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A period of over 500 days and counting since the London club last lost a WSL match. This fact by itself underscores the remarkable performance, and whichever way you view the statistics, they are daunting. Take these examples: “The French manager is yet to lose a WSL fixture in 15 months as coach,” “Bompastor claimed victory in 23 of her 26 WSL games undefeated” or “The coach is unbeaten in 34 league matches after arriving to England.” All are true, all sound impressive, and—following four victories out of four this season—they are showing no signs of slowing down.

Who Can End This Run?

Eventually, Chelsea are bound to drop points in a WSL match. It might not be this week, it might not be in 2025, possibly not even during this campaign. Perhaps it will not occur for some time, but one day it will happen, and reason indicates that the fixtures where their streak is most likely of ending are in their travel fixtures against key competitors, the Gunners, City, or Manchester United. On Friday, United among them will have their turn, and based on current form they are seldom better placed to attempt it.

The former Chelsea manager stated: ‘It’s rare that managers are considered as human beings.’

The top two sides in the initial table go head to head in Leigh Sports Village in an evening match and, even though the WSL season is only four rounds old, the Red Devils go into Friday’s fixture with the strongest defensive record in the league. History supports the visitors however, because perhaps the starkest statistic among them could be the following: United have never beaten their rivals in the WSL.

In fact, they have secured only one draw from their 11 previous WSL meetings. Nevertheless, United’s head coach, Skinner, wants his team to believe. “It’s by far the toughest challenge in the WSL at present, of course it is,” the manager said. “Our aim to try to end their streak when we play but it is a challenge.

“They are a well-oiled unit. Possessing incredible quality, depth and quality, developed through the years. I expect the most demanding of tests on Friday and we’ve got to be ready.

“I really think, it is possible to damage Chelsea with the ball, but you need to be brave in doing that, as it carries more risk since they’re really good in duels. It is essential to believe that you can beat them, and show Chelsea you are capable.”

The Manager’s View on the Streak

According to the coach, who led a domestic treble last term in her first season in English football, the numbers are not significant. “This story regarding the undefeated streak is more for the media,” she stated. “Our season began anew with a clean slate, with four matches all played, and we want to approach each fixture aiming to win. It is early in the season, we did not achieve anything yet.”

The former Lyon coach recalls positively of playing at Leigh, because it was where her team secured the previous championship in late April, via a one-nil win courtesy of a Bronze header. Now they meet a United team who have let in just one in four matches and the coach noted: “They appear solid and they’ve had a positive beginning to the season.

“In these games, it’s always challenging. Perhaps you create limited opportunities compared to some of the fixtures and it is crucial to ensure you are precise and efficient. In my opinion that’s what determines the outcome in the highest-level games.”

Key Scorers to Look Out For

The top goalscorers in the WSL this season will be in action for both teams: Manchester United’s Melvine Malard has four goals from four WSL games, as does the Blues' Aggie Beever-Jones, scoring in each match.

The manager said, regarding England’s striker's excellent performance: “Since I joined the club, it was clear that Aggie was a highly skilled player boasting great ability, and also a well-rounded player.

“Defensively she has been great; as the first one in the frontline to apply the press. Offensively, we have been working hard alongside her, trying so she can become as successful as she can be in many aspects of her play. Right now, she appears really confident [and] which benefits the squad.”

Why the First Goal

It is a cliche in soccer is that “early goal is decisive” but it seems particularly relevant in this match; Manchester United are unbeaten in all of the past 25 WSL fixtures in which they have taken the lead. If they can finally stop the drought for a first win over their rivals, it could represent the first major turn in the WSL title race.