Manchester and Everton each return to WSL action this weekend following a pause for the FA Cup at the end of January, having enduring mixed fortunes in that competition.

Both facing Championship sides, United had to work hard for a narrow victory over Sunderland, while the Toffees fell victim to a shock when they were beaten at home by Birmingham.

United go into the weekend top of the WSL, looking to keep up the kind of form that has put them in an incredibly strong position to secure Champions League football and maybe more.

Everton sit fifth as a result of a string of recent wins but remain five points adrift of Manchester City.

When is kick off? Sunday 5 February, 12:00 (GMT)
Where is the match being played? Leigh Sports Village
TV channel/live stream? FA Player (UK & international)
Referee? Emily Heaslip

Leah Galton is in contention to play for the first time in 2023 after recovering from a back problem in a significant boost for United.

Estelle Cascarino made her United debut off the bench in the FA Cup last weekend and could get similar treatment. Fellow new arrivals Jayde Riviere and Lisa Naalsund remain unavailable as they work on their fitness but have been making progress.

United have no other known injuries to contend with.

Emily Ramsey is ineligible against her parent club, meaning a change in goal for Everton. Katrine Veje is still sidelined, having not played since October. But Brian Sorensen otherwise has a fully fit squad.

Even with Everton on a run of three successive WSL wins, the odds are heavily stacked in Manchester United’s favour ahead of this season.

Everton have never beaten United in a WSL game, losing five times and taking just one point from a possible 18 against them. That solitary point also came at home, with United incredible strong at home and especially at Leigh Sports Village – reigning champions Chelsea are the only visiting team to even score a WSL goal at Leigh since November 2021.

In two meetings already this season, one on Merseyside in the WSL and one at Leigh in the Conti Cup, United have scored seven times and won both games. It must be noted, however, that Everton did score twice in the latter game, albeit after initially going 4-0 down.

Everton have scored three times in three successive WSL wins coming into this one, but defeat to lower league Birmingham takes the sheen off that run, while games against the top four have proven to be their ceiling this season after defeats to United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal so far.

Prediction: Man Utd 3-0 Everton

For more from Jamie Spencer, follow him on Twitter!



Credit: 90min.com

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