Women's Super League: Chelsea fixture pile-up means Manchester City can take control of the title race

Chelsea currently lead the way in the Women's Super League title hunt but a fixture build-up for Emma Hayes' side means Manchester City could take control of the race over the next few weeks.

The Blues lead City on goal difference with just five fixtures remaining in the league season, promising a dramatic title race run-in between now and May 18.

However, due to this weekend's Continental Cup final and their appearances in the Champions League and FA Cup semi-finals, Chelsea only play once in the WSL between now and the end of April. City, on the other hand, have three fixtures in this period.

That means - should City win those next three games - Gareth Taylor's side will open up a six-point lead at the top of the WSL at the very least, putting the pressure on Hayes' Chelsea in their quest for a fifth successive league title.

That run for City starts on Saturday, as they travel to fourth-placed Liverpool in a tricky away trip, live on Sky Sports with kick-off at 12.30pm.

Speaking before City's trip to Liverpool, manager Taylor was asked if it is a positive thing that City can go into the April international break on top of the table and ahead of Chelsea, albeit with the Blues having a game in hand.

"It is. There's no doubt," he replied. "Taking that as a positive is something we've spoke about a lot. We have the chance to be there - to be chased.

"If we can do that with four games to go, it's in our hands, we have to take it game by game and be the best version of ourselves as we can.

"I quite enjoy the chasing part. But we have the opportunity to turn that around and become the team to try and catch.

"If it happens, it's nice. If it doesn't we move to the next game. We are not underestimating any team we play. No game is