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The wait is finally over! The Barclays Women’s Super League is back for the 2025/2026 season, and Matchday 1 gives us some heavyweight clashes, derbies, and a first-ever taste of top-flight action for the newly promoted London City Lionesses. Here’s a full look at this weekend’s fixture
Chelsea vs Manchester City Preview
The champions begin their campaign at home to Manchester City in a blockbuster Friday night opener. Chelsea will want to set the tone early under the lights at Stamford Bridge, while City arrive aiming to show they can be serious title contenders. Both sides have attacking quality all over the pitch, but it’s worth remembering Chelsea’s consistency at home has been almost unmatched in recent seasons. City’s wide threats in Lauren Hemp and Chloe Kelly can trouble the Blues, yet their record at Stamford Bridge is poor.
Prediction: A tight opener but Chelsea’s depth should carry them through.
Chelsea to Win
Arsenal Women vs London City Lionesses Preview
Arsenal kick off their season at the Emirates against newly promoted London City Lionesses. The contrast in experience couldn’t be bigger Arsenal finished second last season, Champions league winners and boast one of the strongest squads in Europe, while London City are stepping into the WSL for the very first time. The Gunners will dominate possession and chances, with Beth Mead and Alessia Russo likely to get plenty of looks at goal. For the Lionesses, it’s all about keeping shape, staying disciplined, and trying to make the most of any set-pieces or counterattacks.
Prediction: A baptism of fire for the newcomers.
Arsenal to win
Tottenham vs West Ham Preview
This London clash has the makings of an even contest. Spurs endured a difficult campaign last season, finishing 11th, while West Ham weren’t much better in 9th. Both sides will see this as a chance to start strongly against a direct rival. Expect a physical battle with plenty of duels in midfield. Spurs will look to control the ball more, while West Ham could find joy with direct play and set-pieces.
Prediction: Home advantage gives Spurs the edge but west Unpredictable
Either team win
Manchester United vs Leicester City Preview
Manchester United begin their season at home to Leicester, looking to cement their place as one of the league’s top three. United’s squad is full of attacking talent, and they’ll look to pin Leicester back from the start. The Foxes will try to sit deep, frustrate, and break on the counter, but over 90 minutes it’s hard to see them holding out. United’s home form has been strong, and their quality should shine through.
Prediction: United to start with a routine win.
Manchester United win
Liverpool vs Everton Preview
A Merseyside derby on opening weekend it doesn’t get much better. Liverpool were the stronger side last season, finishing 7th compared to Everton’s 8th, and they’ll have the advantage of playing at Anfield with a big crowd behind them. Derbies are rarely predictable, and Everton will raise their game, but Liverpool have looked poor in recent games, failing to secure a win. Squad-wise, they don’t appear strong either, especially after the departure of several key player. If Everton get the first goal, it could be a long afternoon for liverpool.
Prediction: Everton edge a close contest.
Everton win or Draw
Brighton vs Aston Villa Preview
Two solid mid-table sides meet in what could be one of the most even fixtures of the weekend. Brighton 5th last season improved a lot in possession, while Aston Villa 6th remain dangerous thanks to Rachel Daly’s goal threat. Both sides are fairly evenly matched, so this may come down to small details set-pieces or a moment of individual brilliance.
Prediction: Too close to call, and a draw in their last 10 meetings.
Either team win
Matchday 1 gives us everything a top of the table clash at Stamford Bridge, a big derby at Anfield, a promoted side taking on Arsenal at the Emirates, and plenty of tightly matched games elsewhere. Chelsea and Arsenal look strong favourites to start with wins, while United and Everton should also open with three points. Spurs vs West Ham and Brighton vs Villa are the hardest to separate.
