Chelsea close in on WSL title – when could they win it?

Chelsea could win their sixth successive Women’s Super League title on Wednesday.

They lead Arsenal by six points and Manchester United by eight with three games remaining.

Those three sides are well-placed to qualify for Europe, but Manchester City are still in the mix after a win at Leicester on Sunday.

The other end of the table is sorted with Crystal Palace relegated on Sunday after their 7-1 thrashing by West Ham.

There have been no signs of teething problems for Chelsea this season under new boss Bompastor, as their league dominance – established under predecessor Emma Hayes – has continued.

Unbeaten in the WSL this season, Chelsea have 51 points from a possible 57, although two draws in March allowed closest challengers Arsenal to get within three points and Manchester United within five.

The highest total Arsenal could finish with is 54 points, meaning Chelsea need four more to guarantee the title.

Because of their Champions League semi-final participation, Chelsea’s WSL game at Manchester United has been rearranged for 30 April.

They could clinch the title with victory over United (20:15 BST kick-off) should Arsenal drop points against Aston Villa earlier that evening (18:00).

Manchester City, who challenged Chelsea until the final day last season, are now mathematically out of the title race and only have slim hopes of achieving a Champions League spot.

Even if City win all their remaining games – including against their neighbours – one win from United’s other two matches would be enough for them to finish third.

From next season, the Women’s Champions League format is changing, with the number of teams earning direct qualification expanding from four teams to nine.

The winners of the WSL will directly qualify, along with the champions from the other five top-ranked national associations.

The runners-up of the two top-ranked associations – set to be France and Germany – will also be guaranteed direct qualification, along with the previous season’s winners.

As it stands, the WSL champions will go directly into the league phase with the teams in second and third going into the qualifying rounds.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have been given a sliver of hope, with Opta giving them a 2. 04% chance of winning the title.

Crystal Palace will make an instant return to the Championship after their relegation was confirmed by a home thrashing by West Ham.

They have won two games, drawn three but lost 15 in the first season in the top-flight.

They are the first team to be relegated in their debut season in the Women’s Super League.