Preview: Chelsea v United Women

Looking to close the gap at the top, games don’t get much bigger than this for the Reds. 

We travel to the capital following a comprehensive victory over Newcastle in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup, for our first league outing of the new year. 

Ahead of Sunday’s 12:30 GMT kick-off, here is everything you need to know… 

HOW CAN I FOLLOW THE GAME?

Fans in the UK & Ireland can watch action from Stamford Bridge unfold live on BBC Two and on the BBC iPlayer. 

We will have live MUTV radio commentary on ManUtd.com and in the United App, where there will also be regular updates followed by a report of proceedings and exclusive post-match reaction. 

TICKET INFORMATION

If you are yet to secure your seat for Sunday’s clash, you can still do so now. 

Click this link to purchase your ticket.

WHAT IS THE TEAM NEWS?

United's long-term absentees Gabby George, Jess Simpson and Emma Watson remain unavailable for selection due to their knee injuries, while Hinata Miyazawa’s foot issue keeps her out of action. 

Lisa Naalsund was unavailable for our FA Cup outing against Newcastle and may be in contention to return this weekend, while Irene Guerrero made her competitive comeback from injury last time out. Aoife Mannion, meanwhile, has returned to training on grass as she steps up her return. Marc Skinner is expected to provide a fresh update on his squad in Friday's press conference.

Chelsea look set to host the Reds without two of their key first-team stars in Millie Bright and Sam Kerr. The former has no expected timeline on her return, but the Blues have strengthened at the back in her absence with the arrival of Nathalie Bjorn. Kerr, however, will be out for the remainder of the season after picking up a knee injury in Chelsea’s warm-weather training camp earlier this month. 

THE OPPOSITION 

Vying for a fourth consecutive WSL title, Chelsea currently lead the way at the top of the table, two points ahead of second-placed Manchester City. In what is manager Emma Hayes’s final term with the London club, they’ve won eight of their 10 league games so far this season, drawing one and losing the other. 

The home side are unbeaten in 10 encounters against the Reds, and so we will go in search of our first victory over the Blues this weekend. Our most recent battle was also in London, but at Wembley Stadium, to contest the FA Cup final at the back end of our 2022/23 campaign, in which Kerr’s sole strike was the difference on the day.

Seven points separate the clubs in the WSL table before kick-off, ahead of what will be Chelsea and United's first meeting this season. The reverse fixture will be played on the final weekend of the league campaign, at Old Trafford.

WHO ELSE IS PLAYING? 

There are plenty of key games at the top and bottom of the Women's Super League table this weekend. Here is the full schedule...

FRIDAY 19 JANUARY 

Leicester City v Aston Villa (19:00 GMT)

SATURDAY 20 JANUARY 

Arsenal v Everton (14:00 GMT)

SUNDAY 21 JANUARY 

Chelsea v UNITED (12:30 GMT)
Brighton v Bristol City (14:00 GMT)
Man City v Liverpool (14:30 GMT)
West Ham v Tottenham (18:45 GMT)