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It has been over 500 days from Chelsea last lost a WSL game. This fact by itself underscores the remarkable performance, and whichever way you view the statistics, they appear formidable. Consider such examples: “The French manager is yet to lose a WSL fixture after 15 months as coach,” “She claimed victory in 23 of her 26 WSL matches without defeat” or “The coach remains undefeated in 34 league matches after arriving to England.” Each is accurate, all sound impressive, and—after four victories from four this term—they are showing no signs of easing up.

Which Team Will End This Run?

Sooner or later, Chelsea will lose a WSL game. It might not be this week, it might not be in the coming year, it might not even be this season. Perhaps it won’t even be during this parliament, but one day it will happen, and reason indicates that the fixtures where the unbeaten run is most likely of concluding are in one of their away games against key title rivals, the Gunners, Manchester City, or United. This Friday, United of that trio get their chance, and form-wise they have rarely been in a stronger position to try it.

Emma Hayes stated: ‘It’s rare that coaches are always thought about as human beings.’

The top two sides in the early-season standings face off in Leigh Sports Village in an evening match and, although the WSL campaign is only four rounds into the schedule, Manchester United enter Friday’s fixture with the best defense in the league. History favours Chelsea however, since the most damning stat among them is the following: Manchester United have not defeated Chelsea in the WSL.

Actually, they have managed only one draw from their eleven past WSL encounters. Even so, the home team’s manager, Marc Skinner, urges his squad to have faith. “It’s by far the most difficult challenge in the WSL at present, naturally,” the manager said. “We want to try to end their streak on Friday but it is a challenge.

“They’re such a highly efficient unit. They have incredible skill, squad depth and talent, that they’ve built through the years. I expect the most demanding of tests this week and we’ve got prepare fully.

“In my view, you can damage them in possession, but you need to be brave in doing that, because it’s higher risk because they’re really good in duels. It is essential to believe in your ability to defeat them, and show the opposition you are capable.”

The Manager’s View on the Streak

For Bompastor, who oversaw a clean sweep of trophies last season in her debut campaign in the WSL, the numbers are not significant. “The narrative regarding the unbeaten run is more for the media,” she stated. “We started this season with a clean slate, we won four games all played, and we want to go into each fixture with the desire to win. It is only the beginning, we have not accomplished anything yet.”

The former Lyon coach recalls positively of visiting Leigh, as it was where her team clinched last season’s title in late April, via a one-nil win courtesy of a Lucy Bronze goal. Now they meet a United side who have conceded only one goal in four matches and the coach said: “United look strong and they’ve had a positive beginning this term.

“On such occasions, it is typically challenging. Maybe you create limited opportunities compared to other fixtures and it is crucial to ensure your side is precise and effective. I think that’s what determines the outcome in top-tier contests.”

Star Scorers to Watch

The top goalscorers in the WSL this term will be in action for both teams: Manchester United’s Melvine Malard has four times in four WSL games, as does Chelsea’s Aggie Beever-Jones, scoring in each match.

The manager said, regarding England’s striker's flourishing form: “From the beginning joined Chelsea, I could recognise that Aggie is a highly skilled player with a lot of talent, and additionally a really complete performer.

“Out of possession she is great; as the first one in the frontline applying the pressure. In possession, we have been putting in effort alongside her, trying for her become as successful possible in various areas of her game. Right now, she appears really confident [and] that’s great for the team.”

Why the Opening Score

It is a cliche in soccer that the “first goal will be decisive” but this appears especially true in this match; United have not lost in all of the past 25 WSL games in which they scored the lead. If they can at last end the drought for a first win against Chelsea, it could represent the first major turn in the WSL championship battle.