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It has been over 500 days since the London club last lost a WSL game. That statement alone underscores the remarkable quality, and whichever way you present the statistics, they are daunting. Consider such facts: “Sonia Bompastor has not lost a WSL game in 15 months as coach,” “She claimed victory in 23 of her 26 WSL games without defeat” or “The coach remains undefeated in 34 league games after arriving to England.” All are true, each seems impressive, and—following four victories out of four this term—they are showing little indication of slowing down.

Who Can Stop The Streak?

Sooner or later, the champions will lose a WSL game. Perhaps not this week, it might not be in 2025, it might not even be during this campaign. Perhaps it will not occur during this parliament, but one day it is inevitable, and reason indicates that the matches where the unbeaten run is most likely of concluding are in their travel fixtures against key title rivals, Arsenal, City, or Manchester United. This Friday, the latter of that trio get their chance, and based on current form they have rarely been in a stronger position to try it.

The former Chelsea manager once remarked: ‘I don’t think coaches are thought about as human beings.’

Leading sides in the initial table go head to head in Leigh in an evening match and, even though the WSL campaign is just four games old, the Red Devils enter Friday’s fixture with the best defensive record in the league. Past encounters supports Chelsea though, since the most damning stat among them could be the following: Manchester United have not defeated their rivals in the WSL.

In fact, they have managed only one draw from their eleven past WSL meetings. Nevertheless, United’s head coach, Skinner, urges his team to believe. “Without a doubt the most difficult challenge in the WSL right now, naturally,” the manager said. “We want to try to break that run when we play but it’s difficult.

“They are a highly efficient unit. They have incredible quality, depth and talent, developed over many seasons. I expect the most demanding of tests on Friday and we must to be ready.

“In my view, it is possible to damage Chelsea with the ball, but you need to be brave to attempt it, as it carries more risk because they’re really good in duels. It is essential to believe that you can beat them, you have to show Chelsea that you can.”

The Manager’s Perspective on the Unbeaten Run

According to the coach, who led a clean sweep of trophies last term in her first season in English football, the statistics are not significant. “This story regarding the undefeated streak is mostly of interest to the journalists,” she said. “Our season began this season from zero, with four games all played, and we want to go into every game with the desire for victory. It is early in the season, we have not accomplished much yet.”

The former Lyon coach recalls positively of playing at the venue, as that was the place her team clinched last season’s title on 30 April, via a 1-0 win thanks to a Bronze header. Now they meet a Manchester United team who have conceded only one goal in four league games and the coach said: “United appear solid and they’ve had a positive beginning this term.

“In these games, it’s always tough. Perhaps you create [fewer] chances than in some of the fixtures and you need to make sure your side is clinical and efficient. In my opinion that’s what makes the difference in top-tier games.”

Star Attackers to Watch

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

Bompastor said, of the the English forward's excellent performance: “From the beginning joined Chelsea, it was clear that she is a highly skilled player with a lot of ability, and also a really complete performer.

“Out of possession she has been outstanding; she is the initial player in the frontline applying the pressure. Offensively, the staff has putting in effort alongside her, aiming so she can become as effective as she can be in various areas of her play. Currently, she is really confident [and] that’s great the squad.”

Why the Opening Score

It is a cliche in football that the “first goal will be decisive” but it seems particularly relevant in this match; Manchester United have not lost in all of the past 25 WSL fixtures in which they have taken the lead. Should they at last end the drought for a maiden victory against their rivals, it would be the initial significant twist in the WSL championship battle.