Brighton & Hove Albion manager Hope Powell says that her side need to stay in the game if they are to get anything from their trip to Manchester United this weekend.
The Seagulls travel to the North West on the back of an improved run of form but they will come up against a Manchester United side who convincingly beat them in the reverse fixture before Christmas.
When speaking in the pre-match press conference, Powell said that staying in the game is important while Manchester United’s lack of centre-back options could provide an opportunity for her side.
“We do recognise that (United are short of defensive options) but we also recognise that the quality of players who are filling the gap, Katie Zelem for example, she’s a quality footballer who did well when she had to play there,” Powell told FAWSL Full-Time.
“Yes, we have looked at it and there are possibilities there but it is more about how we manage the game, we need to manage their early pressure and stay in the game. The longer it goes on and we are in it and they are chasing, it is a really good opportunity for us to get something out of the game.”
Commenting on what to expect from Manchester United, Powell said that her side must be ready for a rapid start from The Red Devils.
She said “We have to be prepared for them coming out of the traps very quickly, they know that they are pushing for third and they will think that it’s an ideal opportunity to gain points at home. They are above us in the table, they’ve beaten us before, they beat Everton quite convincingly so they are in some form.
“I think they’ll come out and pressurise and try to get control of the game early so we just have to be prepared for that, play at our pace and hopefully, we can find some cutting edge, get some joy in the game and come away with some points.”
Brighton & Hove Albion’s Barclays FA Women’s Super League fixture at Manchester United kicks-off at 12pm on Sunday.