Joe Montemurro’s side will be hoping to make it nine consecutive Women’s Super League victories on Sunday when they host Brighton & Hove Albion at Meadow Park.
THE STORY SO FAR
We made WSL history last Sunday as we became the first ever side to start their season with eight consecutive victories.
Manchester City were the previous record holders with seven in the 2017/18 season, but we managed to surpass their achievement with a comprehensive 4-0 win over Everton Ladies.
Danielle van de Donk broke the deadlock in the 44th minute, before Jordan Nobbs and Vivianne Miedema struck twice in quick succession after the break. Miedema then went on to grab her second of the afternoon - and her 16th of the season - with a thumping first-time volley.
As a result, we currently boast a six-point lead over second place Manchester City and boast a goal difference of +34. We’ve scored an impressive 38 goals in the WSL, averaging 4.76 per game - and we’ve also managed to keep six clean sheets along the way.
No other side in the league have been as effective at either end of the field.
THE OPPOSITION
Brighton & Hove Albion are currently ninth in the WSL table, having picked up just one win from their opening eight fixtures.
They head into Sunday’s game off the back of a 4-1 home defeat to Reading, but prior to that fixture they sealed their first three points of the season in a 2-1 win over Yeovil Town.
Only Everton (2) and Yeovil (3) have picked up fewer points than the Seagulls this season - and only Yeovil have conceded more goals in the WSL than Brighton (19).
THE MANAGER’S NOTES
“I know that Brighton are a new team to the league and they’ve done very, very well so far,” said Montemurro. “They’re going to be a difficult opponent, but everyone in this league is a difficult opponent.
“We need to realign and keep players fresh because a lot of these players have had a lot of work to do during the international break, and then they’ve had to instantly come back, play a game and maintain the same levels.
“We need to keep our momentum going, but at the same time we have to be smart in how we approach the game and manage our players.”
ONE TO WATCH
With Kim Little and Jordan Nobbs out through injury, Katie McCabe has the opportunity to shine in the final third on Sunday.
The 23-year-old has delivered a number of thrilling performances this season, but as a result of her versatility, she’s been asked to operate in various positions.
The Republic of Ireland international has played as a left back, a central midfielder and in the No 10 role, despite being a natural winger.
She’s stepped up to the challenge in each of her new positions, but there’s no denying that she’s at her best when she’s linking up with Vivianne Miedema. This was shown best on the opening day of the season when McCabe struck twice against West Ham to secure a 3-1 win.
FOLLOW THE ACTION
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