Chelsea Ladies manager Emma Hayes is warning title rivals Manchester City that they will be in for a “very tough game” as the table-toppers prepare to lock horns at Kingsmeadow on Sunday night, writes Oliver Thomas.

The Blues maintained their good run of form going into the weekend after a brace from Fran Kirby, as well as goals from Hannah Blundell and Drew Spence saw them ease past Tottenham 4-1 on Wednesday night.

That win cemented their place atop their Continental Cup group – but now thoughts turn back to Super League. Hayes said: “We’re ready, we’re prepared, we’re in good form.

“We’ve got a full squad to pick from and for us that’s going to give me a selection headache, but at the same time I look towards our bench and I know that they can make a difference regardless of which 11 are going in from the start.

“I think it is a game that every player is looking forward to on both sides and I think Man City in the past few years in the league have had better results against us. “I think it’s time to stop talking and time to deliver a performance on Sunday”.

City lead the Blues by two points going into the game, giving Chelsea the chance to grab top spot with a win.

And Hayes reckons the visitors can expect a rough ride at the weekend.

The Chelsea boss added: “We’re confident [and] we fear no one and that includes Man City. “We respect them, but they are going to be in for a very tough game at the weekend.”

Defender Claire Rafferty enjoyed a special night on a personal level against Tottenham as Chelsea Ladies celebrated her 10th year at the club – with the 28-year-old given the captain’s armband and rewarded with a guard of honour before kick-off. And Rafferty is also expecting a clash to remember when City come to Kingston.

She said: “I think it’ll be quite a feisty game. A match of talent - they’ve got some very good players, experienced players so I think it will be a tactical game and hopefully we will prevail.

“We know we’re as good as them (Man City) if not better but it’s about putting that into practise and showing the strength in depth we do have in the squad.”