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It has been more than 500 days and counting since Chelsea suffered a defeat in a Women’s Super League game. That statement alone highlights their exceptional quality, and whichever way you present the statistics, they are daunting. Take these examples: “Sonia Bompastor has not lost a WSL fixture in 15 months in charge,” “Bompastor has won 23 of her 26 WSL games undefeated” or “She remains undefeated in 34 domestic games since moving to England.” Each is accurate, each seems impressive, and—after four victories from four this term—there are no signs of slowing down.

Which Team Will Stop This Run?

Sooner or later, Chelsea will lose a WSL match. It might not be now, it might not be in the coming year, it might not even be during this campaign. Maybe it will not occur for some time, but one day it will happen, and reason indicates that the fixtures where their streak has the highest probability of ending are in one of their away games against their main title rivals, the Gunners, City, or United. On Friday, the latter of that trio get their chance, and based on current form they have rarely been in a stronger position to attempt it.

The former Chelsea manager stated: ‘It’s rare that coaches are always thought about as people.’

Leading teams in the initial standings face off in Leigh in an evening match and, although the WSL season is only four rounds into the schedule, Manchester United go into Friday’s fixture with the best defense in the league. History favours Chelsea however, since the most damning statistic among them could be this: United have not defeated their rivals in the WSL.

In fact, they have secured only one draw from their 11 previous WSL meetings. Even so, United’s head coach, Marc Skinner, urges his team to have faith. “It’s by far the most difficult test in the WSL at present, naturally,” the manager said. “Our aim to try to end their streak on Friday but it’s difficult.

“They’re such a well-oiled machine. Possessing exceptional skill, squad depth and quality, developed through the years. Anticipate the most demanding of challenges on Friday and we must prepare fully.

“In my view, it is possible to damage Chelsea in possession, but you’ve got to be brave in doing that, as it’s higher risk since they’re really good in duels. You have to be confident that you can defeat them, you have to demonstrate Chelsea that you can.”

The Manager’s View on the Unbeaten Run

According to the coach, who oversaw a domestic treble last season in her debut campaign in the WSL, the statistics are not significant. “The narrative about the unbeaten run is mostly of interest to the media,” she said. “We started anew from zero, with four games all played, and our goal is to approach each fixture with the desire to win. It is only the beginning, we did not achieve anything yet.”

Bompastor has fond memories of visiting the venue, because it was where her team secured last season’s title in late April, via a one-nil victory thanks to a Lucy Bronze goal. Now they face a United side who have let in just one in four matches and Bompastor noted: “United look strong and they’ve had a good start this term.

“In these games, it’s always tough. Perhaps you create limited opportunities compared to some of the fixtures and it is crucial to make sure you are precise and effective. In my opinion that is determines the outcome in the highest-level contests.”

Star Attackers to Watch

The joint-leading scorers in the WSL this term are set to feature on either side: United’s Malard has four times from four WSL games, as does Chelsea’s Beever-Jones, who has scored in every game.

The manager said, regarding England’s striker's flourishing form: “From the beginning joined the club, it was clear that Aggie was a really good footballer with a lot of ability, and additionally a really complete performer.

“Out of possession she is great; as the initial player among forwards to apply the press. In possession, the staff has putting in effort alongside her, trying for her become as effective possible in many aspects of her play. Currently, she appears really confident [and] which benefits the squad.”

Why the First Goal

It is a cliche in soccer that the “early goal will be crucial” but this appears especially true in this match; United have not lost in all of the last twenty-five WSL games in which they have taken the first goal. If they can at last end their wait for a first win over their rivals, it would be the first major twist in the WSL championship battle.