Arsenal vs Manchester United: WSL preview, predictions, team news and TV info

Arsenal failed to win any of their three meetings with Manchester United last season, dumped out of the League Cup by the Red Devils, while both WSL clashes finished goalless. Overall, the Gunners have won only two of their last 11 clashes with Man United, dating back to November 2021.

So, ahead of this Women's Super League clash at the Emirates, check out our preview, predictions, team news and TV info.

Fans in the United Kingdom and Ireland can watch this WSL fixture on Sky Sports Football and Sky One. Over in the United States, Arsenal Women vs Manchester United is live on CBS Sports and Paramount+.

Other global broadcasters include Stan Sport in Australia, Sportsnet One in Canada, sportdigital1+ in Austria, Germany and Switzerland, beIN Sports 3 in Southeast Asia, Tubi in South America, TV4 Play in Sweden and Sky Sport in New Zealand and Oceania.

Arsenal came into this season with the stated objective of winning the Women's Super League for the first time since 2019. However, so far, Renée Slegers' side have made a pretty inauspicious start. On the opening day, the Gunners battled to a 1-0 victory over Brighton at Broadfield, with Lisa Baum lashing home the winner on debut.

Then, in their home opener, Arsenal were held to an infuriating goalless draw by newly promoted Crystal Palace last Sunday. The hosts had 79% possession, racked up 30 shots, four big chances and an xG figure of 2.56, but could not find a way past goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud Magnin.

Last season, Slegers' side lost only once in the WSL, but their title aspirations were destroyed by six draws, so are they falling into the same trap? Well, this is a crucial fortnight for Arsenal, considering they travel to Chelsea next Sunday, before facing champions Manchester City on the road a week later. Thus, taking on the other member's of last season's top four in three successive weekends, with two Champions League games thrown in there too, this could make or break their title dreams, even at this very early stage.

Meantime, is this a good time to face Manchester United? The Red Devils arrive in North London currently bottom of the table. Eva Olid's first match in charge saw her side beaten 2-1 by London City Lionesses at Hayes Lane, with Simi Awujo's goal in stoppage time a mere consolation.

Then, last Sunday at Leigh Sports Village, Man United were humiliatingly annihilated 5-0 by Chelsea, the club's biggest defeat since a 6-0 loss against the same opponents on the final day of the 2023/24 campaign.

For a few years now, Manchester United have been the fourth force in the WSL. They have twice qualified for the Champions League and were FA Cup winners in 2024, the only non-Arsenal, Chelsea or Man City winners of any major trophy since 2012.

However, as the club's ownership cares less and less about the women's set up, key players have been sold and the squad has been drained of quality. Thus, despite Arsenal horrendous recent record against Manchester United, the majority of those inside the Emirates on Saturday evening should have a victory to celebrate.

With five key matches to come in 16 days, Renée Slegers is going to have to trust the full extent of her squad. Olivia Smith and Stina Blackstenius could return in attack, while Kim Little is likely to get the nod in midfield alongside Georgia Stanway, displacing Kyra Cooney-Cross.

After such an embarrassing defeat, will Eva Olid ring the changes? Ella Toone remains Manchester United's main goal threat, while Anna Sandberg and Simi Awujo are hoping to return to the XI.

Score prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Manchester United.

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