Manchester United Women will be looking to bounce back after suffering their first Women’s Super League season defeat against Chelsea. Previous to that the Reds had enjoyed a 100% start to the league campaign. We head to the Emirates on Saturday evening where we take on league leaders Arsenal, who are looking to maintain their unbeaten start.
United were undone by Chelsea in our last league fixture as Sam Kerr became the first player to score a league goal against us. Former player Lauren James then doubled the opposition’s advantage. Alessia Russo pulled one back for us to halve the deficit and set up a tense finish in the last twenty minutes. However, Erin Cuthbert sealed victory for the Blues with a goal in injury time to end any hopes of a comeback.
Although we have lost our unbeaten record in the Women’s Super League, we have yet to drop any points away from home winning all three games without conceding a goal. In our previous two meetings away to Arsenal, the Reds secured a 1-0 win in the League Cup and then a 1-1 draw in the league. If United beat Arsenal, then we would go level on points with them.
Manchester United Women’s Team News
For United, we are still without defender Aoife Mannion who is currently out with a long-term knee injury. Ona Batlle is expected to return to the starting eleven after being out for the last four games with a concussion. Alessia Russo returned to the starting lineup against Chelsea and will have the chance to add her goal scoring tally against Arsenal.
Manchester United Women Predicted Lineup
Earps; Battle, Le Tissier, Turner, Blundell; Ladd, Zelem; Parris, Toone, Galton, and Russo.
Opposition Preview
Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 14 games across all the competitions. The previous eight games have seen them come away with three points. They are the only team in the Women’s Super League to not yet drop points and have won all their opening six games.
Before the international break, the Gunners recorded a victory 4-0 victory over bottom of the table Leicester City thanks to goals from Frida Maanum, Caitlin Foord, Steph Catley, and Stina Blackstenius. They sit at the top of the table level on points with Chelsea who have played one game more.
Arsenal Women Team News
Our opponents are without the services of Leah Williamson, Rafaelle, and Kim Little due to injury. Vivianne Miedema is expected to return to the starting lineup after taking extended leave from the club due to personal reasons. Jordan Nobbs is likely to be available after suffering a minor quadricep tear whilst on international duty.
Stina Blackstenius who is currently Arsenal’s leading goalscorer in the WSL will be looking to add to her tally against the Reds whilst leading the line.
Form Guide
Manchester United Women WSL form: WWWWWL
Manchester United Women form (all competitions): LWWLWL
Arsenal Women WSL form: WWWWWW
Arsenal Women form (all competitions): WWWWWW
Prediction
This will be an intriguing battle between both teams as United looks to rebound after the defeat to Chelsea. The Reds have shown in their previous two meetings that we have the quality to achieve a good result against Arsenal.
Arsenal Women 1-2 Manchester United Women
