Manchester United will face Everton at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday as the Red Devils look to maintain pole position in the Barclays Women's Super League.

Everton find themselves sixth as they battle it out in the 'best of the rest' category behind the 'big four' of the division.

Both sides come into the weekend's tie in fine form, with the hosts undefeated in eight games across all competitions; picking up 28 out of a possible 33 points this season so far, losing only one game in the process.

The Blues on the other hand have won their last three league fixtures, with an impressive performance against midtable rivals West Ham United illustrating the Toffees improvement since Brian Sorensen took charge.

United come into the tie as obvious favourites and won the reverse fixture at Walton Hall Park 3-0, with goals courtesy of Nikita Parris, Leah Galton and Hayley Ladd.

The two also met in the group stage of the FA WSL Cup, where the Manchester outfit ended up being victorious yet again, cruising to a 4-2 victory after being 3-0 up inside 20 minutes.

  • Team News

Manchester United:

The hosts managed to keep forward, Alessia Russo despite two world-record bids from Arsenal.

Leah Galton who hit the back of the net in the reverse fixture has returned from injury and will be in contention to start on Sunday. She has trained with the senior squad this week.

Lisa Naalsund and Jayde Riviere will miss the tie through injuries sustained earlier in the season.

Everton:

Gabby George was awarded the Barclays Player of the Month award this week and is set to start for Everton.

Brian Sorenson confirmed his side have no injury problems in his midweek press conference.

  • Likely Line-ups

Manchester United: Earps, Batlle, Le Tissier, Turner, Blundell, Zelem, Ladd, Parris, Toone, Garcia, Russo.

Everton: Ramsey, Graham, Finnigan, Sevecke, George, Bennison, Holmgaard, Wheeler, Sorensen, Snoeijs, Park.

  • Key Players

Alessia Russo (Manchester United):

Marc Skinner said he would do everything he could to keep Alessia Russo at Manchester United after Arsenal came calling twice for the striker.

The 23-year-old lit up the European Championships in 2022, leading the frontline for the Lionesses whose roar was heard all around the globe.

Her audacious backheel in the semi-final against Sweden highlighted Russo's technical ability and grabbed the headlines deservedly. It was later nominated for the Puskas Award and was unsurprisingly named Goal of the Tournament.

Russo has notched five goals in nine WSL appearances this campaign, and will see Sunday's match as a good opportunity to increase her tally.

Alessia Russo vs Reading (Photo by Madeliene
Alessia Russo vs Reading (Photo by Madeleine Penfold via Getty Images)

Jess Park (Everton):

Jess Park starred in Everton's last league game, gaining plaudits for a classy performance against West Ham in which she spearheaded the Blues 3-0 victory from the wing.

The 21-year-old has lit up Walton Hall Park since joining on loan from Manchester City and has proved to her parent club what she is capable of.

Despite only scoring on one occasion this season, Park has been crucial to the Merseyside outfit's successes on the pitch, linking up well with her teammates offensively and tracking back and putting in the hard work defensively when necessary.

A skillful and gifted winger, Park possesses the ability to glide past defenders and set up her teammates with delicately threaded through balls.

A teammate of Russo, the two evidence the rise of the women's game and show just how bright the future is for English football.

Jess Park vs Reading (Photo by Emma Simpson/Everton FC via Getty Images)
Jess Park vs Reading (Photo by Emma Simpson/Everton FC via Getty Images)
  • Match Details

Where is the game being played?

This Women's Super League clash will be hosted by Manchester United, at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday 5th February 2023.

What time is kick-off?

The match will kick-off at 12PM GMT on Sunday.

How can I watch?

The tie will be shown on the FA Player, which is accessible in the UK and internationally.

Live commentary is available on both the Manchester United and Everton official apps.

Both clubs will also be providing live updates on their social media pages.