Last Sunday saw what was probably Charlton’s best WSL performance of the season so far. Although the day ended in a 1-0 defeat to Birmingham there were plenty of positives to take.

For the second league game in a row there was a clear tactical plan going forward and weaknesses were exposed in the opponents' defensive line. The Addicks also had their highest share of possession for the season by far and didn’t look scared of the ball. Of course, there is the caveat that Birmingham are one of the weaker sides in the division but it is positive. Just before Birmingham scored Katie Lockwood wasted a counter attack by picking the wrong pass, it turned out to be a sliding doors moment.

Before that, Lockwood had performed well and possibly earned herself another start against Chelsea. Emily van Egmond and Keira Flannery are starting to build a partnership in midfield and Grace Johnston returning from injury in the Players Cup will be a big boost. There are signs that the team are starting to gel.

This Sunday's opponents (2.30pm kick off) Chelsea, are less worried about gelling. The Blues are built on success and it is no surprise to see them unbeaten so far this season, only dropping two points in a draw against Aston Villa. Even in that Villa game Chelsea created an xG of 3.6 and should have won at a canter. With no midweek game coming up for the visitors it will be a full strength side coming to The Valley, including Lionesses Hannah Hampton and Lucy Bronze as well as Champions League winner Katie McCabe.

It could be argued that this is Charlton’s toughest test yet. There’s also an argument that it’s a write off so the players can play without fear. The league leaders play with a back three and there will be space for Jodie Hutton to attack if the team can get the ball to her. At the other end of the pitch the whole team will need to be switched on for the full 90 minutes. It’s a tough test but what’s the point in getting promoted if you don’t relish these types of encounters?

Karen Hills is under no illusions but is pleased that the fans are sticking with the team:

"So yeah, we know it's going to be tough. We need to really make sure that the players are in the best place they can be with their recovery and we'll be ready. We'll be ready to fight, we'll be ready to do everything we can for each other and make it as difficult as we possibly can. And we just encourage all the Charlton fans to really stay behind us. They are, they're staying behind us. They can see a team that's out there fighting week in, week out."

Photo by Rhea Spencer-Newell