Match preview: Arsenal v United

It was Casey Stoney’s side who won the reverse encounter in the WSL when we last met in November, and a similar result on Friday could go a long way to us securing a spot in Europe next season.

Here is everything you need to know ahead of the game..

WHERE CAN I WATCH IT?
The match will be live on BT Sport 2 with kick off at 18:30 GMT. Alternatively, you can watch a full replay of the match by tuning into MUTV at 20:30 GMT.

THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PICTURE
With the top three guaranteeing a spot in Europe for next season, Friday’s game really is huge. The Reds are currently third in the table, six points clear of the Gunners, although crucially, the north London side have a game in hand on United. That means a win for the Reds would see us pull nine clear of fourth-placed Arsenal, while a loss could allow them able to pull level on points with United should they win their game in hand. Stoney’s side have never previously played in Europe, and qualification for the Champions League would be a huge step forward for the Reds.

FORM GUIDE
Last Sunday, United bounced back from successive defeats against Reading and Manchester City by beating Aston Villa 3-0 at home. Goals from Kirsty Hanson, Jess Sigsworth and captain Katie Zelem secured a vital three points for the Reds.

Meanwhile, the Gunners head into the match on the back of successive 4-0 wins against second-city rivals Aston Villa and Birmingham City, but lost the two games prior, to Chelsea and Manchester City.

TEAM NEWS
Kirsty Smith and Lauren James are back in full training ahead of the game, while Tobin Heath, Ivana Fuso and Leah Galton are out with long-term injuries. Alessia Russo will also miss out. As for Friday’s hosts, Arsenal will be bolstered by the return of Kim Little who returned from injury off the bench against Birmingham.

HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD
This will only be the fourth meeting between the two sides. Arsenal were triumphant in the first two encounters; they won 2-1 in the Continental League Cup semi-final in 2019 and earned a 1-0 victory in the WSL last season. However, it is United who were successful last time the sides faced each other, as a late Ella Toone goal secured all three points for the Reds in a 1-0 victory last November.

WHO ELSE IS IN ACTION?
Four WSL matches took place on Wednesday, while there is one more league game at the weekend.

WEDNESDAY 17 MARCH
Aston Villa 0-2 Brighton & Hove Albion
Bristol City 0-3 Manchester City
Everton 0-3 Chelsea
West Ham 2-2 Birmingham City

FRIDAY 19 MARCH
Arsenal v UNITED

SUNDAY 21 MARCH
Tottenham Hotspur v Bristol