The third time these the two sides go up against each other in all competitions will take place in the opener at Leigh Sports Village. The previous times have been at Kingsmeadow in the Women's Super League and one time at Leigh in the semi-final of the Continental Cup. Both times Chelsea have been 1-0 victors with goals through Norweigan Maren Mjelde. 

  • A tough task for the Reds
     

As United enter their second season in the WSL they will have to face the one of the toughest opponents possible, Chelsea. It's similar to last season when United started their journey in the highest division by visiting Academy Stadium to take on Manchester City. 

Chelsea have won their openers of the WSL seven times out of the last nine, and in addition to that, the Blues have kept a clean sheet in the previous four. 

Manchester United ended their first season in the WSL with a four-game unbeaten streak which was their longest unbeaten run in the competition.

  • Ones to watch in Chelsea
     

Although she came out from the Community Shield at Wembley goalless, despite several opportunities to score, all eyes will undoubtedly be aimed at striker Sam Kerr in Chelsea. The Australian created several chances, with her incredible running and moving abilities, pacing fast through the Manchester City defence, but had no luck in even hitting the target. Will Kerr be able to prove herself as a cemented striker in Emma Hayes' starting formation with finally hitting the back of the net for this battle vs United?

Otherwise, the whole Chelsea team will be ones to look out for; Fran Kirby, Bethany England and new addition Melanie Leupolz are only a few of the stars in this year's version of the Blues. 

The biggest question might be if Denmark international and latest signing Pernille Harder will have her debut at Leigh, or if Hayes will save the Danish superstar for later. She was not able to train with her new team for the first time until Friday since she had to wait for a result on a COVID-19 test to come back negative.

  • Ones to watch in Manchester United
     

Goalkeeper Mary Earps can easy be one to keep an eye out for in this game since Chelsea's offensive players and attack will certainly keep her busy from start. The Lionesses keeper proved to play an important part for United last season, saving the Reds from conceding at several occasions.

The Reds top scorers through all competitions since the team was established in 2018; Lauren James, Ella Toone and Jessica Siegsworth are all worth an extra look while being on the pitch for United.

Out of Casey Stoney's three newest additions, only one most likely will feature; Ona Batlle. Ivana Fuso, unfortunately, picked up a knock the other day at training and will not be playing according to Stoney herself and Lucy Staniforth won't play this weekend because she's still suspended from last season with one game left to serve from that. A suspension she picked up at Birmingham's FA Cup fixture against Sunderland.