Steph Houghton backs Chelsea to go unbeaten in WSL, predicts Manchester City win in UEFA Women's Champions League clash

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All focus is on the UEFA Women's Champions League quarter-finals this week, with WSL leaders Chelsea meeting Manchester City in a mouthwatering European clash. Former Man City defender Steph Houghton has predicted a surprise result in the two-leg clash, but backed Chelsea to win the WSL title without losing a game. Chelsea's UWCL clash with Man City is live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

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Steph Houghton has backed Chelsea to go unbeaten in the Women's Super League, but predicted a win for Manchester City when the two teams meet in the UEFA Women's Champions League quarter-finals.

Chelsea have won 14 and drawn two of their 16 league games so far this season, with just six matches remaining.

But there are significant tests to come for Sonia Bompastor's side, including the Champions League double header with Man City - live on TNT Sports and discovery+ - either side of a league clash against The Citizens.

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Asked if Chelsea can avoid defeat in the WSL, Houghton said: "I think they can, I really do. I'm really impressed with Chelsea this season.

"Sonia's come in, a new manager, and the squad they've built with loads of games over the next few weeks is going to be crucial. The way they're performing at the moment and getting players like Sam Kerr back, I really do think it's possible."

Chelsea are 12 points above Man City in the WSL, but former Citizens defender Houghton expects a close battle in the upcoming Champions League clash.

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"It's going to be such a great game, two great teams that like to play football," she said. "Chelsea are top of the league, Man City had a really good Champions League group.

"To be drawn against Chelsea is unfortunate because they could have gone all the way. I think it's going to be tight, but I need to think with my heart instead of my head and go with Man City over two legs."

Houghton also gave her thoughts on Chloe Kelly, who left Man City in January for Arsenal after a difficult first half of the season.

"Chloe is one of my friends but the most important thing, as a footballer, is to play games and at Man City her opportunities weren't that great before Christmas," Houghton said.

"With a big Euros ahead - I've been there myself - you try and do what you can. For me, Chloe needs to play football, and hopefully she can get minutes at Arsenal."

On Kelly's England hopes, with the Women's European Championship looming this summer, Houghton added: "It's a tough decision for Sarina [Wiegman], there's so many great players, but we know as an English fan and an ex-team-mate, Chloe is different to a lot of the wingers we have.

"That's up to the manager. The competition's high and you've got to be playing for your club. There's a long way to go until the Euros, and I know she's been called up, but hopefully she can take her chance."

England are in Nations League action in early April, with a double header against Belgium. Then come highly anticipated clashes with Spain and Portugal in May.

"I'm excited, this is where - as a player you've got three or four months to go until the Euros starts - you get a bit excited," Houghton said.

"You're trying to nail your place but ultimately, for the team it's about performance and these are great tests against two really good teams."

When is Manchester City v Chelsea?

Manchester City host Chelsea at the Joie Stadium on Wednesday, March 19.

Kick-off is at 20:00 UK time on TNT Sports 1, with live coverage beginning at 19:30.

How to watch Manchester City v Chelsea

TNT Sports is available across all major TV platforms, offering a line-up of up to four TV channels (TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports 2, TNT Sports 3, TNT Sports 4), and up to six digital or red-button channels (TNT Sports 5 to 10), and TNT Sports Ultimate plus TNT Sports Box Office HD.

Manchester City host Chelsea on Wednesday, March 19. Kick-off is at 20:00 UK time on TNT Sports 1, with live coverage beginning at 19:30.

You can subscribe to TNT Sports through discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.

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Watch the Premier League and UEFA Champions League live on TNT Sports and discovery+

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