The top two of the Women’s Super League face off against each other as Manchester United meet rivals Arsenal in the Sunday afternoon encounter at Leigh Sports Village. The Reds currently sit top of the table with the Gunners just behind us on goal difference. We were in action on Thursday evening, overturning a 1-0 deficit to beat SK Brann to make the league phase of the Champions League for the very first time in our history, thanks to Elisabeth Terland’s hat-trick.
Even though this is only the third game into the new season, it could set the precedent for the title race with both sides looking to keep pace with current champions Chelsea and Tottenham, who also have six points from their first two games. Both sides will be looking to come out of this with their 100% record intact.
United’s opening two league games saw them come away with a 5-1 and 4-0 victory over London City Lionesses and Leicester City, respectively. Our record against Arsenal has not been great of late, having failed to win games against them since the 2022/23 season, when we won 1-0 on home soil, thanks to Alessia Russo’s goal, who now plays for the opposition.
Manchester United WOMEN Team News
For United, head coach Marc Skinner will be hoping to have Celin Bizet Dønnum back in the squad, after she was rested for the second leg of our Champions League qualifier against Brann on Thursday. We are still awaiting a further update on defender Millie Turner, who suffered a knee injury in our 5-1 victory away at London City Lionesses last weekend. Leah Galton and Simi Awujo remain on the sidelines as they work their way back to fitness, with Rachel Williams now available again. Jayde Riviere took a knock the other night against Brann, so we will have to see if she makes the squad.
Manchester United WOmen Predicted Lineup
Tullis-Joyce,
Riviere, Janssen, Le Tissier, Sandberg,
Zigiotti Olme, Miyazawa, Toone,
Park, Terland and Malard.
Opposition Preview
Arsenal have had to come from behind in both their opening two games of the league season to have a 100% heading into this fixture against United. They hit five goals past West Ham last weekend, with goals from Frida Maanum, Stina Blackstenius, Caitlin Ford and a brace from Alessia Russo. Arsenal have won six of their 13 matches against United, with the most recent victory coming in the final game of the 2024/25 season as they won 4-3 at the Emirates.
Arsenal WOMEN Team News
The Gunners are without Leah Williamson, who has recently undergone a knee operation. Whilst Olivia Smith could return to the starting eleven after being on the bench for the game against West Ham. Chloe Kelly is fit to return as manager, Renee Slegers said, “It’s a little knock. But she’s been in big parts of training this week, so it looks very positive.”
Form Guide
Manchester United WSL form: WW
Arsenal WSL form: WW
Prediction
The clash between United and Arsenal is set to be an exciting one as both teams will be looking to maintain their 100% record at the start of the season. It’s a tough one to call, as the game could be a tight affair. The Reds will be buoyed by reaching the main draw of the Champions League the other night, and so hopefully we can strike an advantage over our rivals in the league too.
Manchester United Women 2-1 Arsenal Women
