game postponement is ‘right decision’ whilst sympathising with fans

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      MARC SKINNER insists postponing Chelsea’s WSL clash with Manchester United was the right move in terms of player welfare.However, the Red Devils chief also sympathised with fans who planned to attend the match with United thought to have sold all their away tickets.Chelsea’s next WSL game will be against Arsenal on October 12 with their game against Man United postponedCredit: AlamyMan United take on Liverpool in a Women’s League Cup fixture on October 2 before hosting Tottenham in the WSL 11 days laterCredit: GettySkinner, whose team host Liverpool tomorrow in a Women’s League Cup group stage game, was reflecting on his side’s top-flight away clash with the Blues being temporarily shelved.The highly anticipated fixture was due to take place on Sunday October 6, but was postponed by the Women’s Professional League Limited last Sunday.The decision was motivated by Chelsea’s opening Women’s Champions League group game being pencilled in two nights later, with the team having 48 hours between the duels.And the WPLL (previously known as NewCo), which runs the top two tiers of the women’s domestic game, stated they were putting “player welfare first”.Read More Football Stories This follows concern across the sport, particularly from elite footballers themselves, around match congestion, its effect on player loads and the potential for increased risk of injury.Man United boss Skinner said: “For me most importantly it’s affected the fans, which is something we clearly don’t want to happen.”But I think from a playing perspective, for both Chelsea welfare and our welfare players-wise, it’s the right decision, because the game is not going to be moved from the Champions League.”We don’t want any more injuries. We’ve seen Everton potentially take an injury again at the weekend.Most read in Football”We don’t want that. So I think from a player welfare (perspective), it’s the right thing.”According to BBC Sport, the WPLL had asked that no English sides had their Women’s Champions Leagues arranged for Tuesday 8 October.However, the organisation’s request was unsuccessful.And Uefa are said to have made their schedule for tournament fixtures available to clubs over a year ago.Following the WSL game postponement ahead of their side’s first European match this term, a Blues fan association said the club had to protect its players.The Chelsea Women’s Supporters Group also sympathised with fans who had forked out on travel and hotel bookings ahead of the Kingsmeadow clash.In a post shared via its X account, the Group wrote: “We feel for all the supporters who have lost money on transport and hotels. “It shouldn’t have got to this situation.”The Manchester United Women’s Supporters Club says it is currently “in dialogue in regard to next course of action” with Red Devils officials in regard to costs incurred by away fans.Skinner said: “Wherever we fit the game in, let’s make sure it’s accessible to the fans and that they are well looked-after. That’s the most important thing.”I think it was sold out, our end, the away end. So we just need to make sure it favours them as well, I think that’s really key.“But the reality is, for the quick turnaround, which would have been for us or for Chelsea.”It would have put the players at risk and I don’t think we need to do that this early in the season.”United’s League Cup duel with Liverpool tomorrow will see them begin their quest to win the contest a season on from lifting the Women’s FA Cup for the first time.And Skinner says the competition is a top priority for the Red Devils who missed out on a knockout spot last season.This was due to their group stage rival Aston Villa being docked points which were awarded to Sunderland.The Man United boss added: “I felt last year, we were very, very unfortunate to not progress to the knockout stages. Liverpool have drawn their first two WSL games this season ahead of their League Cup group stage duel with Man UnitedCredit: Getty”Not only did we have a very difficult group, we were then unfortunate that a decision is made elsewhere that affects us and we can’t go through. READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s a priority for us, it’s an opportunity to win a cup, but it’s also an opportunity for players to show and claim their stake for starting.”We need a competitive game, a competitive team, a competitive environment.” More

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      Haley hopeful Brighton and Spain ace Bruna can help Seagulls soar in points battle with WSL rivals

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      MADISON HALEY reckons the dynamic Bruna Vilamala will keep the Seagulls soaring.Brighton forward Haley thinks a top-four spot could be a realistic target for the club who have had a flying start to the Women’s Super League season.Madison Haley believes Bruna’s instensity and versatility on the pitch can make Brighton more dynamic in attackCredit: AlamyThe Spain forward made her WSL debut for Albion when they beat Everton 4-0 in their season-opener on September 21Credit: AlamyHaley and her Seagulls team-mates will be hoping to continue their strong start when they visit Manchester CityCredit: GettyAlbion face a tricky early-season test at highly fancied Manchester City this afternoon.The eagerly awaited contest, which kicks off at 12:30pm comes on the back of their 4-0 opening-day thrashing of Everton last Saturday when Kiko Seike ran riot with a historic debut WSL hat-trick.Now American Haley (right), 25, is backing another summer signing in Bruna to make a big impact.Striker Bruna, 22, who has joined on loan from Barcelona, scored four goals in ten top-flight starts for the Catalan club last season.Read More Football Stories She made her senior international debut for Spain in June.And Haley revealed: “People have been asking me who’s the one to watch. Bruna was one of the players I said.”With her coming from Barcelona, the technical ability is there in abundance.”She gives us some really good quality in possession as well as out.Most read in Football”She can play multiple positions and I guess it makes us a bit more dynamic as a team.”Her intensity, the distance she covers and effort that she puts in is there. She can also keep the opposition on their toes.”That makes us more flexible as a team, because you can have people swapping positions live in the game.”It just gives us a bit more flexibility and makes us more dynamic as a team, which I think is something maybe we didn’t have last season as much.”This summer has seen Brighton undergo a massive overhaul with the departure of 13 players and 12 new arrivals.Among those coming in were England forwards Fran Kirby and Nikita Parris.And along with striker Michelle Agyemang, 18, from Arsenal, Bruna is one of two promising young players to have joined the club on a season’s loan.The Seagulls have also undergone a transformation in playing style with the team more front-footed in attack under new boss Dario Vidosic.The Brighton gaffer, 37, was appointed in July.He took over from interim chief Mikey Harris, who guided the south coast team to a ninthplace finish last term.Following all the chopping and changing in the dugout, former Melbourne City Women’s boss Vidosic is the fifth manager to take charge of Albion since December 2022.And Haley believes the WSL side are making progress under their new boss who is a big admirer of Pep Guardiola’s early coaching success with Barcelona’s B team.The Texas-born player added: “With Dario coming in with his new approach, we’re moving in the right direction most definitely. We’re in a good place overall.”All the small tweaks and tactical things, of course, that’s going to be different from manager to manager.”But Brighton’s philosophy has stayed true throughout with the changes.”For the most part, it’s been a pretty easy transition.”We want to be pushing as high as we can in the table. With the new additions, we can definitely do that.Manchester City aim to get their first win in the WSL this season when they take on Brighton at the Joie StadiumCredit: Alamy”The expectations are the same, from the club’s perspective. We want to be a top-four team. “We’ve added a lot of big players and having an overarching goal is good.”But then it’s also about being a bit realistic as well.READ MORE SUN STORIES”There’s no doubt that the sky’s the limit for this team.”Manchester City vs Brighton can be watched live at 12:30pm today on BBC Two. More

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      Kaminski says Crystal Palace must not to be overhelmed by ‘season of firsts’ in the Women’s Super League

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      LAURA KAMINSKI wants Crystal Palace to avoid being overwhelmed by their top-flight status following their WSL debut.And the Eagles boss reckons her side will show their top-flight pedigree when they host Chelsea tonight.Crystal Palace’s will host Chelsea in their first WSL outing at Selhurst ParkCredit: GettyLaura Kaminksi says her players are prepared for the challenge they will face from ChelseaCredit: GettyThe Blues aim to maintain their unbeaten run under Sonia BompastorCredit: GettyPalace welcome the title-holders to Selhurst Park in their first London derby clash at the stadium in the Women’s Super League. The match will see Chelsea take on the South London side for the first time in the division.And the Eagles hope to take flight in the race for points after their 4-0 loss away to Tottenham last time out.Kaminski, whose side will visit Leicester next Sunday, said: “It’s a big opportunity and a big moment but it’s important that it doesn’t overwhelm the squad or me.Read More Football Stories”We’ve done so well to get into this position. “We need to remember this is what we want to do for many years to come.”Although there are many firsts this season, we need to make sure those moments don’t overwhelm us. “We’re there to play and to compete.Most read in Football“We’re expecting a lot of people and it will be great for the players to experience a night-time game. That will be a little bit new for us.“Our schedule looks different this season with fixtures timings.”Chelsea are a great side in terms of the players they have got. “We have looked at them at length so I know their threats and strengths. We will be prepared for them.”Palace’s rise to the top division in England comes just 14 months after Kaminski’s appointment as head coach.The Eagles boss took on the job following her role as a first-team assistant at Charlton Women and as a Spurs assistant for three years before then.Like Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor, 44, Kaminski is one of three female managers who are new to being head coaches in the WSL.And the Palace chief believes her side will have a point to prove when they face Bompastor’s Blues.  Kaminski adds: “It’s a new manager so a change for them and will bring differences to their squad and tactics no doubt.”It’s only the second game of the season so it’s a tough start for us but that’s what we wanted and expected.”We want to showcase ourselves against one of the best teams in the world. “Sonia is a very respectable manager and she has achieved loads in her career as well as the players on the pitch.”But we have a lot of points to prove as well. We want to be here to stay. We want to make this club proud of our performance.”One key Palace player currently out of action due to an anterior cruciate knee ligament injury is striker Elise Hughes. The Wales ace, who won last term’s Women’s Championship’s Golden Boot, is making good progress in her journey back to fitness. Kaminski said: “Elise in a good place and we need to make sure that we’re doing everything right in the final stages of her rehabilitation.”She’s in a pivotal stage of rehabilitation. She’s moved from inside the condition of the gym to outside in terms of running. “She gets to see the green stuff again and that’s a big turning point for her.”Meanwhile Bompastor has no intention of taking the WSL’s newest contenders lightly despite their limited experience in the league. Bompastor says Chelsea will treat Palace with respect in their derby duelCredit: GettyThe Blues boss, who guided her side to a 1-0 season-opening win, said: “From my experience as a coach, but also as a former, we need to respect everyone.”A lot of teams play differently when they play Chelsea. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I expect them to be at their best level and we have to be prepared for that.”Crystal Palace vs Chelsea can be watched live on Sky Showcase and Sky Sports Premier League at 7:30pm tonight More