Manchester United Women aim for a fourth straight victory as they host Tottenham Hotspur Women on Sunday in the Women’s Super League. Meanwhile, Spurs are eager to bounce back from a narrow defeat in their last outing against Liverpool.
Preview:
Manchester United Women are off to an impressive start to the 2024-25 season, having won their first three matches across all competitions without conceding a single goal. Their campaign began with a dominant 3-0 victory over West Ham United at Old Trafford, followed by a hard-fought 1-0 win against Everton. They continued their winning streak in the Women’s League Cup, securing a 2-0 triumph against Liverpool, with goals from Melvine Malard and Rachel Williams.
Due to last weekend’s postponement of their clash with Chelsea, Marc Skinner’s side will be well-rested and ready for action as they prepare for their first meeting with Tottenham this season. The Red Devils will be hoping to replicate their success from the Women’s FA Cup final in May, where they cruised to a 4-0 win over Spurs. Historically, Manchester United have enjoyed a strong record against Tottenham in the WSL, winning eight of their 10 encounters.
Tottenham, on the other hand, have had a mixed start to the season, registering two wins, one draw, and one loss in their first four competitive matches. They opened the season with a commanding 4-0 win over newly-promoted Crystal Palace, followed by a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa. A victory over Charlton Athletic in the League Cup gave them a boost ahead of their clash with Liverpool, but Spurs suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat in stoppage time after conceding a controversial penalty.
Currently sitting in seventh place with four points from three WSL games, Tottenham will look to extend their unbeaten away run, having drawn their last three away league matches 2-2, including their previous trip to Leigh Sports Village.
Team News:
Manchester United:
United will be without Evie Rabjohn, who is still recovering from an ACL injury. Anna Sandberg and Emma Watson remain doubtful, while Malard will need to be assessed after being forced off in the League Cup match against Liverpool. Skinner is likely to revert to the starting XI that edged out Everton, with Celine Bizet possibly featuring against her former club after joining United from Tottenham this summer.
Tottenham Hotspur:
Spurs will be without Kit Graham, who is recovering from a long-term ACL injury. Shuang Wang and Amy James-Turner are expected to miss out, while Ella Morris is a doubt after being absent from recent matchday squads. Despite conceding three goals against Liverpool, head coach Robert Vilahamn is expected to stick with the same backline, and Bethany England could earn a starting spot after coming off the bench in previous games.
Predicted Lineups:
Manchester United:
Tullis-Joyce; Riviere, Le Tissier, Turner, Galton; Clinton, Janssen, Naalsund; Geyse, Toone, Terland
Tottenham Hotspur:
Spencer; Neville, Bartrip, Hunt, Nilden; Oroz, Summanen; Raso, Thomas, Naz; England
Manchester United’s defensive strength has been a key factor in their success so far, and while Tottenham will provide a challenge, the Red Devils are likely to maintain their winning momentum. Expect a tightly contested match, but United’s quality should see them edge out Spurs with a narrow victory.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur
