Preview: Chelsea v United Women

Thursday 09 March 2023 16:15

Manchester United Women are set for a blockbuster top-of-the-table clash this Sunday, as we travel south to play against Barclays WSL holders Chelsea.

Just one point separates the two sides in the table, with United top of the tree, while Emma Hayes’s side have one game in hand on the Reds and occupy second spot.

There is, of course, a lot of football still to be played this season, but with Man City and Arsenal maintaining pressure on the top two, the fixture between Marc Skinner’s side and the reigning champions could have a big bearing on where the title ultimately ends up in May.

Ahead of the highly anticipated clash at Kingsmeadow, get the lowdown on the shape of both sides, the broadcasting information, and more…

Part one: Skinner's pre-Chelsea press conference Video

Part one: Skinner's pre-Chelsea press conference

Press conference | See the first half of Marc Skinner's media briefing before Chelsea v United Women...

HOW CAN YOU FOLLOW THE GAME?

The match is scheduled to kick off at 12:30 GMT, and it will be broadcasted live on BBC Two and on the BBC iPlayer in the UK.

In addition, we will be providing team news and match updates in the United App, with a report to follow after the full-time whistle.

You can also track the game through our dedicated Twitter account, @ManUtdWomen.

WHAT’S THE TEAM NEWS?

In his pre-match press conference, Skinner said: “Apart from Jayde Riviere, everyone in this moment has reported well from the [Leicester] game and is reporting well for the week, so hopefully, fingers crossed, we will have a full squad to pick from when we go into this game against Chelsea.”

Riviere was also ruled out of United’s previous match, the 5-1 win over Leicester, with Skinner stating that she was “three weeks away” from fitness prior to that fixture.

For the hosts, Pernille Harder is out for the remainder of the campaign, while Fran Kirby had to pull out of England’s Arnold Clark squad in February due to a knee injury.

Kirby also missed the Blues’ Continental Cup final defeat to Arsenal last week, with Hayes admitting she was “unsure” when the midfielder would return.

Training highlights: Prepping for Chelsea Video

Training highlights: Prepping for Chelsea

Training highlights | United Women are in a determined mood, with a huge WSL match at Chelsea coming on Sunday...

FORM GUIDE

United have been in a rich vein of form this season, winning 11 of our 14 league matches so far, losing only once – to Sunday’s opponents Chelsea.

In all competitions, the Reds are currently on a 13-match unbeaten streak after that defeat by the Blues in November, and beat Leicester City emphatically 5-1 last time out.

Chelsea, on the other hand, bounced back from their Conti Cup final defeat at the hands of Arsenal by triumphing 3-1 against Brighton on Wednesday night.

Prior to their loss versus Arsenal, the Blues had been on a remarkable 21-game unbeaten streak in all competitions – which included WSL, Champions League and domestic cup fixtures. Hayes’s side have only lost once in the league this season, away to Liverpool on the opening day.

THE LAST TIME WE MET

United’s singular league defeat of the current campaign was inflicted by Chelsea at Leigh Sports Village back in November 2022, as the Reds were beaten 3-1.

A cagey match saw the visitors take the lead through Sam Kerr on the hour, before ex-Red Lauren James added a second just four minutes later.

Ella Toone set up Alessia Russo to halve the deficit soon after, but a last-gasp strike from Erin Cuthbert sealed all three points for her side. 

United will no doubt be looking to set the record straight this Sunday.

WSL final-day fixtures moved

 Article

The last round of Barclays Women’s Super League matches have a new date.

WHO ELSE IS PLAYING?

Our clash with Chelsea opens Sunday’s fixtures, with five others to be played across the day.

SUNDAY 12 MARCH

Chelsea v UNITED (12:30 GMT)

Brighton v Man City (14:00 GMT)

Liverpool v Tottenham (14:00 GMT)

Leicester v Everton (15:00 GMT)

West Ham v Aston Villa (15:00 GMT)

Arsenal v Reading (18:45 GMT)

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