READING FC WOMEN face possibly their trickiest test of the women’s Super League season away at Chelsea.
The Royals picked up just their second win of the league campaign on Sunday when they beat Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
The win puts them seven points above bottom side Leicester City, who are yet to pick up a point this season.
Kelly Chambers’ side go into the contest at Chelsea on the back of three games unbeaten in all competitions.
Meanwhile, title holders Chelsea have been in scintillating form since their shock defeat on the opening weekend of the season.
After losing out to newly promoted Liverpool 2-1 away from home, the Blues have had a faultless run which sees them top of the table after nine matches.
Emma Hayes’ team have enjoyed success against Man City, West Ham, Everton, Brighton, Aston Villa, Man United, Tottenham and Leicester in a run of eight successive victories.
Chelsea were in stunning form in their weekend win at bottom side Leicester.
The West London side smacked eight past their opponents without reply to sink the Foxes to their ninth defeat of the campaign.
There were braces for Jessie Fleming and Fran Kirby, while goals from Guro Reiten, Niamh Charles, Sam Kerr and Bethany England helped Chelsea to a huge win.
Chelsea have also replicated their perfect league form in the Champions League group stages.
The Blues have won away at Paris Saint-Germain before securing an 8-0 success at home to Vllaznia and a 2-0 home win over Real Madrid.
Chelsea are currently three points ahead of closest title challengers Man United and Arsenal, but have played one game more than both of their rivals.
The Royals enjoyed an excellent win over Chelsea last season and were one of only two sides to defeat the Blues in the league in the 2021/22 campaign.
Deanne Rose netted the only goal of the game after she completed a mazy run to put Reading ahead after just four minutes.
Chambers’ side then defended resolutely to keep Chelsea out on their way to securing their first ever WSL win over the Blues.
However, it was a different tale when Reading travelled away to face Chelsea in the reverse fixture.
Chelsea made amends for their defeat in Berkshire by striking five past the Royals without reply.
There were braces for both Kerr and England, and a goal for Jessie Fleming to help Chelsea to a 5-0 win.