Preview: Brighton & Hove Albion Women vs. Manchester United Women - prediction, team news, lineups

The Red Devils are currently top of the WSL table on goal difference, while the Seagulls are languishing in 11th position.

Match preview

Since beginning her second spell has interim boss Amy Merrick has overseen two victories across five matches in all competitions.

Both of those wins took place in the FA Cup, ensuring the Seagulls are still without a league win since beating West Ham United 5-4 in November.

Brighton looked well set to end their poor league form against Reading last weekend when they took a two-goal lead into half time thanks to a Veatriki Sarri brace.

However, two second-half goals from Reading's Emma Harries denied the Seagulls all three points, with the result extending Brighton's winless league run to eight matches.

The South Coast side are just two points better off than basement side Leicester City, but they do hold the advantage of having two games in hand, which could prove pivotal in their relegation battle.

After losing to title rivals Chelsea earlier this month, Man United have bounced back with wins over Lewes and West Ham United in the FA Cup and WSL respectively.

Marc Skinner's side played out a goalless first half in their league meeting with West Ham last weekend, but they moved through the gears in the second period at Old Trafford.

Katie Zelem opened the scoring from the penalty spot, before a Lucia Garcia brace and Hayley Ladd strike wrapped up a comfortable 4-0 victory, moving Man United to the top of the table thanks to their superior goal difference over their local rivals Man City.

Just three points cover the top four, the Red Devils know that they can ill afford any slip-ups especially as Chelsea and Arsenal have a game in hand over the Manchester clubs.

Man United have won their last three meetings with Brighton - including a 4-0 victory in October - and they will be looking to continue that winning run, with the Red Devils set to face the Seagulls in the WSL and FA Cup in their next two games.

Brighton & Hove Albion Women Women's Super League form:

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Brighton & Hove Albion Women form (all competitions):

Manchester United Women Women's Super League form:

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Manchester United Women form (all competitions):

Team News

Dejana Stefanovic has not featured since picking up an injury on her Brighton debut in January, and the midfielder is unlikely to return for Saturday's contest.

There is also doubt surrounding the availability of Guro Bergsvand, who was forced off in the first half against Reading last weekend.

With Bergsvand unavailable, Victoria Williams could be brought into the side to partner Zoe Morse in the centre of the Brighton defence.

As for Man United, defender Maria Thorisdottir is expected to be out for the rest of the season with a foot injury.

Skinner has also confirmed that Lisa Naalsund will be unavailable due to a hamstring injury, but he is hopeful that the 27-year-old can return before the end of the campaign.

After coming off the bench to score a brace against West Ham last weekend, Garcia could be rewarded with a place in the starting lineup.

Brighton & Hove Albion Women possible starting lineup:

L. Williams; Kullberg, Morse, V. Williams, Pattinson; Robinson, Connolly, Olme, Sarri, Fox; Lee

Manchester United Women possible starting lineup:

Earps; Batlle, Le Tissier, Turner, Blundell; Ladd, Zelem; Garcia, Toone, Galton; Russo

We say: Brighton & Hove Albion Women 0-2 Manchester United Women

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