Okay, Interesting Choices, Chelsea…

So, Chelsea’s playing St. Polten in the Women’s Champions League, and the lineup’s got some surprises. Five changes, apparently.

First off, Sam Kerr’s starting. Which is huge! After that long injury, seeing her get a start…it’s like a sign things are turning around, you know? She had a late sub appearance against Aston Villa, but this is different. This is a real return.

Millie Bright’s getting a rest. Understandable; those players are workhorses. Naomi Girma is in—always liked her. And Keira Walsh takes the armband. She’s been so solid in midfield; captain material for sure.

The Hampton news is a bit of a worry. Calf problem, apparently. Livia Peng gets her second Champions League appearance this season because of it. Huge opportunity for her. Hope Hampton isn’t out for too long, though.

Also, Ellie Carpenter and Sandy Baltimore are back in the starting eleven after being subs against Arsenal. Fresh legs out wide—good move.

Here’s the full Chelsea lineup: Peng, Carpenter, Bronze, Girma, Baltimore, Rytting Kaneryd, Walsh (c), Kaptein, Thompson, Macario, Kerr. Not bad. Not bad at all.

Subs: Spencer, Bright, Buurman, Nusken, Cuthbert, James, Bjorn, Charles, Jean-Francois, Hamano, Potter. Pretty strong bench, too. Options, options, options.

I guess Bompastor’s really mixing things up. Let’s see how it plays out!

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