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It has been more than 500 days and counting since Chelsea last lost a WSL game. This fact alone underscores their exceptional performance, and no matter how you view the statistics, they appear formidable. Take these examples: “The French manager is yet to lose a WSL game after 15 months as coach,” “Bompastor has won 23 of her 26 WSL matches undefeated” or “She is unbeaten in 34 domestic games since moving to England.” Each is accurate, each seems commanding, and—after four victories out of four this term—there are no signs of easing up.

Who Can End This Run?

Eventually, Chelsea will lose a WSL match. It might not be now, maybe not in the coming year, it might not even be during this campaign. Perhaps it won’t even be during this parliament, but one day it will happen, and reason suggests that the matches where the unbeaten run has the highest probability of concluding are in their travel fixtures against their main title rivals, the Gunners, Manchester City, or Manchester United. This Friday, United of that trio get their chance, and based on current form they are seldom better placed to attempt it.

The former Chelsea manager once remarked: ‘I don’t think managers are considered as human beings.’

The top two teams in the initial table face off in Leigh Sports Village in an evening match and, although the WSL season is just four games into the schedule, Manchester United go into Friday’s fixture with the strongest defensive record in the league. Past encounters favours the visitors though, because the most damning statistic among them could be this: Manchester United have never beaten Chelsea in the WSL.

In fact, they have managed only one draw from their 11 previous WSL meetings. Nevertheless, the home team’s head coach, Skinner, wants his team to believe. “Without a doubt the toughest challenge in the WSL right now, naturally,” the manager said. “Our aim to try to end their streak when we play but it is a challenge.

“They are a well-oiled machine. They have incredible quality, depth and quality, developed over many seasons. Anticipate the most demanding of tests on Friday and we must to be ready.

“I really think, it is possible to hurt them with the ball, but you’ve got to show courage in doing that, as it carries more risk since they excel in duels. You have to be confident in your ability to defeat them, and demonstrate the opposition that you can.”

Bompastor’s View on the Streak

According to the coach, who oversaw a domestic treble last term in her debut campaign in English football, the statistics are not significant. “This story regarding the unbeaten run is mostly of interest to the journalists,” she stated. “We started this season with a clean slate, with four matches all played, and we want to approach every game aiming for victory. We are only the beginning, we have not accomplished anything so far.”

Bompastor recalls positively of visiting Leigh, because it was where her team clinched the previous title in late April, with a 1-0 victory thanks to a Lucy Bronze header. Now they face a Manchester United team that has let in just one in four league games and Bompastor noted: “They appear solid and they’ve had a positive beginning this term.

“In these games, it is typically tough. Perhaps you create limited opportunities compared to other games and it is crucial to make sure you are clinical and efficient. In my opinion that is makes the difference in the highest-level games.”

Key Attackers to Watch

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

The manager remarked, of the England’s striker's flourishing form: “From the beginning arrived at the club, I could recognise that Aggie was a highly skilled player boasting great talent, and additionally a well-rounded player.

“Defensively she is outstanding; as the first one in the frontline to apply the press. In possession, we have been working hard alongside her, aiming for her to be as successful possible in many aspects of her play. Currently, she is really confident [and] which benefits the squad.”

Why the Opening Score

A common saying in football is that “early goal is decisive” but this appears especially true in this match; Manchester United have not lost in each of the past 25 WSL fixtures in which they have taken the first goal. Should they at last end the drought for a first win against their rivals, it could represent the initial significant twist in the WSL title race.