Is Chelsea v Aston Villa on TV tonight? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch WSL fixture
The champions face Villa at home in the first match of the new WSL season at Kingsmeadow
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Chelsea face Aston Villa at Kingsmeadow on Friday night as the reigning champions kick-start the 2024/25 season in the Women’s Super League.
The game will mark the first competitive match in charge for new Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor, who reached the Women’s Champions League final with Lyon last season. She replaces Emma Hayes on the back of yet another title-winning campaign.
And last year’s champions will look to get off to the best possible start as they try to fend off what will likely be a strong challenge from fellow hopefuls Arsenal and Manchester City, who lost out on the title on goal difference last season and have signed ex-Arsenal striker Vivianne Miedema to strengthen their attack.
Meanwhile Villa will look to make a strong start to the season after a seventh-placed finish in 2023/24.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match.
When is Chelsea vs Aston Villa?
The match kicks off at 7pm BST on Friday 20 September at Kingsmeadow in Kingston-upon-Thames.
Where can I watch?
The match will be broadcast live on BBC Two, with coverage starting at 6.45pm BST. Subscribers can stream the match or watch online on BBC iPlayer.
If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
What is the team news?
Lucy Bronze and Sandy Baltimore make their full debuts for Chelsea in the first WSL line-up named by Sonia Bompastor. Erin Cuthbert is fit to start in midfield while Lauren James is on the bench for the home side.
For Aston Villa, Missy Bo Kearns starts following her move for Liverpool in the summer while Sabrina D’Angelo makes her first start in the WSL for the club. Rachel Daly leads the line and Jordan Nobbs, a former fan favourite of rivals Arsenal, starts too.
Starting lineups
Chelsea XI: Hampton; Bronze, Bright, Buchanan, Lawrence; Cuthbert, Nusken; Reiten, Baltimore, Kaneryd; Ramirez
Aston Villa XI: D’Angelo; Maritz, Patten, Parker, Tomas; Nobbs, Staniforth, Grant; Kearns, Dali; Daly
Odds
Chelsea 1/7
Draw 5/1
Aston Villa 11/1
Prediction
Chelsea should start their title defence in familiar fashion, with a comfortable win. Chelsea 3-0 Aston Villa.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments