Chelsea vs Austria Vienna W – News and Probable Lineups

Chelsea Women will commence the Women’s Champions League league phase with a home encounter against Áustria Wien W.

The Women’s Super League team is participating in the main draw for the seventh consecutive season, whereas Áustria Wien is making its debut in the UWCL league phase.

Match overview

Chelsea had a disappointing 2025-26 season where they managed to secure only one trophy, the last edition of the League Cup that included the European teams.

The Blues lost their six-year dominance of the Women’s Super League title, were ousted in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, and suffered a defeat to Arsenal in the quarter-finals of the UWCL.

The UWCL trophy is the most coveted prize for them, given they have yet to win it and last reached the final in the 2020-21 season, when they were defeated by Barcelona 4-0.

Sonia Bompastor’s squad initiated their latest European campaign with a 6-2 aggregate victory over Real Sociedad in the playoff round, securing their place in the league phase where they will compete against Áustria Wien, OL Lyonnes, Roma, Hacken, Paris Saint-Germain, and Leuven.

Chelsea managed to earn seven points from their first three WSL matches, including a 2-0 win against Birmingham City on Saturday, with goals scored by Lexi Potter and Melvine Malard.

They are likely to be clear favorites to claim all three points in Wednesday’s European fixture, especially considering they have won four of their last five European home matches, netting at least four goals in three of those wins.

Áustria Wien secured their first Frauen Bundesliga title last season, finishing just two points ahead of St Polten.

Stefan Kenesei’s team also triumphed over Red Bull Salzburg 1-0 in the OFB Frauen Cup, marking their first domestic cup win in the club’s history.

Áustria Wien is poised to create more history by making their debut in the UWCL main draw after successfully navigating the qualifying rounds.

After overcoming single-leg matches against Hajduk Split and Farul Constanta, Áustria Wien suffered a 2-1 defeat away at Brann in the first leg of the third qualifying round.

They promptly bounced back as Modesta Uka led a remarkable recovery in the home leg, scoring a hat-trick that propelled her team to a 4-0 win.

The Áustrian squad has since maintained their strong form with two additional clean sheets in league victories over Sudburgenland and Kleinmunchen, although they are fully aware that they will face much stronger opposition on Wednesday against one of the major teams in the UWCL.

Team News

Chelsea will not have the contributions of Erin Cuthbert, Mayra Ramirez, and new signing Manaka Matsukubo, who is still waiting to make her debut for the club.

The attacking pair of Lauren James and Aggie Beever-Jones are both doubts due to injuries, having missed the recent victory over Birmingham.

Katie McCabe and Melvine Malard are alternatives to start if Bompastor decides to make changes to the lineup.

On the visitor’s side, they are expected to line up with a back three consisting of Carina Wenninger, Katharina Schiechtl, and Virginia Kirchberger.

Louis Schoffel, who recently extended his contract until 2029, is vying for a position as right wing-back, while Valentina Potzl is anticipated to play on the opposite side.

Modesta Uka and Patricia Pfanner should be selected if Stefan Kenesei opts for a two-striker formation, as they have collectively scored 16 goals across all competitions this season.

Chelsea Women probable starting XI:

Hampton; Bronze, Buurman, McCabe; Carpenter, Nusken, Walsh, Potter, Nusken; Thompson, Mallard, Captain

Áustria Wien W probable starting XI:

Pal; Wenninger, Schiechtl, Kirchberger; Schoffel, Pfattner, Weiss, Cordes, Potzl; Pfanner, Uka

Áustria Wien may have successfully negotiated UWCL qualifying, but the challenge will intensify considerably in their league phase encounter with Chelsea.

The Blues are brimming with confidence after two victories, and it is expected that they will demonstrate their superior quality to secure a definitive win.