A perfect start on the line
Chelsea have begun their second season under manager Sonia Bompastor in flawless fashion, with four wins from four in the Women’s Super League. Next up is a Friday night trip to Leigh Sports Village, where unbeaten Manchester United await in one of the standout fixtures of the season so far.
The Blues already hold early momentum in the league, but United’s defensive solidity and home advantage ensure this will be one of Chelsea’s sternest challenges yet.
Date / Time: Friday, October 3, 2025, 19.30 BST; 2:30pm EDT
Venue: Leigh Sports Village, Manchester, England
Referee: tba
Forecast: Heavy rain and a moderate breeze
On TV: BBC Three (UK); none (USA); elsewhere
Streaming: BBC iPlayer (UK); ESPN+ (USA)
Manchester United team news: United had a relatively quiet summer in the transfer market, focusing on squad depth rather than marquee signings. The core of last season’s side remains intact, underlining manager Marc Skinner’s faith in the group that reached the Champions League.
Ahead of this game, Skinner confirmed that defender Anna Sandberg is back in contention after illness, and midfielder Simi Awujo could make her first appearance of the season. Leah Galton, however, is likely to miss out, while centre-back Millie Turner faces a lengthy absence with a knee injury that is expected to keep her out until the new year.
United’s record speaks for itself: unbeaten in the league, with four wins and a draw from five matches, and just one goal conceded so far.
Chelsea team news: The Blues arrive at Manchester on the back of a commanding 4–0 victory away to West Ham, a result that showcased both their attacking variety and defensive discipline. Catarina Macario found the net in that game, and so did Aggie Beever-Jones for a fourth consecutive time this term.
Injuries remain a theme. Lauren James, Niamh Charles and Lucy Bronze are still sidelined, but the trio is close to returning to the pitch. Even so, Bompastor has rotated effectively, keeping standards high despite missing several first-team regulars.
Previously: A simple 1-0 win suffices for Chelsea to lift the Women’s Super League for a sixth consecutive time.
Category: General Sports
