Chelsea vs Manchester United preview: Kick-off time, where to watch and more!
From the official Chelsea FC website:
Chelsea return to Barclays Women’s Super League action with a blockbuster clash against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday lunchtime.
Our first league outing of 2024 sees us take to the turf at the Bridge against Marc Skinner’s Manchester United side, and we will be aiming to maintain our position at the top of the table ahead of a busy run of fixtures.
The Blues returned to competitive action following the mid-season break with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over West Ham United in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup fourth round at Kingsmeadow, but it was far from plain sailing as we began the defence of our crown.
Goals from Mia Fishel, Erin Cuthbert, and Aggie Beever-Jones cancelled out Viviane Asseyi’s opener to book a date with Crystal Palace in the fifth round.
This weekend, the focus is firmly on our league exploits where United will prove a tough code to crack.
When and where?
We take on Manchester United in our first WSL outing of 2024 at Stamford Bridge tomorrow (Sunday 21 January). Kick-off at 12.30pm (UK time).
How to follow
You can follow the game through the match centre on the Official Chelsea App and website, or via Chelsea Women’s social media channels.
There will be live commentary on our Twitter page and regular updates on Facebook and Instagram. Simply search ‘ChelseaFCW’ on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
For supporters who are unable to attend the match, this has been selected for live television coverage on BBC Two.
The form
We currently occupy top spot in the WSL with a three-point advantage over second-placed Manchester City. However, Arsenal have the opportunity to go level on points with us should they overcome Everton on Saturday afternoon.
After eight wins, one draw and one defeat from our opening 10 league matches, we have accumulated 25 points from a possible 30.
With 32 goals scored and 11 conceded, we possess a goal difference of 21, two greater than Manchester City.
As for Manchester United, they arrive in the capital sitting fourth with 18 points after registering five wins and three draws while suffering two defeats to date. They have scored 25 goals and conceded 11 leaving them with a goal difference of 14.
Chelsea scored 67 goals across 2023 in the Women’s Super League, at least 10 more than any other side.
Emma Hayes’ side also had 18 different scorers across this period, at least three more than any other team (Manchester United and Arsenal – 15).
Chelsea vs. Manchester United recent head-to-head record
Our previous meeting with Manchester United saw us go head-to-head in the 2023 FA Cup final at Wembley. Sam Kerr’s second-half strike was the difference and helped us to secure a third consecutive FA Cup triumph in May.
Prior to that, we hosted United at Kingsmeadow in the WSL in another close encounter that we edged by a single goal scored by Kerr once again – a crucial three points which went some way towards us clinching a fourth consecutive league title last season.
Next up for the Blues
It is a quick turnaround for the Blues after the clash with United as we return to UEFA Women’s Champions League action against Real Madrid on Wednesday 24 January. Kick-off scheduled for 8.00pm (UK time).
Back your Blues at the Bridge against Real Madrid with tickets available to purchase here!
‘Chelsea Supporters Group’ can also be found on X and Facebook
