Manchester United Women face Leicester City in their opening Women’s Super League fixture at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday afternoon.
United enjoyed a brilliant campaign last term, finishing third to secure qualification for the UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifiers.
Leicester City finished 10th last term but comfortably escaped relegation, having accrued 10 more points than the relegated Crystal Palace.
Match preview
United are heavy favourites for this clash. They are one of the best teams in the division and suffered just one defeat at home last season – a 1-0 loss to defending champions Chelsea in April.
The Manchester outfit also boast a nearly impeccable record against the Foxes, winning 11, losing once and drawing two of the previous fixtures.
Marc Skinner’s side are in high spirits, thanks to the success at the Women’s Champions League qualification round. They defeated PSV before beating Hammarby to secure their spot in the third qualification round last week.
United have lost influential midfielder Grace Clinton to cross-town rivals Manchester City, though Jesse Park moved in the opposite direction. Julia Zigiotti Olme and Fridolina Rolfo have also joined their ranks.
Leicester have bolstered their squad with the signings of Cecily Wellesley-Smith, Katie Keane, Celeste Boureille, Heather Payne, and Olivia McLoughlin.Emily van Egmond and Rosella Ayane.
However, they are without a substantive coach, but Rick Passmoor has been appointed in an interim capacity.
Team news
Coach Marc Skinner confirmed in his pre-match conference that Gabby George, Leah Galton, Simon Awujo, Frida Rolfo and Rach Williams will all miss the game.
Leicester will be without forward Missy Goodwin, while this game has also come too soon for fellow forward Jutta Rantala.
How to watch
The match will be broadcast on Sky Sports and fans can also follow via radio commentary on the United App.