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Matchday 2 of the 2025/2026 season in England brings an interesting mix of early season statement games and testing travel fixtures. In the WSL several title contenders Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and ambitious mid-table sides face quick rechecks after the opening weekend Chelsea, Everton, Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United began the season positively
West Ham United vs Arsenal
Recent form & team news
- West Ham lost on opening weekend Spurs edged West Ham 1–0, per opening day reports manager will likely keep similar shape but may rotate. Injuries not widely reported after GW1.
- Arsenal started the season well beating London City Lionesses on opening weekend and had a confident display. They travel with attacking options watch Olivia Smith who scored on Arsenal debut in GW1 coverage.
Head-to-Head Last 5 meetings (most recent first)
Arsenal have had the better recent record vs West Ham in league meetings Arsenal winning 4 and West Ham winning 1 in the last 5 head to head matches.
Key trends
- Arsenal historically control possession and create more chances across their WSL meetings with West Ham.
- West Ham have been vulnerable to quick transitions and struggle against teams that play with high width from both flanks.
Tactics & key battles
- Arsenal likely 4-3-3 / 4-2-3-1, heavy wing play, quick interchanges around the box. Key battle Arsenal full-backs against West Ham wing-backs. Arsenal’s No.10 inside forwards against West Ham’s central midfield cover.
- West Ham compact defensive block, attempt to counter; set pieces to be crucial.
Stats & insights
- Possession edge to Arsenal in most recent mutual meetings; Arsenal expected to average 55–65% possession vs West Ham.
Prediction & analysis
Arsenal expected to control and should take points predicted Arsenal win
Manchester City vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Team news & updates
- Manchester City opened with narrow defeat to Chelsea (2–1) there were late injuries to Alex Greenwood who has resumed training with the team and Lily Murphy reported in the Chelsea vs Man City fitness concerns may affect selection.Manchester City will want to respond quickly.
- Brighton picked up a point in GW1 0–0 with Aston Villa per opening game coverage. Brighton will aim to be compact, organised and punish City on transitions.
Head-to-Head Last 5 meetings
- Recent meetings have been competitive Mancheter City have dominated league’s top end but vs Brighton. Manchester City are usually favorites. For exact last-5 results City has won 4 out of their last 5 meetings with Brighton winning just 1
Key trends
- Manchester City struggle if full-backs are out/injured. Brighton press well and defend in numbers; matches often low-scoring if Brighton succeed in suppressing space between lines.
Tactics & key battles
- City possession, progressive passing through midfield. Key battle is City’s creative midfielders vs Brighton’s pivot.
- Brighton low block, narrow defence; look to exploit counter spaces behind City full-backs whoever starts at full-back for City is a major matchup.
Stats & insights
- City will push possession but converting possession into high quality chances has been the challenge in early season friendlies and opener. Brighton’s defensive resilience suggests a scrappy game with few clear chances.
Prediction
Man City should win at home but Brighton are a tough opponent Predicted Manchester City win
London City Lionesses vs Manchester United
Team news
- London City Lionesses newly promoted into the top flight and conceded on opening day 4–1 to Arsenal at Emirates. They’ll be facing strong Manchester United side at home.
- Manchester United impressive opening 4–0 win over Leicester Malard brace strong attacking form and confident unit with United likely to rotate slightly but still start with attacking intent.
Head-to-Head Last 5 meetings
- As promotion/newcomer there are limited historical WSL H2H meetings most recent matchups. Manchester United have generally been favorites vs newly promoted teams.
Key trends
- United strike quickly on the break and have high expected goals early London City Lionesses rely on organisation and set-pieces.
Tactics & key battles
- United direct wing play and intelligent pressing battle to watch. Man Utd wingers vs London City Lionesses full-backs.
- London City Lionesses compact 4-4-2 / 4-5-1 defensive shape, attempt to absorb pressure and use long balls.
Prediction
Man United to repeat their strong start predicted Manchester United win.
Leicester City vs Liverpool
Team news
- Leicester heavy opening day defeat to Manchester United 0–4. They will need to stabilise defensively.
- Liverpool lost 1–4 to Everton in an entertaining derby but they opened weekend with goals and chances. Liverpool will want a rebound.
Head-to-Head Last 5 meetings
- Recent WSL meetings hasnt favoured the Merseyside side in form last season Liverpool vs Leicester meet with mixed outcomes with both teams winning 2 games each accompanied with a draw
Key trends
- Matches between mid-table sides early season are often open. Both teams showed defensive frailties in GW1.
Tactics & key battles
- Leicester will rely on counterattacks and set pieces. Liverpool will look to control the wide areas and put crosses into the box. Watch Liverpool’s front pair vs Leicester centre-backs.
Prediction
Given Liverpool’s marginally better offensive ability predicted Liverpool win.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
Team news
- Aston Villa opened with a 0–0 draw against Brighton defensively tidy but missing a cutting edge.
- Chelsea: opened season with a 2–1 win over Manchester City good start to season, new signings showing early impact; confidence high. Reports mentioned Maika Hamano scoring and Ellie Carpenter impressive on debut. Chelsea remain title favorites.
Head-to-Head Last 5 meetings
- Chelsea are unbeaten in recent meetings vs Villa historically Chelsea dominant in the last several seasons. Chelsea has won all of the last 5 matches against Villa and has gone 10 games unbeaten against them
Key trends
- Chelsea’s depth and creative supply from midfield often overrun mid-table sides. Villa’s resilience means Chelsea may need to work to break them down.
Tactics & key battles
- Chelsea high press, possession, intelligent rotations. Key battle Chelsea front three vs Villa’s back three/wingback cover.
- Villa compact, organised, hit on counters and set pieces.
Prediction
Chelsea to take maximum points but expect a tighter margin due to Villa’s organisation predicted Chelsea win.
Everton vs Tottenham Hotspur
Team news
- Everton sensational opening day win at Anfield Ornella Vignola hat-trick and Katja Snoeijs added a header; big confidence boost. Expect Sorensen to keep a strong XI.
- Tottenham narrow 1–0 opening day win over West Ham (late penalty) solid away performance previously. Spurs travel having edged a tight opener.
Head-to-Head Last 5 meetings
- Matches have been tight historically; Everton have been competitive at home vs Spurs. Last 5 meetings has ended with both teams winning a math each and having draw 3 of them.
Key trends
- Everton have momentum after the derby; Tottenham are match tough and will be disciplined defensively.
Tactics & key battles
- Everton attack through Vignola and wide runs; Tottenham structured defence and counter via Bethany England/wing supply.
- Key battle: Everton’s front line vs Tottenham’s central defensive pairing.
Prediction
Given Everton’s form at Anfield and home comfort at new stadium Goodison Park Predicted Everton win or draw.
