Reading make the trip to Leigh Sports Village on Sunday when they face up against Women’s Super League high flyers, Manchester United.
The Royals head into the game in a torrid run of form with only one win in their last ten WSL games, a 3-1 victory over struggling Brighton. They have recorded impressive draws with both Arsenal and Manchester City however and ran United close in the home leg.
Meanwhile the Red Devils head into the fixture off the back of two successive 2-0 victories over Everton and Birmingham City. Casey Stoney’s side will also be buoyed by recent contract news with wingers Leah Galton and Kirsty Hanson signing long-term deals this week.
With two clean sheets in their last two, Reading’s attack will need to be at top form to beat former Royal, Mary Earps in the Man United goal.
LAST TIME THEY MET
Man United come away from Madejski with a 2-1 victory after a hard fought battle in Berkshire back in December. Leah Galton opened the scoring before a Millie Turner levelled proceedings. Hayley Ladd then struck the winner in the 83rd minute after a defensive lapse allowed the Welsh international to tap home. Reading will need to improve at both ends of the pitch with defensive mistakes a recent common feature as well as only registering one shot on target in the last meeting of the two sides.
TEAM NEWS
Casey Stoney is likely to be without defender Martha Harris after her season has been scuppered with a recurring injury. Tobin Heath will miss the game with an ankle injury that has ruled her out for around eight weeks. Alessia Russo, Lucy Staniforth and Emily Ramsey are also likely to not be involved as they return from long-term injuries. Lauren James will feature as she continues her return from injury while new signing Maria Thorisdottir will hope to be given her chance to impress.
UNLIKELY TO PLAY*: Lucy Staniforth, Martha Harris, Tobin Heath, Emily Ramsey, Alessia Russo (all Injury)
Kelly Chambers is working with a small squad after only one incoming during the transfer window with Silvana Flores arriving from Chelsea. The Mexican midfielder was announced the day before the Man United game and maybe in contention for her debut. OL Reign loanee, Jess Fishlock is still available for selection while fellow MBE, Fara Williams will miss the remainder of the season through illness. Brooke Chaplen and Ga-Eul Jeon are both long-term absentees. Kristine Leine and Lauren Bruton will look to return after recent injuries while Lily Woodham returned to the bench last time out. 17-year-old full back, Bethan Roberts will hope to keep her place in the starting line-up.
UNLIKELY TO PLAY*: Fara Williams, Brooke Chaplen (both Illness), Ga-Eul Jeon (Injury).
TIME: 12:30 Sunday 7th February, Leigh Sports Village, Leigh
(Available to watch on BBC Red Button for UK and FA Player for international broadcast)
ONE TO WATCH
LEAH GALTON (FW) – POINTS 149 (£30,000)
The winger signed a new contract with the club this week and will look to continue her brilliant form. She has already scored once against Reading this season and will look to add to her tally. Galton has six goals from only 16 shots this season as well as two assists.
ANGHARAD JAMES (MF) – POINTS 92 (£35,000)
The Welsh international has played every minute of every game in every competition for both club and country during the 2020/21 campaign. She scored her first goal of the season last time out against Aston Villa and will look to control the midfield. James marked Jackie Groenen out of the game in the reverse tie and will look to work with Jess Fishlock to keep the United midfield quiet again.
Written by Ben Waite (Follow on Twitter at @etiawneb for regular WSL updates!)
*Please note, all information we have may not be 100% accurate
You can view an updated absence list here and an updated transfer list here.