WSL match preview: United v Arsenal
Manchester United Women return to WSL action this weekend, when hosting current league leaders Arsenal at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday.
Marc Skinner's side will be looking to build on an impressive 2-1 win over local rivals Manchester City in the Continental League Cup on Wednesday evening, and close to the gap to the top four places.
HOW CAN I FOLLOW THE GAME?
Sunday’s clash with the Gunners kicks off at 12:15 GMT and will be broadcast live in the UK on BBC Two. United’s line-up plus half and full-time updates will be published in our Official App, followed by a match report which will also be available on ManUtd.com. Highlights will be shown on MUTV, the app and our website from midday on Monday.
Skinner’s Arsenal preview
ArticleThe visit of the WSL leaders is a challenge the Reds are relishing, says the boss.
Tickets for the game are still available from manutd.com/womenstickets, priced at £6 for adults and £3 for both Over 65’s and Under 16’s. Any disabled supporters requiring the use of accessible seating can call 0161 524 0211 to check the remaining availability.
HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD
Skinner's side are hoping to record the club's second WSL win against the Gunners, having lost three of the previous four meetings. The last defeat was in March of this year, with Arsenal's 2-0 victory secured by Lotte Wubben-Moy and an unfortunate own goal from Miller Turner. That result ended United's chances of challenging the top two of Chelsea and Manchester City for the WSL title, and the Reds had to settle for a fourth-placed finish. As for our only victory over the North Londoners so far, that came back in November 2020 with Ella Toone’s strike being the difference between the sides in a 1-0 win for the Reds.
FORM GUIDE
In terms of recent form, the Reds have only tasted defeat once so far this campaign, falling to a 6-1 defeat against Chelsea back in September. Since then, United have gone on an impressive run of six games without defeat in all competitions. Fresh from signing a new contract, Toone promises to be a threat to the visitors, after assisting three and scoring four goals in her seven WSL appearances so far this season.
As for Arsenal, they are currently sitting top of the pile in the WSL, unbeaten in their opening seven games after netting an impressive 24 goals and conceding a mere three. Scottish captain Kim Little could be a thorn in United’s side, having already netted six times this campaign. Jonas Edievall’s side also recorded an impressive 3-0 win over Danish club HB Køge earlier this week, as they ramped up their bid to qualify for the knockout stages of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Report: United Women 2 City 1
ArticleOna Batlle's persistence pays off as the Spanish full-back scores the winner in our Continental Cup derby.
Martha Thomas is a doubt after being substituted during the midweek win over City, but Hayley Ladd could be in contention for a return after overcoming the illness that kept her out of recent games.
Millie Turner has resumed training but this game is likely to fall too soon for the long-serving defender. Skinner otherwise has a full squad to choose from.
FIXTURES
United’s game with Arsenal is one of six WSL matches taking places this weekend - the first was played on Saturday as Manchester City beat Aston Villa convincingly, winning 5-0 at home. Here are the remaining matches to be played on Sunday:
Leicester City v Everton 14:00 GMT
Reading v Brighton & Hove Albion 14:00 GMT
Chelsea v Birmingham City 14:00 GMT
West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur 15:00 GMT