The Red Devils start the day two points behind us and with an inferior goal difference, and their boss Marc Skinner has said they require ‘two great swings’ for the trophy to end the day in the North-West.

Hayes has the luxury of knowing it is in our hands so she won’t be frequently getting updates on events at Prenton Park.

‘I might ask what their score is at half-time, but for the most part I will focus on what we are in control of,’ she explained.

‘I don’t think about it, I just think about getting off to the right start against a team fighting for their lives, with a manager I know very well who will prepare her team. We have to take care of all the right things.

‘Like I’ve said before, it’s not like we’ve won leagues comfortably in the past, so nothing is different from our perspective. We know from previous experience it goes to the last game.’

Key to getting that precious win in Berkshire will be the performances of Erin Cuthbert and Sophie Ingle in the middle of the park.

Blending dynamism, tough tackling, quality passing and, recently, fine finishing in front of goal, the duo have earned praise from Hayes in the build-up to today’s game. Cuthbert’s smooth transition from a more attacking player continues to impress the manager.

‘Erin and Sophie were outstanding against Arsenal. The challenge I have set for both of them this week is to do it again. Consistency is key.

‘Whenever Erin is set a task, she always delivers. She is growing into her role as a midfielder. I have come to expect these performances from her.

‘She is an absolute winner, someone who wants to keep improving, keep winning, keep growing. I know I can count on her going into games like today.’

With the season nearly at an end, Hayes also took time to reflect on the progress the women’s game has made since last summer, when the Lionesses’ victory on home soil captured the nation’s imagination.

She explained why the WSL has been more keenly fought than ever, and pinpointed areas for further development on and off the pitch when next season comes around.

‘When everybody invests, and has players that are top professionals, inevitably there is going to be a closing of the gap which we’ve seen with each subsequent year. The difference this year is probably that more teams have been at a higher level than previously, and as a result more games have been difficult.

‘We need to keep building on what we’ve already done,' added Hayes.

'That’s making sure there are more games in men’s stadiums but with growing attendances because nobody wants to play in front an empty house, and teams to keep improving the quality and the personnel, because as the product gets better, so does everything else.

‘It’s not about seismic change. It’s about incremental improvements built on what is already a solid foundation.’

• Tickets for the match are available to purchase online from Reading, with Chelsea supporters advised to purchase in blocks Y23 to Y26 and R27 to R28.

• Supporters who cannot attend will be able to watch the match which has been selected for live broadcast on Sky Sports. Kick-off is 2.30pm.