The Women’s Super League is serving up two blockbuster fixtures this weekend, with all four title contenders going head-to-head. Manchester United host defending champions Chelsea in a battle for top spot, while Manchester City welcome Arsenal in a clash that could shape the race to keep pace with the leaders. With unbeaten records on the line, key injuries on both sides, and early-season momentum at stake, the WSL table could look very different by Sunday night.
Manchester United v Chelsea
Two points separate these two sides at the top of the table. This game will determine who sits at the top. Manchester United needs to win to be at the top of the league.
Chelsea needs to win to add a bigger cushion to the rest.
The Red Devils host the defending champions at the newly renamed Progress with Unity Stadium.
Neither side has lost in the WSL so far. Chelsea has a 100% winning record, while Manchester United slipped with a 0-0 draw against Arsenal in week three. Both won their previous games: United won 2-0 over Liverpool, a team that has yet to score points this season, and Chelsea won 4-0 at West Ham.
The most recent meeting was at the 2025 FA Cup final at Wembley, where Chelsea won 3-0, securing the domestic treble. Only once, as United won against Chelsea in the 2023/24 FA Cup semi-final. Chelsea have won four of the last five meetings, with United failing to score in the last four encounters.
Chelsea has been unbeaten in the league since May 2024. They went all last season without a loss and have a target on their back. Teams want to break Sonia Bomapstor's 100% unbeaten streak in the league. This is already a big game to determine the title with these two sides being hot favourites in the league.
Marc Skinner, United manager, said: “They’re such a well-oiled machine. It’s the most difficult challenge in the WSL right now.”
Sonia Bompastor, Chelsea manager: “We focus more on our team than the opposition. We want to go into every game attacking. We have the depth in the squad to make an impact even with injuries. The team is always the most important.”
United will be without young superstar Anna Sandberg, who proved herself against Arsenal, keeping Olivia Smith at bay. Millie Turner is out until Christmas. Leah Galton is back in training but not match-ready. Their primary concern is squad depth. Last weekend, they had only five subs available.
Chelsea has depth in their squad to combat their lengthy injury list. Some are on their way back; they will not be available for Friday night's game (Lucy Bronze, Lauren James, Naomi Girma, and Mayra Ramirez). Niamh Charles, who picked up an injury against Aston Villa, is in doubt. However, Alyssa Thompson could start again after her first start against West Ham. Sam Kerr and Sjoeke Nusken are building fitness and will likely come off the bench.
Manchester City v Arsenal
Miedema v Mead. Will the two teams trying to bring the fight to Chelsea again this season succeed? This weekend, all the big four in the WSL are playing each other. This gives other clubs a chance to pick up points, push the table, and put pressure on the top four.
City came back into this season after an opening-day 2-1 defeat against Chelsea and went on to win the last three WSL games. Arsenal started well, scoring nine goals in their first two games, but have since had back-to-back draws. First, they had a 0-0 draw against Manchester United, the first time their manager Renee Sleger has managed a 0-0 at Arsenal. Then last weekend, they lost three points at home against Aston Villa from a stoppage-time equaliser.
Manchester City won against London City Lionesses in a 4-1 thriller, with Bunny Shaw scoring twice from the spot. They won 5-1 at Spurs the week before, where Shaw could not convert her penalty as Lize Kop saved it. Vivienne Miedema, an ex-Arsenal player who moved to City last summer, has started her season on the front foot with three goals in her last three games.
Arsenal have yet to be beaten, but their performance has frustrated the manager, especially after starting the season in scoring form and now unable to find the back of the net.
Arsenal have no new injury concerns. Leah Williamson's return is far off, as she wore her knee brace last weekend.
The city manager, Andree Jeglertz, confirmed earlier this week that Lauren Hemp will be out for at least the next few games. Grace Clinton will step into that role down the wing.
Fans and pundits alike have expressed frustration. Ian Wright has called for Kyra Cooney-Cross and Victoria Pelova to get more minutes, a chance to prove themselves, and off the bench.
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