Preview: United Women v Spurs

The Reds have been in scintillating form as of late, most recently progressing to the semi-finals of the Continental Tyres League Cup, defeating league leaders Arsenal by 1-0 on Wednesday evening. 

With Spurs our last WSL opponent of the month, we will hope to continue our recent good fortunes, given both sides are currently level on points in the current league standings. 

Here, you can find out all you need to know ahead of Sunday’s clash…

HOW TO FOLLOW

Tickets are still available for our 12:00 GMT kick-off at Leigh Sports Village, with adults priced at £6, while seniors and under-16s are £3. Disabled supporters requiring the use of accessible seating can call 0161 524 0211 to check availability. 

Furthermore, tickets for the historic first Manchester United Women's match to be played in front of fans at Old Trafford, against Everton on 27 March, are available too. For more information, or to secure your seats now, head to www.manutd.com/womenstickets.

If you cannot be in attendance to cheer on the Reds this weekend, we will bring you team news, as well as updates at half-time and full-time, in the Manchester United App.

TEAM NEWS

Kirsty Hanson is seen as a 'doubt' for the clash having unfortunately suffered an ankle injury in midweek. United boss Marc Skinner also revealed how both Lucy Staniforth and Martha Harris are set to miss out, with the Reds likely to make changes to the starting XI that successfully overcame the Gunners in midweek. 

Tottenham also booked their place in the last four of the Continental League Cup earlier this week, seeing off Liverpool by just a single goal. 

Midfielder Kit Graham is a long-term absentee having suffered a cruciate ligament injury in November, with new signing Evelina Summanen potentially in line to make her debut after signing from Swedish side Kristianstads earlier this month.

FORM GUIDE

The Reds come into the game having not conceded yet in 2022 and we boast a strong five-game unbeaten streak. Skinner’s side have also won their last two WSL games by five goals to nil.

As for the visitors, they are also yet to taste defeat this calendar year, having not lost in all competitions since November 2021.

Currently fourth in the table, Spurs have let in just eight goals domestically this season, so a tough contest is expected to be played out at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday.

HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD

United impressively have never suffered defeat against the Lilywhites, with the clubs having now locked horns six times since 2019.

In this season’s earlier encounter, the Reds were denied all three points in North London, as Ria Percival’s last-gasp free-kick ensured the points were shared in a 1-1 draw.

With five wins prior to November’s tie, Skinner will be hoping to continue United’s impressive run, having now only tasted defeat three times since taking over as head coach in July of last year.

ONE TO WATCH

Tottenham forward Rachel Williams will have to be watched carefully this weekend, given the 34-year-old has netted four goals and provided two assists so far this season for Rehanne Skinner's side. 

Having previously worked as a plasterer before turning professional, Williams is a seasoned veteran within the female game, having now played women's football since 2004.

RIVALS WATCH

SUNDAY 23 JANUARY

UNITED v Spurs (12:00)
Brighton v Chelsea (12:30)
Leicester v Aston Villa (14:00)
Reading v Birmingham (14:00)
West Ham v Everton (15:00)
Man City v Arsenal (18:45)