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It has been over 500 days since Chelsea suffered a defeat in a WSL match. This fact alone underscores their exceptional quality, and whichever way you view the numbers, they are daunting. Consider these facts: “The French manager is yet to lose a WSL game after 15 months in charge,” “Bompastor claimed victory in 23 of her 26 WSL matches without defeat” or “She remains undefeated in 34 league games after arriving to England.” All are true, all sound impressive, and—following four wins from four this term—they are showing little indication of slowing down.

Who Can Stop The Streak?

Sooner or later, Chelsea will lose a WSL match. It might not be this week, it might not be in 2025, it might not even be this season. Perhaps it will not occur for some time, but eventually it is inevitable, and reason suggests that the fixtures where their streak is most likely of ending are in one of their travel fixtures against their main title rivals, Arsenal, Manchester City, or United. On Friday, United of that trio will have their turn, and based on current form they are seldom in a stronger position to try it.

Emma Hayes once remarked: ‘It’s rare that coaches are thought about as human beings.’

The top two sides in the initial standings go head to head in Leigh Sports Village in an evening match and, even though the WSL campaign is just four games old, Manchester United go into the match with the strongest defensive record in the league. Past encounters favours the visitors however, since perhaps the starkest statistic of all is this: United have not defeated their rivals in the WSL.

In fact, they have secured only one draw from their eleven past WSL encounters. Even so, United’s head coach, Marc Skinner, wants his team to believe. “Without a doubt the most difficult test in the WSL right now, of course it is,” Skinner said. “Our aim is to break that run when we play but it is a challenge.

“They are a highly efficient unit. They have exceptional skill, depth and talent, that they’ve built through the years. I expect the most demanding of challenges on Friday and we’ve got prepare fully.

“I really think, you can hurt them in possession, but you need to show courage to attempt it, as it carries more risk since they excel in duels. It is essential to be confident in your ability to beat them, and show the opposition that you can.”

The Manager’s Perspective on the Streak

According to the coach, who oversaw a domestic treble last term in her debut campaign in the WSL, the numbers mean very little. “The narrative regarding the undefeated streak is mostly of interest to the journalists,” she said. “Our season began this season with a clean slate, we won four matches out of four, and we want to approach each fixture aiming for victory. It is only the beginning, we have not accomplished much so far.”

Bompastor has fond memories of visiting the venue, because that was the place her team clinched the previous championship on 30 April, with a one-nil win courtesy of a Bronze header. Now they face a Manchester United team who have conceded only one goal in four league games and the coach said: “United look strong and they have made a positive beginning to the season.

“On such occasions, it’s always tough. Maybe you create limited opportunities than in other fixtures and it is crucial to make sure your side is clinical and effective. In my opinion that’s what determines the outcome in the highest-level contests.”

Key Attackers to Look Out For

The top scorers in the WSL this season will be in action on either side: United’s Malard has four goals from four WSL appearances, just like Chelsea’s Beever-Jones, who has scored in each match.

The manager said, regarding England’s striker's flourishing form: “Since I joined Chelsea, I could recognise that she is a really good player boasting great ability, and also a well-rounded performer.

“Defensively she is outstanding; as the first one in the frontline to apply the pressure. Offensively, the staff has putting in effort alongside her, trying so she can to be as successful possible in various areas of her play. Right now, she is really confident [and] that’s great for the team.”

Why the First Goal

It is a cliche in soccer that the “early goal will be crucial” but this appears especially true here; Manchester United are unbeaten in all of the last twenty-five WSL fixtures in which they scored the lead. Should they finally stop the drought for a maiden victory against Chelsea, it would be the initial significant twist in the WSL title race.