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Neither Casey Stoney nor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer probably expected to meet in a title race this season.
The two Manchester United coaches began their respective campaigns with nearly identical goals: securing Champions League football and closing the gap between the top two, or three in Stoney’s case.
Both United teams are three points clear at the top and will see their title credentials put to the test when they travel to the homes of the reigning Premier League and Women’s Super League champions on Sunday.
As the men play Liverpool at Anfield, the women take on a Chelsea team that is on a long, undefeated home run – sound familiar?
After some unwanted attention off the field last week, Stoney needs his stars to perform. Last weekend, each game bar was postponed due to Covid-19 outbreaks in various clubs after players traveled to Dubai over Christmas.
Stoney was the only coach who admitted a mistake and offered an apology for approving the trips, despite the fact that none of her players tested positive upon return. Chelsea was unaffected and their game with Reading went on, with the Blues notching a convincing 5-0 victory.
A Chelsea win will see Emma Hayes’ team overcome goal difference by one game less, while a United win will send them a six point lead on top. Sportsmail takes a look at the fit players, the coaches and why the Kingsmeadow title clash is the biggest WSL game of recent years.
How are they
Chelsea comes into Sunday’s game having had the advantage of playing last weekend after United’s match with Everton was canceled due to Covid issues at the Toffees.
The Blues were a class above their opponents and could easily have had more goals.
The victory saw them extend their WSL undefeated streak to 30 games. They are now within a gap equaling the league record of 31 games without losing, which was set by Manchester City.
United are also undefeated this season with eight wins and two draws and are looking to end Chelsea’s 12-game winning streak at home.
The two teams met on the first day of the season with Leah Galton snatching a point for United with a late draw. Stoney’s team did not have American internationals Tobin Heath and Christen Press for that game, but they should be available this weekend.
Both teams have shown that they are strong behind. Chelsea have conceded just five goals in nine games, while United have conceded nine in 10. The Blues only surpass their opponents in goals scored at 28 compared to United’s 27.
Like the opening day of the season, there is little to choose between the two teams.
Some to look at
Chelsea – Fran Kirby
In November 2019, Fran Kirby was diagnosed with pericarditis, a rare condition caused by fluid and inflammation of the sac that protects the heart. The disease left her barely able to walk and kept her out of sports for eight months.
In that time, Chelsea signed Sam Kerr and Pernille Harder, two of the biggest stars in women’s football. But it’s Kirby who has turned heads this season.
The English international has recovered from illness and injury to score seven goals in nine games, four of which came against Reading last week. A hat-trick in the first half – right foot, left foot and header – put the champions in her path and she capped off a memorable performance with another header in the second half.
Kirby admitted that it feels like a new signing and its impact has been greater than that of many of the big names that came to the WSL over the summer.
The forward caused trouble for United in the second leg and prepared Sam Kerr for Chelsea’s goal. The 27-year-old couldn’t be in better shape for this game.
Manchester United – Tobin Heath
The winner of the United game knows all about success. He has won World Cups, American Championships and two Olympic gold medals.
The 32-year-old can score from anywhere and has the ability to turn a game around. United were 2-0 down to City in November before Heath’s sensational blow brought them back into the game and then drew shortly after.
Their defeat of rivals Manchester United also delighted the fans. “They taught us that Manchester is red. Like no one is going to Manchester City games, ” the American told The New York Times.
“I feel like, City, because they are this modern global team, in the United States we think they are a really great club. But here in Manchester, it’s not a great club. ‘
His commitment to the Red Devils was demonstrated when he turned down the opportunity to participate in America’s January training camp in order to help continue the club’s title.
Having missed the game against Chelsea at the start of the season, Heath will be desperate to make her mark on Sunday.
Managers
Chelsea and United have two of the most respected coaches in women’s football.
Experience favors the Blues. Hayes has been in management for 21 years, while Stoney is only in his third season. However, the United manager enjoyed a 19-year-old playing career, winning 10 trophies and making more than 100 appearances for England. They both know what it takes to win.
There have been no mind games by Hayes or Stoney, no mention of United’s or Chelsea’s penalty record for that matter. But both coaches are frank and not afraid to speak their minds.
Hayes asked other clubs to improve after last week’s controversy over game postponements.
She said: ‘It is our job to do this safely, to take care of the players and where we can, let’s make sure that these matches happen and that we are not irresponsible as clubs.
‘It’s not good enough. I am disappointed in women’s football this week. We have worked very hard to get where we are and it is important for everyone to make sure that we do the right things again.
“We are a professional league, we have an elite status, if you don’t want the government to take that away from us, behave correctly.”
Stoney is equally honest, as was evident in her apology last week. Many fans would like to see a manager in charge of England in the future, but both have their sights set on club football.
The biggest game in years?
It’s too early to call it a title decider, but it’s a great match for both clubs and a win for either team will put them firmly on the rise.
Higher goal difference means that a draw would give Chelsea a slight advantage if they win their match against Tottenham next week.
A United win would be huge. It would make them strong favorites to win the league and then it would be theirs to lose.
Chelsea were expected to be a title challenger this season. Many thought United could break into the top three, but few predicted they could win the league. There is now a growing belief that the men’s and women’s teams can do something special, but both will first have to pass their tests on Sunday.
Source: m.allfootballapp.com
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