On Saturday, Manchester United take on Everton in gameweek 18 of the Women’s Super League.
The home side currently sit in third place in the WSL table, and will be eager to remain in the top three in hopes of qualifying for next year’s Champions League. Earlier this week, they faced West Ham and the points were shared as both teams failed to make their way onto the scoresheet.
The Toffees are now sixth in the league table, having won 1-2 against Tottenham Hotspur last time out. With a number of big games coming up including a Merseyside derby and fixtures against **Chelsea**and Arsenal, this is an important game in E verton’s hopes to remain in the top half of the table.
The last clash between these sides resulted in a 1-4 victory for United, so Everton will be eager to seek revenge.
Manchester United
The home side are currently missing midfielder Hinata Miyazawa, who has progressed to the final of the Women’sAsian Cup**** with Japan.
Another potential absence is midfielder Ella Toone who has been out of contention due to a hip injury. While she is expected to be back in the squad soon, there is currently no update as to her injury status heading into this weekend’s fixture.
Other key absences include Leah Galton and Anna Sandberg who are both unavailable due to injury.
Everton
The away side are missing four players due to the Asian Cup - midfielder **Clare Wheeler**is representing **Australia,**whilst Hikaru Kitagawa, Rion Ishikawa, and Honoka Hayashi are with the Japan national team.
Captain and centre back Megan Finnigan, and midfielder Karen Holmgaard are both out of contention having unfortunately suffered ACL injuries earlier this season.
Netherlands striker Katja Snoeijs has been unavailable after an ankle injury in January, however is due to make her return to the pitch soon.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester United
Tullis-Joyce; Lundkvist, Janssen, Le Tissier, Riviere; Naalsund, Zigiotti Olme; Malard, Terland, Park; Schüller
Everton
Brosnan; Pacheco, Fernández, Mace, Blundell; Vignola, Galli, van Gool, Payne; Momiki, Kramžar
Key Players
Manchester United - Tullis-Joyce
United’s goalkeeper has had an impressive season with six WSL clean sheets so far, starting in all but one of their league fixtures.
Tullis-Joyce has also been critical to the Red Devils’ **Champions League**campaign, helping them to progress to the quarter finals of the tournament - they face Bayern Munich at home next week in the first leg.
Everton - Courtney Brosnan
The away side’s goalkeeper has also had an incredible season, notably playing a crucial role in ending **Chelsea**’s 34 game winning streak back in December.
The **Republic of Ireland**international has made 11 league appearances this season, and has won player of the match on numerous occasions, including in last month’s victory against London City Lionesses
Match Details
The game takes place at Leigh Sports Village Stadium, Manchester.
Kick off is at 12 pm GMT on Saturday 21st March.
This fixture will be available to watch live on Sky Sports and YouTube.