Lucy Bronze is looking forward to the "really big" occasion of Chelsea taking on London rivals Arsenal in a pre-season friendly in America.
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England star Bronze signs for ChelseaBlues to begin pre-season campaignDefender looking forward to Arsenal gameWHAT HAPPENED?
Chelsea's women's team are currently in the United States for their pre-season tour as they prepare for the upcoming Women's Super League campaign. Bronze, who left Barcelona for the Blues on a two-year deal, has now set her sights on getting a taste of their London derby with Arsenal at Audi Field in Washington DC next weekend.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT LUCY BRONZE SAID
She told Chelsea's website: "After watching the WSL over the past two years, the London derby is always a really big occasion. It’s one everyone looks forward to. It’s two teams with a lot of quality. Arsenal have a lot of players I know well, and I’m sure they will be looking forward to getting their season underway with a bit of a bang, as well. It’ll be a good game in Washington, where the women’s game is really kicking on as well with their team in the NWSL. I think everyone watching in the US and back home will be looking forward to it."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Chelsea are beginning a new era under former Lyon boss Sonia Bompastor – who replaced legendary manager Emma Hayes earlier this summer. If they are to secure a record-extending sixth WSL win, players like Bronze and others will need to be at the top of their game to fend off the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal.
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Before they face Arsenal, however, Bronze's Chelsea lock horns with National Women's Soccer League side Gotham FC on August 20. This will be a good test for the Blues as Gotham are well more than halfway into their season, whereas the London outfit's players are coming from their summer holidays.