Why Man Utd vs Chelsea and Man City vs Arsenal will define the title race
Two huge fixtures take place in the WSL this weekend as champions Chelsea travel to Manchester United, will Manchester City host Arsenal
This weekend, the Women’s Super League title race ignites as the top four heavyweights go head-to-head in two huge clashes.
It is an early opportunity to seize a crucial advantage, with any dropped points feeling seismic despite this early point in the season, given the title has come down to small point margins in the past.
The drama begins on Friday, 3 October at the Leigh Sports Village (19:30 BST) as league leaders and defending champions Chelsea travel north to face their closest title rivals, Manchester United.
The fixture is charged with history: in the WSL, United are yet to register a single win against the Blues, with Chelsea dominating the head-to-head record with 10 wins and just 1 draw from their 11 league encounters.
The title scramble continues less than 24 hours later, on Saturday, 4 October at the Joie Stadium (12:00 BST), with the classic rivalry fixture of free-scoring Manchester City hosting Arsenal.
This rivalry is historically the most balanced of the top four, with the WSL head-to-head record sitting at 10 wins apiece and 3 draws between the two clubs.
The Cutback is here to take you through the key details for both games.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
This is, undoubtedly, a huge early decider. Chelsea, the defending champions, boast a perfect 100% winning record and sit atop the table.
Their opponents, Manchester United, are close behind with 10 points from four games, a run which includes a solid draw against Arsenal.
United’s prolific attack has netted 11 goals, with much of that production coming from Melvine Malard (four goals) and the tenacity of Ella Toone.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s early success is partly thanks to the blistering form of Aggie Beever-Jones, who has remarkably scored in every league game this season. However, the fixture pits United’s momentum against Chelsea’s injury crisis.
The Blues are dealing with numerous sidelined stars, including Lauren James (ankle), Lucy Bronze (calf), Mayra Ramírez (thigh), and Kadeisha Buchanan (knee).
The Red Devils aren’t completely unscathed and are set to be without defender Millie Turner and midfielder Leah Galton. Despite the injuries, a win for either side will provide a huge boost and psychological edge in the title battle.
Manchester City vs Arsenal
The title scramble continues as free-scoring Manchester City host Arsenal in what feels like a WSL classic.
City have been in strong form, winning four out of five league games and racking up a league-leading 15 goals. Their only mistake was a tight loss to Chelsea.
For Arsenal, the start has been slightly more mixed, with three wins and two draws, including a hard-fought 0-0 with Manchester United, leaving them eager for a statement victory.
This fixture contains some true WSL talent that will be on display. City’s formidable attack is led by Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw, supported by the creativity of Mary Fowler and Yui Hasegawa.
Arsenal counter with the combined firepower of Alessia Russo, PFA Player of the Year Mariona Caldentey, and the experience of captain Kim Little.
In terms of team news, both sides appear relatively strong, but Arsenal could be without summer signing Chloe Kelly, who is managing a knock and will be absent against her former club.
Which of these four heavyweights will seize the crucial advantage this weekend? Get the popcorn ready.