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It has been more than 500 days from the London club suffered a defeat in a Women’s Super League match. That statement alone underscores their exceptional quality, and whichever way you present the statistics, they appear formidable. Consider these examples: “The French manager is yet to lose a WSL game in 15 months in charge,” “Bompastor has won 23 of her 26 WSL games without defeat” or “She is unbeaten in 34 domestic matches since moving to England.” All are true, each seems commanding, and—following four wins from four this term—there are no signs of easing up.

Which Team Will Stop This Run?

Sooner or later, Chelsea will lose a WSL match. It might not be this week, maybe not in 2025, possibly not even this season. Perhaps it will not occur for some time, but one day it will happen, and logic suggests that the fixtures where their streak has the highest probability of concluding is in their away games against their main title rivals, the Gunners, Manchester City, or United. On Friday, United among them will have their turn, and based on current form they are seldom in a stronger position to try it.

The former Chelsea manager stated: ‘I don’t think managers are always considered as people.’

Leading sides in the initial standings go head to head in Leigh Sports Village in an evening match and, although the WSL campaign is only four rounds into the schedule, Manchester United go into Friday’s fixture with the best defensive record in the league. History supports Chelsea however, since the most damning stat among them is the following: United have not defeated Chelsea in the WSL.

In fact, they have secured only one draw from their 11 previous WSL encounters. Nevertheless, United’s manager, Marc Skinner, wants his squad to have faith. “It’s by far the toughest challenge in the WSL at present, naturally,” the manager commented. “Our aim to try to end their streak on Friday but it’s difficult.

“They are a well-oiled unit. Possessing exceptional skill, depth and quality, developed through the years. I expect the most demanding of tests this week and we’ve got prepare fully.

“In my view, it is possible to hurt them with the ball, but you’ve got to show courage to attempt it, because it’s higher risk since they excel in duels. It is essential to believe that you can defeat them, you have to show Chelsea you are capable.”

Bompastor’s View on the Unbeaten Run

For Bompastor, who oversaw a clean sweep of trophies last term in her debut campaign in English football, the statistics mean very little. “The narrative regarding the undefeated streak is more for the journalists,” she stated. “Our season began anew from zero, with four matches all played, and our goal is to approach each fixture with the desire for victory. It is early in the season, we did not achieve much yet.”

Bompastor recalls positively of visiting Leigh, because that was the place her team clinched the previous title in late April, with a one-nil victory thanks to a Lucy Bronze goal. This time they meet a Manchester United team that has conceded only one goal in four league games and the coach noted: “They appear solid and they’ve had a positive beginning to the season.

“In these games, it is typically challenging. Perhaps teams generate [fewer] chances than in other games and it is crucial to ensure your side is clinical and effective. I think that’s what makes the difference in top-tier games.”

Star Scorers to Watch

The top goalscorers in the WSL this season will be in action on either side: Manchester United’s Melvine Malard has netted four times in four WSL appearances, as does the Blues' Aggie Beever-Jones, scoring in each match.

The manager said, of the the English forward's flourishing form: “From the beginning joined Chelsea, it was clear that she was a highly skilled footballer with a lot of ability, and also a well-rounded player.

“Out of possession she is outstanding; she is the initial player in the frontline to apply the pressure. In possession, we have been working hard alongside her, aiming so she can become as successful possible in many aspects of her game. Currently, she appears very self-assured [and] that’s great the squad.”

The Importance of the First Goal

It is a cliche in soccer that the “early goal is crucial” but this appears particularly relevant here; United are unbeaten in all of the past 25 WSL games in which they have taken the lead. Should they finally stop the drought for a maiden victory against Chelsea, it would be the first major twist in the WSL championship battle.