Arsenal v Man United: Women's Super League Preview
Olivia Smith versus Manchester United in the Subway League Cup, January 2026 ((Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Last weekend saw Arsenal open their home game of the season to newly promoted Crystal Palace that ended in a 0-0 draw between the two London sides.
An unideal start for Renée Slegers’ side in the league, with one win and one draw the Gunners will be looking to rectify their game plan and league position with a win over a fierce rival at the weekend against Manchester United.
Manchester United are looking for their first league win of the season after two devastating losses to London City Lionesses and Chelsea where they reside at the bottom of the table.
The Red Devils have scored just one goal this season, a late 100th minute dagger in the game against London City Lionesses by Simi Awujo, and have failed to score any more goals in the game against Chelsea last weekend.
New Manchester United manager Eva Olid is still looking for her first win since taking over from Marc Skinner in the summer, having lost the games she was in charge for in pre-season and carrying those results over into the new Women’s Super League season and will be looking to pick up her first points as manager of the Mancunian side.
Both sides are strong when they meet, with their last two meetings in the league ending in 0-0 draws, though not for lack of trying by either teams attack.
Team News
Arsenal
Katie Reid pitch side at Arsenal v Crystal Palace (Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Katie Reid pitch side at Arsenal v Crystal Palace (Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Daphne van Domselaar, Katie Reid and Michelle Aygemang still miss out through injury and recovery.
Selina Cerci and Géraldine Reuteler still await their competitive debuts for Arsenal, hoping to be included in the match day squad this weekend.
Élisa de Almeida will have to wait longer for her Arsenal debut after she picked up an injury in training.
Manchester United
Manchester United are without a few players in the team over the course of the season starting.
Jayde Riviere is out for the Red Devils with no unknown return date.
Jayde Riviere versus London City Lionesses (Photo by Harriet Lander - WSL/WSL Football via Getty Images)
Jayde Riviere versus London City Lionesses (Photo by Harriet Lander - WSL/WSL Football via Getty Images)
Emma Watson is also out, being a few weeks away from being back on the pitch.
The Red Devils are also without Fridolino Rolfö who announced her pregnancy last week.
Likely Lineups
Arsenal
Borbe, Fox, Williamson, Catley, Batlle, Cooney-Cross, Little, Mariona, Baum, Smith, Russo
Manchester United
Tullis-Joyce, Lundkvist, Le Tissier, Janssen, Sandberg, Zigiotte Olme, Miyazawa, Park, Toone, Bah, Terland
Key Players
Arsenal - Lisa Baum
Lisa Baum versus Crystal Palace (Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Lisa Baum versus Crystal Palace (Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
It has been reiterated by fans, by reporters and everyone surrounding the club that Lisa Baum is a superstar talent waiting to happen. She is being allowed the chance to blossom and bloom in the Arsenal starting XI at just 19-years old and it is a feat to break into the team that young – especially as a new signing.
Baum deserve the praise though. Despite her age, she shows that she is willing to learn and to attack the opponent. The German winger will run and take on the defence, ball dancing between her feat as she skillfully moves around them before she whips in a cross or even takes the chance herself.
The young winger has scored Arsenal’s only goal of the season so far, in her competitive debut in the Women’s Super League and that was a strike itself. Baum is one to watch when taking on the fullbacks of Manchester United, not afraid to challenge them to a 1v1.
Manchester United - Andrea Medina
Andrea Medina versus Chelsea (Photo by Poppy Townson - MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Andrea Medina versus Chelsea (Photo by Poppy Townson - MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images)
One of Manchester United’s only signings in the summer, Andrea Medina comes into the Red Devils side from Atletico Madrid in Spain, slotting into the side easily.
Medina is a wild card for Manchester United, being new to the league and also not having faced Arsenal in this setting before which gives her a chance to shake it up for the Mancunian side and help them get their first points of the season.
Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The game is being played in North London, home of Arsenal: Emirates Stadium.
When is kick off?
Kick off is at 17:30 GMT on Saturday, 19 September 2026.
How can I watch?
The game is available to watch to UK viewers on Sky Sports Football, with highlights available after the game.