Preview: Liverpool Women vs Manchester United | Key Stats & Predictions | WSL Week 16

We look ahead to Friday's WSL clash at Anfield with our Liverpool vs Manchester United prediction and preview. Can interim boss Amber Whiteley extend her perfect start against high-flying United?

📅 Date: Friday, 14th March 2025
⏰ Kick-off: 19:15 GMT
📍 Venue: Anfield
📺 How to Watch: BBC iPlayer

🔍 Match Context & Overview

Liverpool welcome Manchester United to Anfield for a landmark encounter, with interim manager Amber Whiteley looking to continue her impressive start at the helm. The former assistant has breathed new life into the Reds, securing two victories since taking charge, including a memorable FA Cup quarter-final triumph over Arsenal.

The hosts, sitting sixth in the table with 18 points (5W, 3D, 7L), have shown marked improvement in recent weeks. Their mixed season doesn't tell the full story of their recent resurgence, particularly at home where they've collected 8 points from 7 matches. The move to Anfield for this high-profile fixture could potentially energise both players and supporters.

However, they face a formidable United side who arrive at Anfield in imperious form. Marc Skinner's team sit second in the WSL with 36 points (11W, 3D, 1L), having lost just once all season while boasting the league's best defensive record. Their away form has been excellent (16 points from 7 matches), and they arrive on the back of seven consecutive WSL victories, joint longest streak since gaining promotion to the WSL.

🔴 Liverpool's Resurgence

Liverpool's Canadian forward Olivia Smith has led the line impressively with four goals, outperforming her expected goals by 1.3 (4 goals from 2.7 xG). The creative influence of Marie Höbinger has been crucial, with the Austrian contributing 2 goals, 1 assist, and 25 key passes this season. Her set-piece delivery (42 corners taken) could provide a valuable route to goal against United's robust defence.

The Reds' defensive solidity will be tested, though they can rely on their strong aerial presence through Jasmine Matthews (79.2% aerial duels won) and Jenna Clark (72.7%). However, their goalkeeping situation has been problematic, with both Rachael Laws and Teagan Micah underperforming their expected goals against metrics.

Whiteley's tactical approach has rejuvenated Liverpool's performances, with their primary 3-5-2 formation providing both defensive security and attacking options through wing-backs. The recent cup success against Arsenal demonstrates they can compete with the league's elite sides when they execute their game plan effectively.

🔵 Manchester United's Title Chase

United will be looking to maintain their title push. The defensive trio of Le Tissier, Turner, and goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce (remarkable 89.4% save percentage) have played every minute of every match, providing exceptional stability.

The visitors' attack has remained potent despite the absence of Elisabeth Terland, who leads the scoring charts with seven goals and four assists. Melvine Malard has stepped in seamlessly, registering a goal and an assist in her first start since replacing Terland. Meanwhile, Grace Clinton has been a key contributor from midfield, netting five goals and significantly outperforming her expected goals (5 goals from 2.6 xG). The creative influence of Ella Toone, who averages 3.68 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes (a team high), will be crucial in breaking down Liverpool’s improving defence.

Skinner's side has demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout the season, with their balanced approach (49.1% average possession) highlighting a team comfortable both with and without the ball. This versatility makes them dangerous opponents in any context.

📊 The Numbers Tell a Story

🏆 Head-to-Head Record

Recent meetings have favoured United, who won the reverse fixture 4-0 in December. However, Liverpool's last home victory in this fixture (1-0 in May 2024) shows they can compete when backed by home support.

• Most recent: Manchester United 4-0 Liverpool (December 2024)

• Previous: Liverpool 1-0 Manchester United (May 2024)

• Manchester United wins: 4 (57.1%)

• Liverpool wins: 2 (28.6%)

• Draws: 0

The teams have never met at Anfield in the WSL, potentially neutralising some of United's historical advantage.

🔎 Players to Watch

Olivia Smith (Liverpool) – The Canadian forward has been a key attacking outlet for Liverpool, leading the team with four goals this season. She averages 2.89 shots per 90, consistently testing opposition goalkeepers with her sharp movement and ability to find space in dangerous areas. Smith has also been crucial in transitional play, using her pace and intelligent positioning to exploit defensive gaps. Against United’s well-structured backline, her clinical finishing and ability to create opportunities could be decisive.

Ella Toone (Manchester United) – The dynamic midfielder has been in excellent form, registering six direct goal involvements in her last five matches. She has provided an assist in each of her last two WSL games, showcasing her playmaking ability. With her vision and creativity, Toone will be a key figure in breaking down Liverpool’s disciplined defence.

📌 Prediction

While Liverpool's recent upturn under Whiteley offers genuine hope, particularly after their FA Cup triumph over Arsenal, United's defensive excellence (6 goals conceded in 15 matches) and attacking efficiency make them favourites. However, the historic Anfield setting could prove a levelling factor in what promises to be an intriguing encounter.

Our AI model, trained on historical data, xG trends, home/away patterns, as well as our expert analysis forecasts:

Expected Score: Liverpool 1-2 Manchester United

• Key Factors:

  • Liverpool's resurgence under interim manager Amber Whiteley

  • Manchester United's exceptional defensive record

  • The historical significance of the first WSL meeting at Anfield

  • United's current seven-match winning streak

  • Liverpool's proven ability to upset stronger opposition (Arsenal FA Cup)

📢 Have Your Say!

Will the Anfield atmosphere inspire Liverpool to another upset, or will Manchester United's title charge continue unabated? Drop your predictions in the comments!