WSL Matchday 3 Preview: Quiet Climbers & Early Warnings

A weekend where form slips, momentum builds — and United‑Arsenal sells out big

19 Sep 2025 - 5 min read
WSL Matchday 3 Preview: Quiet Climbers & Early Warnings
Credit: Editorial use only – WSL Football

As WSL Matchday 3 looms, the shine of season openers is beginning to settle. Teams once talked of as title threats are under early pressure; mid‑table sides are looking to stake identity; and the massive clash between Manchester United and Arsenal — with over 9,000 tickets already sold — could be a defining moment in the early table. Are there teams quietly climbing? And who needs to sound early alarms?

Title Contenders Feeling the Heat

Manchester United vs Arsenal is the marquee fixture this weekend. United, level with Arsenal in points but ahead only on goal difference, are under scrutiny — defending champions who want not just wins, but dominant performances. Arsenal, having won both opening matches, know one slip could hand momentum back to their rivals. The crowd at Leigh Sports Village will add pressure, expectations running high.

Then there’s Tottenham. Perfect so far. But their test comes in pace and depth when facing Manchester City — a team built to grind tight fixtures. City may have underwhelmed in some attacking metrics early, but depth of squad and experience in big moments give them an edge. Spurs’ defensive structure will be tested: can they keep their composure under pressure against City’s movement?

Chelsea are also under the microscope. Their results have been solid, but last weekend revealed slight cracks — defensive lapses and finishing inefficiency. If they want to stay close to United and Arsenal, they must convert opportunities more cleanly and avoid conceding in transition.

Early Warning Signs for Mid‑Table & Lower Teams

For Brighton, West Ham, Everton, and London City Lionesses, opening fixtures haven’t been disastrous — but they’ve revealed warning signs that need quick correction.

  • Defensive issues: bright moments in attack don’t mask that these teams have conceded from simple build‑up or set‑piece breakdowns.
  • Inconsistency: dropping points against perceived weaker sides could be costly.
  • Squad rotation / fatigue: teams with smaller depth will struggle if they can’t control tempo or force errors.

London City Lionesses, newly promoted, impressed with ambition, but their defensive resilience and capacity to manage pressure are still being tested. Similarly, Everton have yet to find consistency, especially away from home.

Quiet Climbers & Momentum Gainers

Some sides are quietly performing above expectations: not just in results, but in systems, discipline, and collective effort.

  • United’s opening wins have shown clinical finishing and control, even when under siege.
  • Tottenham’s midfield pressing and willingness to counter quickly have created chances even against top‑opposition pressure.
  • Arsenal, though expected to do well, have shown early signs of balance in their squad — they’ve handled setbacks well in their opening matches.

These are teams that may not be making headlines for huge scorelines, but are building a base: solid defence, few errors, level heads. Their consistency could pay off over the season.

Full fixtures of the weekend

  • Everton vs London City Lionesses — Friday, 19 September — 19:30 BST

  • Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City — Friday, 19 September — 19:30 BST

  • Aston Villa vs Liverpool — Sunday, 21 September — 12:00 BST

  • Brighton & Hove Albion vs West Ham United — Sunday, 21 September — 12:00 BST

  • Chelsea vs Leicester City — Sunday, 21 September — 12:00 BST

  • Manchester United vs Arsenal — Sunday, 21 September — 14:50 BST