Ahead of Manchester United vs Chelsea on Sunday, read our preview, prediction and the latest team news from both sides ahead of the top-of-the-table WSL clash.
Manchester United vs Chelsea match information
- ⚽️ WSL matchday 5: Manchester United vs Chelsea
- 🏟️ Progress with Unity Stadium (Leigh Sports Village)
- ⏱️Friday, October 3rd: 19:30pm (BST) – BBC Three and iPlayer
Manchester United vs Chelsea
Chelsea face their sternest test yet in their defence of the Women’s Super League title, as they travel to an unbeaten Manchester United on Friday night.
Sonia Bompastor’s side remain the only side with a 100 per cent record, after victories over Manchester City, Aston Villa, Leicester City and West Ham.
Manchester United hold victories over Leicester, London City Lionesses and Liverpool, but were held to a goalless draw at home by Arsenal.
This is the first time that the two sides have met since last season’s FA Cup final, where Chelsea won 3-0 as part of their historic unbeaten domestic treble.
The Blues are back on 🔝@ChelseaFCW #BarclaysWSL pic.twitter.com/1JuVranxf0
— Barclays Women's Super League (@BarclaysWSL) September 29, 2025
Chelsea’s trip to the newly named Unity with Progress Stadium, is one of their biggest tests this season in completing another unbeaten season in the WSL.
There should be a lively atmosphere on Friday night under the floodlights, especially after there was a record crowd in attendance at Leigh Sports Village for the Arsenal game.
A victory for United would be a huge statement and also put them top of the WSL table.
However, there are concerns over United’s thin squad, with Carla Ward saying the Red Devils have ‘let the women’s team down’.
Form and past head-to-head meetings
Manchester United last five matches
- Liverpool 0-2 Manchester United (WSL)
- Manchester United 0-0 Arsenal (WSL)
- Manchester United 3-0 Brann (Champions League)
- London City Lionesses 1-5 Manchester United (WSL)
- Brann 1-0 Manchester United (Champions League)
Chelsea last five matches
- West Ham 0-4 Chelsea (WSL)
- Chelsea 1-0 Leicester City (WSL)
- Aston Villa 1-3 Chelsea (WSL)
- Chelsea 2-1 Manchester City (WSL)
- Chelsea 4-1 AC Milan (pre-season friendly)
Manchester United vs Chelsea last five meetings
- Chelsea 3-0 Manchester United (FA Cup final – 18/05/2025)
- Manchester United 0-1 Chelsea (WSL – 30/04/2025)
- Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United (WSL – 24/11/2024)
- Manchester United 0-6 Chelsea (WSL – 18/05/2024)
- Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea (FA Cup semi-final) – 14/04/2024)
Manchester United vs Chelsea team news
Anna Sandberg is likely to be back in the Manchester United squad following her absence through illness last weekend. Simi Awujo is also back in training and is expected to be in the squad.
Millie Turner’s knee injury is likely to keep her out until Christmas, while Leah Galton is back in training but is unlikely to feature.
It could be an unchanged side from the one which beat Liverpool, where Maya Le Tissier made history with her 70th consecutive start for the club.
United will be desperate to get some players back after only having five out of a possible nine substitutes on the bench against Liverpool.
Alyssa Thompson could be on the starting XI for Chelsea again after making her debut against West Ham.
Sam Kerr and a fit-again Sjoeke Nusken were on the bench against West Ham but it would be a surprise to see them make the starting XI at this point.
The injured Lucy Bronze, Lauren James and Naomi Girma are again unlikely to feature.
October, we’re ready for you! 👊 pic.twitter.com/s3VnWDBfc6
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) October 1, 2025
Predicted lineups
Manchester United: Tullis Joyce; Riviere, Le Tissier, Janssen, Rolfo; Olme, Miyazawa; Park, Toone, Malard; Terland
Chelsea: Hampton; Bjorn, Bright, Buurman; Walsh, Cuthbert, O.J. Francois, Thompson; Kaneryd, Kaptein; Beever-Jones
Manchester United vs Chelsea prediction
Manchester United and Chelsea have been the best two sides in the country so far this season, as reflected by their positions in the Women’s Super League table.
The game has all the potential of a classic under the floodlights at Leigh Sports Village, and United will fancy their chances of an upset.
What might pull the advantage in Chelsea’s favour is the depth in their squad. It would be no surprise to see a player like Sam Kerr come off the bench and make an impact against a United side who are struggling to put together a full matchday squad.
With that said, SheKicks predicts a 2-1 victory for the visitors, ending United’s unbeaten start to the WSL season.
Prediction: Manchester United 1-2 Chelsea
