Man Utd vs Chelsea: Five key battles and score prediction ahead of the big WSL clash

Two of the Women’s Super League’s top three sides will be competing for three points on Wednesday, April 30, when Manchester United take on Chelsea at Leigh Sports Village.

This exciting midweek fixture kicks off at 20:15pm and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.

Chelsea currently sit at the top of the table with a six-point lead over Arsenal and an eight-point lead over Man Utd. 

With both teams in good form, it is expected to be a thrilling fixture.

Here, Sports News Blitz Manchester United fan Claudia Jones looks at five key battles to watch out for on Matchday.

Phallon Tullis-Joyce vs Aggie Beaver-Jones

Phallon Tullis-Joyce will be responsible for keeping Aggie Beaver-Jones off the scoresheet this week.

A tough task considering Beaver-Jones’ prolific goalscoring record, finding herself on the scoresheet eight times so far this campaign. 

Despite a slight dip in form - having not found the back of the net in her last three appearances for Sonia Bompastor’s side, she remains a constant threat in front of goal. 

Tullis-Joyce has had an impressive season so far with 13 clean sheets, making her the league's top goalkeeper in this category.

With an 84.7% save percentage this season, the Red Devils keeper has proven she is tough to beat at the last line of defence. 

The American international is in top form, with three clean sheets in their last three league games. 

Millie Turner vs Catarina Macario

Catarina Macario has five goals and three assists in her 15 WSL appearances this season. 

The number nine’s contributions have proved crucial in Chelsea’s title race.

The American international is in good form and will be full of confidence having scored a brace vs Crystal Palace on Wednesday. 

Macario will be eager to get the better of Turner and add to these stats this week. 

Millie Turner has been one of the consistent players in the Reds backline, having featured in 18 of the 19 fixtures this season. 

United’s rock at the back has contributed to the Reds having the best defensive record in the league, only conceding nine goals. 

This battle could decide which team controls the final third, and Turner will be key in limiting Macario’s influence.

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Ella Toone vs Kiera Walsh

Wednesday’s game promises an exciting midfield clash between two England internationals.

At the heart of Man Utd’s midfield is Ella Toone who will be up against Chelsea’s Kiera Walsh.

The Red Devils midfielder has scored four goals and provided two assists in her 15 WSL appearances this season. 

Toone has been a consistent performer on Marc Skinners' side since her return from injury in January. 

Walsh is yet to register a goal or assist in the league for Bompastors’ team, and she struggled when facing her former side, Barcelona, in Chelsea’s 8-1 loss on aggregate during the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-finals.

However, Walsh’s defensive intelligence could be crucial in breaking up United’s rhythm and neutralising Toone’s influence.

Celin Bizet vs Lucy Bronze 

Celin Bizet has been good at creating chances this season, with two goals and six assists. 

The Norwegian is known for her 1v1 and crossing ability. 

Bizet will be up against one of the most experienced full-backs in the game, who will be using this to her advantage.

An integral figure in Bompastor’s side is Lucy Bronze, and her contributions in both attack and defence. 

The England international has registered one goal and three assists from full-back this season. 

She also has a defensive physical presence, winning 63.8% of aerial duels. 

The Blues full-back registered an assist vs Crystal Palace on Wednesday - but struggled against Barcelona on Sunday - and will be looking to create more chances this week.

Grace Clinton vs Hannah Hampton

Grace Clinton is in strong form, having scored three goals in United’s last four fixtures. 

The Reds youngster has netted eight times so far this season and will be looking to add to the tally on Wednesday.

Clinton’s contributions have helped United in their push for Champions League qualification. 

Hampton will have to be in top form to prevent Clinton from finding the back of the net. 

The Chelsea keeper has earned 10 clean sheets this season, helping the team to the second-best defensive record in the league. 

She has been one of the league’s most reliable shot-stoppers, with a 76.4% save percentage.

Score prediction: 2-1 Chelsea

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