Preview: United Women v Chelsea

Friday 04 November 2022 18:00

Manchester United will be once again bidding to extend our perfect start to the WSL campaign, as we prepare to take on reigning champions Chelsea at Leigh Sports Village this weekend.

United have a perfect league record so far this season, whilst also boasting the impressive stat of not yet conceding a goal. Marc Skinner's side are sitting top of the pile at present, ahead of Arsenal in the standings on goal difference.

Having played one more game, third-placed Chelsea are also level on points with both the Reds and Jonas Eidevall's side and would therefore go above us if they emerge victorious in Sunday's clash (18:45 GMT).

Ahead of the showdown, here is everything you need to know...

Skinner up for October award

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The United Women boss is on the WSL Manager of the Month shortlist again.

HOW TO WATCH AND FOLLOW

Only standing tickets now remain for this game, having sold out within the seating sections. Priced at £6 for adults and just £3 for over 65's and under-16s, be sure to grab yours by clicking here to ensure you don't miss out.

Alternatively, if you cannot make it to Leigh on Sunday, the action is set to be broadcast live in the UK via Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event. Coverage is set to get under way at 18:30 GMT, just 15 minutes prior to kick-off.

Fans will also be follow updates in the United App and more frequently via our dedicated Twitter feed, @ManUtdWomen.

THE OPPOSITION

Bidding to retain their domestic crown this season, Emma Hayes' well-drilled outfit have lost just once in their opening six games, slipping up 2-1 to newly promoted Liverpool on the opening day of the campaign. Having won all five WSL outings since their defeat against the Merseysiders, Chelsea have scored 13 goals on that run, whilst only conceding three in the process. With the clash set to be our biggest test so far, Skinner's side will have to keep an eye on the ever-threatening Fran Kirby, with the 29-year-old forward already netting three times this term.

TEAM NEWS

Last season's top scorer Alessia Russo made a return to action during our 3-0 victory over Everton last week, with the Lionesses star completing the final 20 minutes as a substitute for Lucia Garcia.  Aoife Mannion is continuing her recovery from a long-term knee injury, with the defender expected to return nearer to the New Year.

Two Reds nominated for WSL Player of the Month

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Mary Earps and Leah Galton impressed as the Reds continued the perfect start to the league campaign.

FORM GUIDE

United will be buoyed by another convincing display that saw three separate players find the net in last weekend's 3-0 win over Everton. One of them, Lionesses forward Nikita Parris, will be looking to build on her October tally of two goals.

Chelsea come into the game off the back of a 3-1 win over Aston Villa last time out, with Lauren James (2) and Sam Kerr on target in the triumph. Having also beaten Albanian side KS Vllaznia in the UEFA Women's Champions League last week, 8-0, our opponents on Sunday will no doubt be brimming with confidence. Top scorer Sam Kerr has already found the net eight times this campaign, as she looks to carry on from where she left off.

HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD

After seven attempts prior to this weekend's match, United are yet to achieve a victory over the current WSL title holders. On the final day of last season, our European hopes were hanging in the balance as we travelled to Kingsmeadow back in May. Martha Thomas and Ella Toone were on target as the Reds twice took the lead, before Chelsea came back to win 4-2.

Highlights: Chelsea v United Women Video

Highlights: Chelsea v United Women

Watch all the key moments from Sunday's season finale for United Women, away to Chelsea...

RIVALS WATCH

Our test against the Blues is one of six games being played across the division this weekend. The full list is as follows: 

SUNDAY 6 NOVEMBER

Reading v Man City 
Liverpool v Aston Villa
Tottenham v Everton
Leicester v Arsenal
West Ham v Brighton (15:00)
United v Chelsea (18:45)

All kick-offs 14:00 GMT unless stated.

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