The matches begin later today with a Women’s Super League visit from Liverpool, the first of six remaining in that competition with a Wembley date against league leaders Manchester United in the FA Cup to come too.

There is one less trophy to chase than there was a week ago, following a 1-1 draw in Camp Nou, resulting in a 2-1 loss on aggregate. It brings renewed focus on defending the two cups we already hold, and Hayes considers the knock-on effect of the meeting with Barcelona.

‘I think it's given the group confidence,’ the manager says.

• Leupolz relishes the games coming thick and fast

• All the preview info you need ahead of Liverpool game

• Details of free food offer at Kingsmeadow

‘The performance away from home, particularly the second half, will allow us to find something else in our game. I've seen a really positive response. This group knows how to win, but we're going to do everything possible to take one game at a time.

‘We know we don't get much recovery. We know we don't have the points in the bag, but we're in control of our own destiny and while still in that position, we will attack it with everything that we've got.’

The reason why Chelsea are in control of our own destiny is that despite Man United having a seven-point lead over us in the WSL, we have three games in hand. Man City in second place have played the same number of matches as their neighbours but have three points less.

‘We understand the challenges and we fully respect the position Manchester United are in,’ says Hayes.

‘They've put themselves in a favourable position and the teams outside of Europe play one game a week, keep the same starting 11, it’s always going to put you in a good position. They've had a tremendous season and we're going to push them the whole way we hope.’

Ahead of tonight’s game there is a free hot dog on offer for those coming to Kingsmeadow, the fulfilment of a promise Hayes made to the fans left disappointed when the original attempt to play today’s fixture was cut short by wintry conditions.

‘It's a small token of appreciation for the fans that came out that day,’ she says. ‘I offered a hot dog not realising we don't sell hot dogs so we've had to source them in. Following 10 years working in America, I didn't think of a burger quicker than I did a hot dog!’