How to follow Brighton v United Women

Marc Skinner’s side head into the league meeting full of confidence, having run out 4-0 winners against West Ham at Old Trafford last weekend, with goals from Katie Zelem, Hayley Ladd, and a Lucia Garcia brace.

As we remain in the race for the WSL title, the Seagulls are set for their own battle at the bottom of the table to avoid relegation, making this weekend's clash an all-important one for both sides. 

Ahead of our final league instalment before the international break, here are the key things you need to know, from how to watch the game to the latest team news.

HOW CAN YOU FOLLOW THE GAME?

The Reds' WSL clash with Brighton at the Broadfield Stadium in Crawley will kick off at 11:30 BST this Saturday, 1 April.

In our United App, you can listen to live radio commentary and get team news plus half- and full-time summaries, followed by a match report. You can also get live updates from our designated Twitter account, @ManUtdWomen. 

Meanwhile, in the UK and Ireland, the fixture will be shown live on Sky Sports.

WHAT'S THE TEAM NEWS?

United will have all but two players available to us for Saturday’s game. Maria Thorisdottir has already been ruled out for the remainder of the season, after the Norwegian defender sustained an injury in our FA Cup quarter-final against Lewes. In the same game, January signing Lisa Naalsund pulled up with a suspected hamstring injury and the club's medical staff continue to assess her. 

Elsewhere, Jayde Riviere made it into Skinner’s matchday squad for the first time when we played at Old Trafford last weekend. The Canadian could be in the running for her first minutes in a Reds shirt when we face Brighton. 

The major doubt for Saturday's hosts is defender Guro Bergsvand, who was withdrawn form Brighton’s 2-2 draw with Reading due to an injury – though the extent of that is yet to be known. 

FORM GUIDE

As far as recent form goes, the Reds are on a much better run than our opponents. Skinner’s side have lost just two games so far this season – both of which came at the hands of reigning WSL champions Chelsea. Aside from that, we’ve won 12 of our 16 games so far, drawing two. We've scored 42 goals and have the joint-best defence in the league – alongside Arsenal – after conceding just nine, a stat that has helped us reach the top of the table. 

For Brighton, however, it has been quite the opposite. The Seagulls have had three managers this season alone, making for a difficult campaign. Hope Powell left the club at the end of October following a difficult start, and was soon replaced by German boss Jens Scheuer in December – though he wouldn’t be their long-term solution, leaving Brighton some months later at the beginning of March. 

For the second time this season, Amy Merricks has stepped in as interim boss for the south-coast club and faces a tough battle at the bottom of the table as her side look to avoid relegation. They picked up an important point against Reading last time out and will be keen to add to their two wins this season when the Reds come to town. 

WHAT HAPPENED LAST TIME WE MET?

The last time we faced Brighton, we welcomed the Seagulls to Leigh Sports Village for matchday four of the current WSL campaign in a bid to extend our unbeaten run. Skinner’s side put out yet another statement win, earning three points after scoring four and conceding none. A brace from Ella Toone and goals from Leah Galton and Adriana Leon sent the Reds flying to victory.

There’s even more at stake when we go head-to-head at the weekend, for both teams. With things incredibly tight at the top of the table, and the Reds still having games to play against City and Arsenal, every point matters for us in the mix for the title and a place in the Champions League next season.