On Wednesday 19 April, Manchester United and Arsenal will face off in a classic six-pointer at Leigh Sports Village with kick-off at 19:15 BST. This match is crucial in the Women’s Super League’s enthralling four-way title race, as a win for Arsenal would move them level on points with leaders United and they also have a game in hand over their opponents. A win for Manchester United would put them four points clear of second-placed Chelsea and six clear of Arsenal and Manchester City.
When it comes to the top four teams pitted against each other this season, Chelsea have the edge with their only defeat coming from Manchester City since 2017. Manchester United’s only win so far came against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium with a stoppage-time winner from Alessia Russo. Arsenal have had five points slip through their grasp due to late goals conceded in their four matches. Manchester City have prospered on home soil, taking crucial points off all of their top-four rivals with victories over Chelsea and Arsenal and a draw with United.
Comparing this season to last season, Chelsea led the way then as well but were only a point better off than their nearest title rivals Arsenal. Manchester City and Manchester United produced just one win between them – and that came against each other, with City claiming local bragging rights courtesy of a 1-0 win at home. The disparity in goal differences in the matches between the sides highlights the size of the gap between the teams in the last campaign.
The penultimate weekend of the WSL season looks to be a tantalising prospect with two head-to-heads between the top four teams. These matches will come a week after Manchester United and Chelsea meet in the Women’s FA Cup final at Wembley on 14 May. Both London clubs also face midweek WSL fixtures away from home four days before what could be the pivotal weekend in the title race. City, on the other hand, won’t have played for two weeks. Live coverage of Wednesday’s match between Manchester United and Arsenal can be watched on BBC Three, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website, listened to on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds, and followed with live text coverage on the BBC Sport website and app.