Manchester United Women will attempt to claim a fifth straight victory in all competitions when they play host to Liverpool Women on Sunday.
The visitors, meanwhile, will be looking to extend their unbeaten run to four matches after winning two and drawing one of their last three matches.
Match preview
© Reuters
Man United, who occupy fourth spot in the WSL table, have enjoyed an impressive run of form since they suffered a disappointing defeat in last month's derby clash with Manchester City.
Since losing 3-1 to their local rivals, the Red Devils have put together a four-game winning run, beginning with victories over Liverpool and Bristol City in the League Cup and WSL respectively.
They went on to make light work of last Sunday's away game against Tottenham Hotspur, with Hannah Blundell, Ella Toone, Melvine Malard and Hayley Ladd all finding the net in a commanding 4-0 win.
Marc Skinner's side enjoyed another successful result in midweek, as goals from Lucia Garcia, Lisa Naalsund and Katie Zelem proved enough to secure a 3-1 victory in the League Cup, leaving the Red Devils top of their group with maximum points to their name.
With Man United looking to end 2023 with another positive result, they will draw inspiration from the fact that they have won their last three competitive games against Liverpool without conceding.
© Reuters
Having picked up 15 points from their nine games, Liverpool sit in fifth position and three points adrift of Man United, ensuring that they go into the weekend with the chance to move level with Sunday's opponents.
After rounding off November with a commanding 4-0 win against Brighton & Albion, the Reds had to settle for a point in last weekend's home game against newly-promoted Bristol City.
The Reds returned to winning ways in Wednesday's League Cup clash against Merseyside rivals Everton, with Sophie Roman Haug and Yana Daniels getting on the scoresheet in a 2-1 win.
While that narrow win represented a successful away outing, Liverpool have won only one of their last 16 road trips in the WSL.
If they are to clinch a rare away league victory on Sunday, the Reds will need to beat Man United in a WSL fixture for the very first time after failing in their previous three attempts.
- W
- L
- W
- W
- W
- W
- D
- L
- L
- W
- D
- W
Team News
© Reuters
While Man United have reported no fresh injury concerns, they are still unable to call upon Irene Guerrero and Hinata Miyazawa.
They are also without the services of long-term absentees Emma Watson, Gabby George, Jessica Simpson, Aoife Mannion and Evie Rabjohn.
After rotating his squad in midweek, Skinner could revert back to the side that started last weekend's 4-0 win over Tottenham.
As for the visitors, defender Jasmine Matthews remains sidelined with a hamstring injury that has kept her out of the last six matches.
Forward Mia Enderby is also a doubt for Sunday's contest after missing the last two matches due to concussion protocols.
Having scored in each of her last three club appearances, Haug will look to continue her fine form when she features in the Liverpool forward line.
Manchester United Women possible starting lineup:
Earps; Riviere, Le Tissier, Turner, Blundell; Zelem, Ladd; Parris, Toone, Galton; Malard
Liverpool Women possible starting lineup:
Micah; Clark, Bonner, Fisk; Koivisto, Holland, Hobinger, Nagano, Hinds; Van de Sanden, Haug
We say: Manchester United Women 2-1 Liverpool Women
Having lost just two of their nine league games this season, we expect Liverpool to provide Man United with a tough test on Sunday.
However, we believe that the confident hosts will rise to the challenge to edge out their opponents and record a fifth consecutive win in all competitions.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
