Manchester United Women will host reigning Women’s Super League champions, Chelsea, on Sunday evening as the Reds look to continue their impressive start to the season. Our opponents are also in good form as they look to record an eighth consecutive win in all competitions.
United are yet to drop any points this season as we have won all five of our league games suggesting that a title challenge could be on. Last time out, we cruised to a 3-0 victory away to Everton with goals coming from Nikita Parris, Leah Galton, and Hayley Ladd. It leaves us at the top of the table going into this weekend’s fixtures level on points with rivals Arsenal and Chelsea, though the Blues have played one more game.
The Reds have been in brilliant form at both ends of the pitch having scored 14 goals in five WSL games and we are the only team yet to concede in the league so far this season. Confidence will be riding high as we look to add another win to our last nine home victories.
Manchester United Women’s Team News
For United, we are still without defender Aoife Mannion who is currently out with a long-term knee injury. Forward Alessia Russo will be pushing for a starting place after coming back from injury and making a substitute appearance against Everton last Sunday. Leah Galton has been in terrific form this season scoring two goals and three assists and will provide support for Russo.
Manchester United Women’s Predicted Lineup
Earps; Blundell, Le Tissier, Turner, Thorisdottir; Parris, Ladd, Zelem, Toone, Galton, Russo.
Opposition Preview
Chelsea have been in superior form as they are currently on a seven-game winning run in all competitions. They beat Aston Villa 3-1 last Sunday with two goals from former United player Lauren James and a goal from Sam Kerr. With this win, the Blues come into this match with only one defeat in their last 19 league games with this loss coming on the opening day of the season against Liverpool.
They will be hoping to break the United defence and be the first team to score against them in the league having scored at least two goals in their last five WSL games. Chelsea have a good record against United winning the last four games in all competitions and were the last team to beat the Reds in the league.
Chelsea Women Team News
Our opponents are without the services of Maren Mjelde who has a hamstring injury. Fran Kirby and Jelena Cankovic will be unavailable whilst a doubt remains on Katerina Svitkova who didn’t take part in training on Friday. Chelsea could decide to name an unchanged side from the one that beat Aston Villa. This would see Lauren James play against her former club.
Form Guide
Manchester United Women WSL form: WWWWW
Manchester United Women form (all competitions): WLWWLW
Chelsea Women WSL form: LWWWWW
Chelsea Women form (all competitions): WWWWWW
Prediction
Though Chelsea have won the last four games against the Reds, United will have the confidence to achieve the victory and make that push to be title contenders this season.
Manchester United Women 3-1 Chelsea
