Manchester City welcome Arsenal to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday in one of the standout fixtures of the [Women’s Super League](https://womenfootball.blog/womens-super-league-table-standings/) weekend, with the two sides entering the contest in very different league positions.
City have made a perfect start to their title defence, winning all four WSL matches to sit top with 12 points. Arsenal have collected only five points from their opening four games and arrive in Manchester needing a response after a difficult start to the campaign.
**Competition**: Barclays Women’s Super League
**Fixture**: Manchester City vs Arsenal
**Date**: Sunday, 4 October 2026
**Kick-off**: 16:30 BST
**Venue**: Etihad Stadium
The match will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. It will also be available through Sky Go, Sky Ultra HD and NOW.
Coverage varies internationally, with supporters outside the UK advised to check their local WSL broadcaster. Also check out the [WSL Youtube Channel](https://www.youtube.com/@BarclaysWSL).
Andrée Jeglertz did not report any major new injury concerns ahead of Sunday’s game, although managing the workload will be important after City played Real Madrid in the Champions League on Thursday night.
City drew 1-1 with Madrid, with Bunny Shaw scoring the second-half equaliser. That gives them only two full days between their European fixture and Arsenal’s visit.
Jeglertz nevertheless said the squad were in a good mood after the game and explained that his substitutions are primarily dictated by what each match requires rather than simply saving players for the next fixture.
City’s league form has been considerably stronger than their European results. They have beaten Birmingham City 3-1, Aston Villa 4-1, Liverpool 4-2 and Charlton Athletic 1-0 to become the only WSL side with a 100% record after four matches.
Lauren Hemp could again be particularly important. She has created nine chances following carries of more than five metres this season and has scored four times against Arsenal in previous meetings.
Captain Alex Greenwood could also make her 200th WSL appearance if selected.
Arsenal will definitely be without Chloe Kelly. Renée Slegers confirmed that the winger has been managing a hamstring problem and did not feel physically ready to perform, with no timeline yet given for her return.
Steph Catley is closer to returning. She was back on the training pitch on Friday and completed the work planned for her, although Arsenal will make a late decision over her availability.
Daphne van Domselaar, Katie Reid and Michelle Agyemang remain longer-term absentees. Arsenal’s preparation has been dominated by Wednesday’s frustrating 2-2 Champions League draw at Paris FC. The Gunners led 2-0 before allowing the hosts back into the contest.
Slegers described the result as difficult to take but said the reaction from her players had been positive. She highlighted the leadership within the squad and believes Arsenal’s response to their recent setbacks can provide a foundation for improvement. Geplakte tekst
The Arsenal head coach also acknowledged the importance of Sunday’s match while stopping short of describing it as decisive in the title race this early in the season. Geplakte tekst
Jeglertz identified Arsenal’s central midfield as the “engine” of Slegers’ team and expects that area to be crucial. City have controlled the ball extremely well this season, averaging 646.8 passes per WSL match with 68.2% possession and an 89.6% passing accuracy. Arsenal rank third for passes per game with 562.5.
City also carry a significant set-piece threat. They have already scored four set-piece goals in the league this season, while Arsenal are yet to score from one.
Arsenal, however, have a player with an excellent record in this fixture. Stina Blackstenius has either scored or assisted in each of her last five WSL appearances against City, producing four goals and two assists.
Slegers was encouraged by the problems Real Madrid caused City on Thursday, particularly during the first half, but stressed that Arsenal must remain focused because of City’s ability to stay in matches and respond late. Geplakte tekst
The contrast in form makes City favourites, but this fixture has historically been extremely competitive. Across the last 24 WSL meetings between the clubs, City have won 11 and Arsenal 11, with only two draws.
Arsenal also won their most recent meeting 1-0 through Olivia Smith, which remains City’s last defeat in any competition.
The challenge for Arsenal is turning promising periods into a complete performance. City are unbeaten in six matches across all competitions and have been far more consistent domestically, while their control in possession and threat from dead balls give Arsenal several problems to solve.
There could still be an opportunity for the visitors after City’s demanding Thursday night Champions League fixture, but Arsenal will need a much more controlled performance than they produced during the closing stages against Paris FC.
Prediction: Manchester City 2-2 Arsenal