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It has been over 500 days and counting since Chelsea last lost a WSL match. This fact by itself underscores the remarkable performance, and whichever way you view the numbers, they appear formidable. Consider these facts: “Sonia Bompastor has not lost a WSL game after 15 months in charge,” “Bompastor claimed victory in 23 of her 26 WSL games undefeated” or “The coach is unbeaten in 34 league games since moving to England.” Each is true, all sound commanding, and—after four wins out of four this season—there are little indication of slowing down.

Who Can Stop The Streak?

Sooner or later, the champions are bound to drop points in a WSL match. Perhaps not this week, it might not be in 2025, it might not even be this season. Maybe it will not occur during this parliament, but one day it will happen, and reason indicates that the matches where their streak has the highest probability of ending are in their away games against key title rivals, the Gunners, City, or United. On Friday, United among them get their chance, and form-wise they are seldom in a stronger position to try it.

Emma Hayes stated: ‘It’s rare that managers are always considered as people.’

Leading teams in the initial table go head to head in Leigh in an evening match and, although the WSL season is just four games into the schedule, Manchester United enter Friday’s fixture with the strongest defensive record in the league. Past encounters supports the visitors however, because the most damning statistic of all is this: Manchester United have never beaten Chelsea in the WSL.

In fact, they have managed just a single tie from their eleven past WSL encounters. Nevertheless, the home team’s manager, Skinner, urges his team to have faith. “It’s by far the toughest test in the WSL right now, of course it is,” the manager said. “We want to try to break that run when we play but it’s difficult.

“They are a well-oiled machine. They have exceptional quality, depth and talent, developed through the years. Anticipate the most demanding of tests on Friday and we must to be ready.

“I really think, you can damage Chelsea in possession, but you need to show courage in doing that, because it’s higher risk since they’re really good in duels. You have to be confident that you can defeat them, and demonstrate the opposition you are capable.”

The Manager’s Perspective on the Unbeaten Run

According to the coach, who led a clean sweep of trophies last season in her debut campaign in the WSL, the numbers mean very little. “This story regarding the unbeaten run is mostly of interest to the journalists,” she stated. “Our season began anew with a clean slate, with four games out of four, and our goal is to approach each fixture with the desire to win. We are only the beginning, we have not accomplished anything so far.”

The former Lyon coach recalls positively of playing at the venue, as that was the place her team clinched last season’s championship on 30 April, with a 1-0 victory courtesy of a Bronze goal. This time they meet a United side that has let in just one in four matches and the coach said: “United appear solid and they’ve had a good start this term.

“On such occasions, it’s always tough. Perhaps teams generate limited opportunities than in some of the fixtures and you need to ensure your side is clinical and efficient. I think that’s what determines the outcome in the highest-level contests.”

Star Scorers to Watch

The top scorers in the WSL this season are set to feature for both teams: Manchester United’s Melvine Malard has four times from four WSL games, as does Chelsea’s Aggie Beever-Jones, who has scored in each match.

Bompastor said, regarding England’s striker's excellent performance: “From the beginning arrived at Chelsea, I could recognise that she is a highly skilled player with a lot of ability, and also a really complete player.

“Out of possession she is great; as the first one in the frontline to apply the pressure. Offensively, the staff has working hard with her, trying so she can become as successful as she can be in many aspects of her play. Currently, she appears very self-assured [and] that’s great for the team.”

Why the First Goal

It is a cliche in football is that “early goal will be crucial” but it seems especially true here; Manchester United have not lost in each of the last twenty-five WSL games in which they have taken the first goal. If they can at last stop their wait for a maiden victory over their rivals, it would be the initial significant turn in the WSL title race.