Malard: How we can beat Chelsea

Marc Skinner's side are on course to clinch a Champions League spot next season and, of course, have another Adobe FA Cup final to look forward to, with the Blues providing the opposition at Wembley on that occasion too.

Malard worked under Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor at Lyon and has some key words of advice for her team-mates, ahead of the 20:15 BST kick-off.

"Their coach was, of course, my coach before, so I know her very well," Malard explained to our official programme for the midweek encounter.

"The staff too [at Chelsea]. They're very good staff but I think we can win this game. We work so hard, we are focused this season because we know where we would like to go.

"I think, if we can play together for the whole game, we can win it and, also, we need to enjoy the football. Don't overthink."

The French forward came on as a substitute when we defeated Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final last season and the question about that triumph prompted a huge grin from our no.9.

"I think it was the first time we beat Chelsea," she replied. "The only time when I’m here was the first time, which is crazy! But it was good, if we can do it once, we can do it again. We need to think like that.

"It’s a moment for us that we remember and we will go for a win again. The celebrations were because I wanted to enjoy it after the game! We won the big game, it was really hard, and I wanted to give my energy to the fans and say thank you to the fans also, because we win but it’s about the fans too."

You can read the full interview with Melvine Malard in our official programme, available to purchase at Leigh Sports Village for only £3.