Preview: Liverpool v United Women
Marc Skinner’s Reds were held to a goalless draw by Arsenal at Leigh Sports Village last Sunday, dropping from the top of the Barclays Women’s Super League to second place. However, with two wins and a draw from the opening three fixtures, plus well-deserved qualification for the Champions League secured, it has been an impressive new beginning to the season.
An emotionally charged Liverpool will aim to disrupt that positive momentum in Sunday’s midday kick-off. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the game.
### Team News
Rachel Williams made her United return as a late substitute in Sunday’s 0-0 draw against Arsenal at Leigh Sports Village. Celin Bizet Donnum played 76 minutes in that fixture, having been rested as a precaution in the prior UEFA Champions League victory over Brann. Jayde Riviere was absent due to a niggle.
Marc Skinner last floated a return date at the end of the month for Simi Awuji and Leah Galton, so fans will eagerly await the latest updates when he next speaks to the media. The boss may also provide a fresh update on Millie Turner, who is currently having a knee injury assessed. Skinner’s pre-match press conference is scheduled for Friday morning, although he will speak with club media before then.
The hosts are without long-term absentees Zara Shaw (knee) and Rachael Laws (hand). Alejandra Bernabe, the Spanish full-back who rejoined Liverpool from Chelsea earlier this month after a successful loan stint, has recently linked up with the main training group. Midfielder Sofie Lundgaard returned to the bench for Liverpool’s last game on 14 September after being out since October 2024.
Loan signing Risa Shimizu, who joined from Manchester City, has made two substitute appearances so far. Manager Gareth Taylor has hinted at increased involvement soon, following an enhanced training load. We will have a clearer picture of Liverpool’s squad after their League Cup fixture against Sunderland on Wednesday night (19:00 BST).
### Tributes to Be Paid to Matt Beard
This will be Liverpool’s first league game since the tragic news of former manager Matt Beard’s passing. Beard was admired across the women’s football world, with tributes paid to his life and legacy at Liverpool’s most recent game against Arsenal last Sunday at Leigh Sports Village.
“Beardy’s an incredible human,” United boss Skinner said in an emotional post-match press conference. “He has and will continue to leave a legacy in our game. I’m a big believer in that, and I think you live on in people’s memories, even when your body’s not here anymore.
“I know that I’ll keep his legacy alive by talking about him all the time. I’ve got two of his assistants who tell me so many funny stories from the inside, so I think that’s where we’re sharing his special memory. I think he’s iconic in our game. I’ll go as far as saying iconic.
“He’s worked up from the lowest of the lowest levels, all the way up to the very highest at the top. So for me, and it’s a very sad day, but there’s some solace in knowing that his memory will always live on. He was a larger-than-life character; it’s really important that we share that so that people don’t forget about that. I’m going to have a drink to him tonight.”
Liverpool’s scheduled league game against Aston Villa, which was due to be played on Sunday lunchtime, was postponed as a result of this sad news.
### Last Meeting
These two sides met only five weeks ago, when Ella Toone’s 90th-minute equaliser secured a 2-2 draw in United’s final pre-season game at Leigh Sports Village.
### Form Guide
Since then, United have been in fine form, including on the continental stage where they progressed past PSV Eindhoven and Hammarby in the Champions League qualifiers in Sweden, before triumphing in a two-legged battle with Brann to secure qualification for the league phase.
Skinner’s Reds began the WSL campaign in flying form, putting four past Leicester City on the opening weekend without reply, then defeating newcomers London City Lionesses 5-1 at Hayes Lane. Last weekend’s 0-0 home draw with Arsenal was a tightly contested affair that leaves United second in the division.
Liverpool, meanwhile, sit 11th in the table, after defeats to local rivals Everton (4-1) and Leicester City (1-0). Following the postponement of their league fixture at Aston Villa due to Beard’s passing, they are set to host Sunderland in the League Cup on Wednesday, aiming to pay tribute to their former manager and regain rhythm after 10 days without a game.
### Who Else Is Playing?
**Saturday 27 September**
– Arsenal vs Aston Villa
**Sunday 28 September**
– Manchester City vs London City Lionesses
– Leicester City vs Tottenham Hotspur
– Liverpool vs UNITED
– Brighton & Hove Albion vs Everton
– West Ham United vs Chelsea (14:30 BST)
All kick-offs are at 12:00 BST unless stated otherwise.
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Stay tuned for updates and in-depth coverage ahead of what promises to be a compelling fixture.
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