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Manchester United will continue their excellent season by turning attention to the Women’s FA Cup fifth round this weekend, with Durham making the long trip down from the north east.
It is the second time this season that WSL leaders United have been drawn against a Women’s Championship side in this competition, having laboured a little en-route to a 2-1 win over Sunderland in the previous round – wayward finishing meant it wasn’t more comfortable.
Despite surprisingly struggling in the league, Durham have already frustrated United this season when the pair met in the Conti Cup group stage back in October. The Wildcats scored equalisers in stoppage time of each half and went on to claim the penalty shootout bonus on top. Those two points were ultimately the difference as United exited the competition early.
Durham, who are expecting to bring a significant number of fans to Manchester after selling dedicated away tickets, have been in the FA Cup since the third round and have beaten fourth tier Peterborough and fellow Championship side Crystal Palace so far without conceding a goal.
When is kick off? Sunday 26 February, 12:00 (GMT)
Where is the match being played? Leigh Sports Village
TV channel/live stream? FA Player
Referee? Melissa Burgin
United were hoping to have no new injury problems once players returned from international duty and have spent the second half of the week carrying out assessments.
Only January signings Jayde Riviere and Lisa Naalsund are definitely ruled out. Riviere has continued her injury recovery and is on course to return in mid or late March, but Naalsund is building up her fitness well and has started training with the rest of the squad – early March is her target.
Ella Toone is available after her red card against Tottenham prior to the international break was rescinded – for the same incident, Spurs midfielder Eveliina Summanen was retrospectively banned.
Despite resting Alessia Russo and Hayley Ladd, Skinner named a fairly strong side against Sunderland in the previous round and could go for a similar tactic here. But fans will be hoping to see opportunities for the likes of Vilde Boe Risa, Aissatou Tounkara and Adriana Leon.
Defender Georgia Robert and emerging young attacker Lily Crosthwaite could return to the squad for this one after missing the Championship defeat to Crystal Palace last time out. The Durham squad is otherwise a picture of good health ahead of this one.
Manchester United have played Durham on four previous occasions and are yet beat them inside 90 minutes. So if the Red Devils have a bogey game, this is probably it.
Durham were the only team to take any points off United (one win, one draw) during the 2018/19 Championship season. The 2-2 draw in the Conti Cup group stage this season was also a repeat of the same score-line in that competition last season.
But Durham’s excellent record is in this fixture is massively boosted by being at home. The Wildcats don’t travel particularly well and Leigh Sports Village has become a genuine fortress for United over the last 18 months. Even with some rotation for the hosts, an upset is unlikely this time.
Prediction: Man Utd 3-0 Durham
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