The WSL returns this weekend with pivotal fixtures across the table, as title ambitions, momentum, and pride all collide. Arsenal and Chelsea headline the round in a clash that could shape the title race, while Manchester United look to extend their unbeaten run, and Manchester City aim to keep pace at the top. Elsewhere, Liverpool chase their first win, Tottenham look to maintain their form, and West Ham battle Leicester in a fight for points and confidence. Every match carries weight in a league where small margins continue to define big moments.
Arsenal v Chelsea, Saturday 8 November, Emirates Stadium
This is a fixture that goes beyond geography; it is a meeting that defines trophies and seasons.
Chelsea comes into this game from a 2–0 win over London City Lionesses, the only club in the league not to concede to the newcomers. They are without Guro Reiten and are unavailable for a good reason. Lauren James is not entirely back but may be available for their next game.
Arsenal will return home after a 4–1 win against Leicester. They bounced back after shaky results before the international break. Four players were unavailable for that game — Lotte Wubben-Moy, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Olivia Smith, and Frida Maanum — but they are all available now. Kim Little, the captain, who was substituted off against Leicester, will not be available for the derby.
They have met 55 times in their history; Arsenal have won 26, Chelsea 23, and there have been six draws.
The last time Arsenal won this derby was in the League Cup final in March 2024.
In the last six meetings, Chelsea have won four and Arsenal only two.
This fixture is prominent in the title race for both teams; neither side can afford to lose, or it could break their season.
The last time these two faced off, Kim Little fouled Lauren James and conceded a penalty; seconds later, Katie McCabe was sent off with a second yellow for a clear overstep of the penalty area. Guro Reiten converted from the spot to end the game 1-0 for the Blues.
Renee Sleger said: “A beautiful moment in a fantastic stadium, playing for a beautiful club, and having so many fans in the stadium tomorrow. So it's going to be a beautiful moment.”
Chelsea are known for being serial winners of the domestic treble and for being unbeaten domestically under Sonia Bompastor.
Arsenal manager on Chelsea's serial winning attitude: “Huge respect for it, because it's not easy. It's easier to reach the top or to win one trophy. But to do that consistently over time, that's really hard. They find their ways.”
This is a fixture defined by the smallest of margins: momentum, strength brought to the game, energy, fans, and atmosphere.
Stina Blackstenius comes into this match with clear growth and self-awareness, and is known for her strength and connection, especially in her dynamics with Alessia Russo and the strength that partnership brings in the final third.
The audience at this London showdown has currently sold 57,000 tickets.
Arsenal fans spoke about how close this game will be, given the return of Sam Kerr and Arsenal's key players out, with recent performances which have been sloppy.
She continued to say: “Chelsea is a fantastic team, so I don't have much hope for Arsenal winning as much as I hate to admit it. Arsenal tend to play better against great teams and somehow win, but given their sloppy play recently, I don't think it will matter much.”
Though she believed the margins of a win would be small, given Daphne van Domsalaar in goal.
Her prediction is either a 2-1 draw or a Chelsea win.
Sonia Bompastor said: “Arsenal have had that Champions League win, but then haven't had the form they would have wanted recently. The game tomorrow will be a challenge, as you just mentioned. I think we also have a lot of quality. I'm looking forward to playing this game. As you just said, Arsenal will always be a tough challenge. They have quality everywhere on the pitch. We expect them to be ready to compete. Hopefully, it will be a good game.”
Manchester United Women vs Aston Villa Women
Manchester United Women host Aston Villa at Leigh Sports Village this weekend, aiming to extend their unbeaten record against the Midlands side. United have never lost to Villa in any competition, boasting 10 wins and three draws in 13 meetings.
Marc Skinner’s side has enjoyed a positive start to the WSL season and will look to continue that momentum. Defender Hannah Blundell has returned from maternity leave, while Leah Galton is expected to be available after missing the previous fixture through illness.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, are placed eighth in the table and have yet to lose away from home this season, their only league defeat coming against Chelsea back in September. Villa are showing signs of stabilising after a tricky opening to the campaign.
Liverpool Women vs Brighton & Hove Albion Women
Liverpool return to host Brighton & Hove Albion Women on Sunday. In the official team news update, manager Gareth Taylor confirmed that Gemma Bonner will miss the fixture after sustaining a head injury in training. Spanish left-back Alejandra Bernabé remains out, but Mia Enderby has been cleared to return following a stretcher incident last weekend, and Leanne Kiernan is also likely to feature.
Taylor said of Enderby’s recovery:
“She’s back in training. She’s been training the last couple of days, so Mia is back with us.”
Liverpool hopes to bounce back after a defeat at Tottenham, while Brighton seeks to build on its consistency under its new leadership.
London City Lionesses vs Tottenham Hotspur Women
London City Lionesses host Tottenham Hotspur Women on Sunday. The Lionesses arrive after what their club described as a strong performance away at Chelsea in their last outing, despite failing to score.
Head coach Jocelyn Prêcheur previewed the fixture, saying:
“That’s why this game is fascinating for us, because Tottenham are performing very well this season.”
From Tottenham’s side, the club noted in their statistical preview that they have won eight of their last ten WSL matches against newly-promoted opposition. This is the first competitive meeting between the two clubs since 2023, with Spurs winning both earlier encounters by an aggregate score of 9-0.
Spurs’ goalkeeping coach Chris Williams added:
“We are obviously aware that London City Lionesses are a good team as well. They’ve recruited well over the summer and started the season well.”
West Ham United Women vs Leicester City Women
West Ham United Women begin a stretch of three consecutive home league fixtures as they host Leicester City Women on Sunday.
The match falls on Remembrance Sunday, and both managers will lay wreaths before kick-off, followed by the Last Post.
West Ham are unbeaten in their last four competitive meetings with Leicester City and will look to rediscover their home form. Leicester, managed by Rick Passmoor, are chasing consistency after a mixed run of results.
Everton Women vs Manchester City Women
Manchester City travel to face Everton Women on Sunday.
In his pre-match press conference, City head coach Andrée Jeglertz confirmed there are no new injury concerns ahead of the fixture, although captain Alex Greenwood remains unavailable. Jeglertz said:
“We will always miss Alex when she’s not on the field… others will feel they need to take a bigger responsibility.”
City come into this match following a 1-0 win over West Ham, while Everton are fresh from a 3-3 draw against Aston Villa. The Toffees currently sit ninth in the table and are looking for just their second league win of the season.
Jeglertz added that his team had enjoyed “a full week with more sessions” and were “in a good place at the moment.”
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