Chelsea Ladies forwards can give opponents ‘nightmares’ – Rafferty

Claire Rafferty says having to face a side with as much attacking depth and talent as Chelsea Ladies would give her “nightmares”.

The Blues have England forwards Karen Carney, Eni Aluko, Gemma Davison and Fran Kirby – as well as South Korean star Ji So-Yun – to choose from for Saturday’s FA Cup final against Arsenal Ladies at Wembley.

And Chelsea and England defender Rafferty told West London Sport that any combination will pose a huge threat for 13-time Women’s FA Cup winners Arsenal.

“We have so many options to start or come on,” said Rafferty, who was part of the side that won the FA Cup last season.

“I would have nightmares thinking I could spend 70 minutes keeping Eni Aluko quiet and then have to defend for 20 minutes or so against a totally fresh Gemma Davison or Fran Kirby. No thanks.

“We have such a good squad and have rotated so effectively this season; it has already had a massive impact in games and will continue to be important.

“[Manager] Emma [Hayes] has made that point numerous times; she knows the subs have made a big difference, not just by scoring vital goals, but doing the defensive work and maintaining energy levels.”

The Blues are looking to retain the trophy they won against Notts County last season, but Rafferty expects a different sort of encounter this time around.

“It is a much bigger pitch than we are used to playing on and I think that benefited us against Notts County last season,” Rafferty said.

“This time around both teams will be looking to play so it could get really stretched.

“The game could well be similar to the semi-final against Manchester City when it was incredibly tight and then opened up in the second half. We have already played them this season and we know what each other are about.

“And having lost to us and City, they will have a point to prove so their mentality and approach will be interesting.”