Wed Nov 20 19:20:00 UTC 2024: ## Chelsea Women Aim for Champions League Knockout Stage Against Celtic

**London, England** – Chelsea Women are poised to secure their place in the UEFA Women’s Champions League knockout stages when they host Celtic Women at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday. A win would guarantee Chelsea a quarter-final berth with two games to spare in Group B, where they currently sit atop the table with a perfect record.

Despite their dominant league form, including a recent 2-0 victory over Manchester City, Chelsea will be wary of Celtic, who pushed them close in a 2-1 defeat last week in Glasgow. While Chelsea are heavy favorites, their home record in the UWCL isn’t flawless (two wins, two draws, one loss in their last five matches).

For Celtic, this is their first ever UWCL group stage appearance, and the team is winless so far. They face an uphill battle, needing a significant upset to avoid elimination. A loss coupled with a Real Madrid win or draw, or a draw coupled with a Real Madrid win against Twente, would send them home early. The Scottish side enters the match on the back of a 3-2 derby defeat to Rangers.

Chelsea will be without several key players due to injury, including Sophie Ingle, Aniek Nouwen, Niamh Charles, Mia Fishel, Lauren James, Sam Kerr, and Kadiesha Buchanan (long-term ACL injury). Aggie Beever-Jones is also suspended. Celtic will be missing Chloe Craig (ACL injury).

Despite the absences, Chelsea are expected to prevail. The predicted starting lineups showcase the strength of both squads, with Chelsea boasting a formidable attack and Celtic looking to utilize a strong defensive structure. The match promises a significant contrast in experience and form, setting the stage for a potentially decisive Champions League encounter.

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