Women’s Super League analysis: Man Utd v Leicester City key battles and prediction
We get as excited by the Women’s Super League as the English Premier League here at Sports News Blitz, and have taken on a new writer to cover Manchester United’s season.
Claudia Jones is doing a Sports Management degree at Loughborough University - but also plays the beautiful game, having represented Liverpool FC and Wales U17s and U19s.
She also does football coaching - but is now turning her hand to writing about the game she loves, and will be previewing Manchester United’s games on a weekly basis.
Here, she looks at five key battles on the pitch, and provides a prediction for the game.
Ella Toone vs Ruby Mace
Leicester City's youngster, Ruby Mace will be looking to keep Ella Toone quiet on Sunday, as Toone aims to increase her goal contributions once more.
Toone has had an impressive season so far, with four goals and one assist in 10 appearances.
Toone has been a consistent performer for Manchester United, however, having missed games through injury earlier this season, Toone will be looking to make up for lost time, hoping to get her name on the scoresheet again.
Despite Mace’s age, she has tons of experience and has become a regular in this Leicester squad, featuring in all but one game this season.
Having made her England debut in December, the Foxes defender will be looking to dominate the midfield and assert her presence as she has done in previous fixtures this campaign.
Although a tough task, Mace will be entrusted to keep an in-form Toone from reaching the back of the net.
Maya Le Tissier vs Missy Goodwin
Maya Le Tissier has played a huge role in Manchester United’s side this season, having featured in all 14 WSL fixtures so far, with their sole defeat coming against Chelsea.
With the Red Devils looking to continue this momentum, Maya Le Tissier is set to start with centre back partner Millie Turner.
She’ll be looking to continue United’s fine form, coming off the back of six straight wins.
Le Tissier will be up against Missy Goodwin, Leicester City's striker and England u23s international.
Missy Goodwin has played in 13 WSL games for Leicester this season.
She has scored two goals - the second highest in the Leicester squad.
Goodwin’s goal contributions have been vital in Leicester's WSL campaign, helping the Foxes avoid the relegation zone.
Looking to break into the seniors, Goodwin will be eager to test herself against the current England international, Le Tissier.
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Dominique Janssen vs Janice Cayman
Dominique Janssen is a regular in United’s midfield, featuring in every single WSL game thus far.
She has managed to keep opposition players quiet in previous fixtures, dominating the midfield.
Janssen also provides an attacking threat, with one goal and two assists so far this campaign.
The Dutch international will be marking Leicester City's captain, attacking midfielder, Janice Cayman.
Cayman had an impressive performance before the international break, scoring a brace against rivals Aston Villa.
She’ll be looking to continue her goal scoring streak on Sunday.
The Belgian international is the Foxes' top scorer this season, and has been a threatening attacking outlet, especially in recent fixtures.
Elisabeth Terland vs Sophie Howard
Elizabeth Terland boasts an impressive seven goals and four assists this season, the highest of any Manchester United player.
Having scored in the previous encounter, Terland will be searching for the back of the net again this Sunday.
The Manchester United striker will be up against Scottish centre-back, Sophie Howard.
Howard has experience on her side, with 92 appearances for Leicester City.
The Scot will be tasked with stopping Terland - a big task considering Terland’s successes this year.
Howard has been a regular in the Foxes backline this season, playing in every fixture.
As well as her defensive abilities, she also offers quality in her passing, which has earned two assists this season.
This will be an interesting battle, with Howard looking to dominate aerial duels against Terland, as Terland scored a header in the reverse fixture.
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Celin Bizet vs Catherine Bott
Celin Bizet has cemented her place in this Manchester United team, since her move from Tottenham last year.
The Norwegian International has featured in all 14 games this season and has played an impressive role in their WSL campaign, with two goals and five assists.
Bizet will be looking to add to this to keep the pressure on league leaders Chelsea.
She’ll be up against Leicester City’s left-back Catherine Bott.
Bott is a New Zealand international and a regular in the Foxes backline, with 12 appearances this season.
The Kiwi will look to silence the threat Bizet poses on the right wing, as Bizet’s 1v1 ability and speed could damage the Leicester defence.
With key battles all over the pitch, both teams will be looking to put in a good performance.
Despite Leicester City’s recent success, Manchester United’s form and home advantage cannot be underestimated.
I think Manchester United should dominate with a convincing win.
Score prediction: 3-0 to Manchester United
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