Preview: Manchester United Women vs. Arsenal Women - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts head into the midweek encounter as the league leaders, while the Gunners are currently sitting in third position.

Match preview

Man United secured their place in the FA Cup final at the weekend courtesy of a 3-2 home victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.

Goals from Leah Galton and Alessia Russo gave Man United a 2-1 lead after a Mary Earps own goal had given the Seagulls a half-time lead.

The semi-final tie looked destined to head to extra time when Danielle Carter restored parity, but Rachel Williams came off the bench to net an 89th-minute winner, sending the Red Devils through to the final where they will face the current holders, Chelsea.

Man United will now turn their attention back to the WSL title race, with the league leaders currently one point better off than second-placed Chelsea, who have an advantage of a game in hand.

Ahead of a difficult home meeting with Arsenal, Marc Skinner's side will look to draw inspiration from a return of six wins in eight home league games this season.

Arsenal, meanwhile, were not in action at the weekend, but they are currently preparing for an important week, which will see them face one of their title rivals before they travel to Germany on Sunday for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Wolfsburg.

The Gunners are just three points adrift of Man United, but they will also be wary that their place in the Champions League places is far from secure, with fourth-placed Manchester City sitting outside of the top three on goal difference.

Arsenal have a slight advantage of having a game in hand over the two Manchester clubs, and they know that they can move level on points with Man United if they can claim an away victory on Wednesday.

After winning their last four league games by a combined 13-2 scoreline, the Gunners will certainly travel to Leigh Sports Village in a confident mood.

Although Arsenal were beaten 3-2 in the reverse fixture, they picked up a 2-0 victory in their most recent away meeting with Man United, which took place in November 2021.

Manchester United Women Women's Super League form:

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W

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Manchester United Women form (all competitions):

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Arsenal Women Women's Super League form:

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L

W

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Arsenal Women form (all competitions):

W

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Team News

Man United are still unable to call upon the services of Maria Thorisdottir and Lisa Naalsund, who are both sidelined with injury issues.

Despite coming off the bench to score the winner on Saturday, Williams is likely to remain on the bench for Wednesday's encounter, with Skinner set to name an unchanged lineup.

Russo will continue to lead the line, and she will be looking to add to the 10 competitive goals she has scored this season.

As for the visitors, they have confirmed that Kim Little will miss the rest of the campaign due to a hamstring injury that she picked up in last month's Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.

Long-term absentees Vivianne Miedema and Beth Mead remain sidelined, while Steph Catley is also likely to miss out through injury.

Barring any fresh injury issues, Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall could select the same side that started the 2-1 win over Manchester City last time out.

Manchester United Women possible starting lineup:

Earps; Batlle, Le Tissier, Turner, Blundell; Ladd, Zelem; Garcia, Toone, Galton; Russo

Arsenal Women possible starting lineup:

D'Angelo; Maritz, Wubben-Moy, Rafaelle, McCabe; Williamson, Walti; Pelova, Maanum, Foord; Blackstenius

We say: Manchester United Women 2-1 Arsenal Women

Man United have proven to be a tough team to beat on home turf, winning eight of their last nine competitive home matches.

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