Manchester United face a midweek trip to Durham in the Continental Cup group stage, looking to build on the disappointment of a draw and penalty shootout defeat in their opening match of the competition against Aston Villa last month.

Durham, who are ninth in the Women’s Championship, should come into this one relatively fresh after their league fixture against Birmingham at the weekend was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

The second tier side actually go into this week’s Conti Cup fixtures top of their group following a draw with Sheffield United on matchday one and penalty shootout victory to secure a bonus point.

In this exact Conti Cup fixture last season, Durham also pulled off something of a shock when they held United to a 2-2 draw in normal time. The Red Devils won the bonus penalty shootout though.

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When is kick off? Wednesday 26 October, 19:00 (BST)
Where is the match being played? Maiden Castle
TV channel/live stream? MUTV
What time does coverage start? 18:45 (BST)
Referee? Thomas Parsons

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Durham were missing Tatiana Saunders in their most recent game against Lewes, while there are doubts over Sarah Wilson. Full-back Lauren Briggs is also missing here.

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Ona Batlle will miss a second consecutive game in all competitions after a concussion against Brighton earlier this month. Alessia Russo also remains sidelined for this one but has a chance of featuring against Everton in the WSL on Sunday. The same is true of Grace Clinton.

Marc Skinner has no new injury concerns but plans to make several changes to hand fringe players opportunities here. A couple of academy players could also be named on the bench.

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Durham: McAloon, Robert, Robson, Hepple, Farrugia, Hardy, Crosthwaite, Salicki, Bradley, Christon, Noonan

Man Utd: Baggaley; Thorisdottir, Tounkara, Turner, Le Tissier; Moore, Staniforth, Boe Risa; Thomas, Williams, Leon

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Even with rotation planned, Manchester United are the favourites here because of the international quality Marc Skinner is able to bring into the starting XI.

United struggled against an Aston Villa side that was flying in their first game in this competition, but spirits in the squad should be high after four consecutive WSL wins this season.

Durham will pose their own threats, most likely from set-pieces, something United and Skinner are extremely aware of, but an away victory for the top flight visitors shouldn’t really be in doubt if they play to their true level.

Prediction: Durham 1-3 Man Utd

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