How to watch and follow United Women v Brighton

Our third league game of the season follows a recent defeat against Aston Villa in the FA Women's Continental Tyres League Cup, with the Villans emerging victorious on penalties following a full-time scoreline of 1-1. 

Prior to this defeat, Marc Skinner's side recorded victories over Reading and West Ham United in the WSL, keeping two clean sheets.

Following the 100 per cent start to the league campaign, the Reds will be hoping to build on solid foundations, with the 22/23 campaign still in its relative infancy.

Here's everything you need to know ahead of this weekend's clash...

HOW TO WATCH AND FOLLOW

Tickets for Sunday's game at Leigh Sports Village are still available to buy, priced at £6 for Adults, as well as £3 for both Over 65's and Under-16s. Skinner championed the impact of the Barmy Army in his pre-match interview, and will no doubt hope his side be backed right from the very first whistle in WN7.

The game is also set to broadcast live over on BBC2, with coverage set to commence 15 minutes prior to kick-off at 11:45 BST. You can also catch-up on highlights via the BBC1's Women's Football Show, which is due to be shown on Sunday evening at 23:50 BST.

As always, we will keep you right up to date with all the action as it happens, via ManUtd.com, our Official App and via our dedicated Women's Twitter channel: @ManUtdWomen.

TEAM NEWS

Skinner has confirmed that forward Alessia Russo will play no part in Sunday's clash with Brighton, due to a small injury she sustained just a few weeks ago.

The 23-year-old was not present in the Lionesses' recent games against the USA and Czech Republic, having been forced to withdraw from the squad. Marc provided a small update on the forward during Wednesday's pre-match press conference:

''It’s her first session back on the training field today. She won’t be available for this game, but we’re actually progressing really, really nicely and I’ve been really impressed by her attitude to this [injury].

"She’s grown up massively and I’m so pleased with the way she has approached it and performed in training. To have her back on the field even this morning with a smile on her face is a really nice thing. We’ll make sure she’s looked after and then she can come into the games when we know she’ll be fit and healthy."

Aoife Mannion remains out while summer signing Rachel Williams could feature, following her own lay-off.

THE OPPOSITION

Founded back in 1991, the Seagulls have held a women's team since the 1970's, in their original guise as Brighton GPO.

Now, taking part in their fifth season in the top flight, current manager Hope Powell will hope to build on her sides 7th-placed finish last term.

Currently playing their home games at Crawley Town's Broadfield Stadium, Brighton reached the fourth round of the Women's FA Cup last season.

FORM GUIDE

Having won one and lost one so far this campaign, our opponents this Sunday will hope to build on their own solid start, under Powell's firm stewardship. 

Losing 4-0 on the opening day of the season to Arsenal, defender Emma Kullberg was shown a straight red card after just seven minutes, leading the Gunners to waltz to a comfortable triumph.

However, Brighton have since picked up their first three points of the season, beating Reading by 2-1 thanks to strikes from both Lee Guem-min and Katie Robinson.

The sides last outing was a 3-2 defeat to Skinner's previous employer Birmingham City in the Continental Tyres League Cup, as they lost by 3-2.

HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD

Having previously met eight times in all competitions, it is United who hold the better record, emerging victorious in six of the past meetings.

Completing a domestic double over Brighton last season, Leah Galton's 69th minute goal was to be the only goal in a 1-0 home triumph at LSV.

Meanwhile, back in December 2021, it was Hayley Ladd and Vilde Boe-Risa on target, as the Reds ran out 2-0 winners in Sussex.

RIVALS WATCH

Our clash is one of six games taking place this weekend, with matchday four set to serve up some exciting offerings in the WSL.

Aston Villa get the weekend under way against West Ham on Saturday, while Chelsea travel to Everton and Man City host Leicester on Sunday afternoon. Sunday evening sees league leaders Arsenal travel to Reading, as the Gunners look to fend off the challenge of Skinner's side in the league table.

Here is the schedule in full...

SATURDAY 15 OCTOBER
Aston Villa v West Ham (12:30)

SUNDAY 16 OCTOBER
UNITED v Brighton (12:00)
Everton v Chelsea (13:00)
Man City v Leicester
Tottenham v Liverpool 
Reading v Arsenal (18:45)

All kick-offs are 14:00 BST unless stated.