The Women’s Super League returns this weekend after taking a break for international football and it kicks off with a cracker on Sunday when Manchester United welcome Arsenal, with the two sides sitting third and fifth respectively.
Marc Skinner’s team are still unbeaten this season whilst Arsenal are hoping to find some real momentum under interim manager Renee Slegers, who has confirmed that she will be taking charge for at least the next five games, giving the club some breathing room to find a permanent replacement for Jonas Eidevall.
So how will this clash between two giants of the game fare? Peter Sharland weighs in with his tips for the game…
Man United v Arsenal WSL Bet Builder
Match odds: Draw
Both teams to score: Yes
Grace Clinton to score anytime
- A Multi Match Bet Builder with these bets pays at approximately 13/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
WHEN: Sunday 3rd November, 12:30pm
WHERE: Leigh Sports Village, Greater Manchester
TV: BBC 2, BBC iPlayer
Match Odds: Draw
Arsenal have won both their games under Slegers in the classic new manager bounce but they haven’t been tested by facing Valerenga and West Ham. And if anything against the Norwegian side in Europe things had the look of being far nervier before two late goals put the result beyond doubt. However one positive is that it does seem as if she is finally unlocking the attack after some turgid performances at the end of the Eidevall era.
As we mentioned Man Utd are unbeaten and they have conceded just one goal across their four WSL games (the next best defensive record is Chelsea who have let in two more goals) with Maya Le Tissier taking another step forward as the anchor in the defence and Phallon Tullis-Joyce easily stepping into the shoes of Mary Earps in goal.
Given the strength of Man Utd this season going forward (more on that in a bit) we’re almost tempted to pick home win but it feels inevitable that these two teams will cancel each other out.
Both teams to score: Yes
And we feel equally confident picking both teams to score. Man Utd scoring against Arsenal’s worrisome defence isn’t exactly a hot take but going against the Red Devils’ back line that we just praised may seem weird. The reasoning is simple; they haven’t really been tested yet.
Their three wins have come against the two bottom sides plus a Tottenham team who haven’t gotten going. Their clash with Chelsea was postponed and the rotated League Cup win over Liverpool isn’t particularly instructive so the first test came in the final game before the international break where they drew 1-1 away at Brighton.
It’s not as if the Seagulls created a wave of chances but they did become the first team to score against United this season and as much as we like Brighton’s attack Arsenal’s has to be considered stronger.
Grace Clinton to score anytime
There weren’t a lot of concrete positives that England take from friendlies against Germany and South Africa over the recent break but one of them was absolutely Clinton, who played a starring role – and scored – in the latter game having been left on the bench in the first match. The phrase generational talent is being launched around and frankly, it’s a tag that seems deserved.
The Man Utd midfielder is one of five players to score three goals in the WSL this season (no-one has more) and with Skinner loosening the shackles on his team a bit Clinton has thrived after returning from her loan at Tottenham Hotspur last season. It’s clear that her movement and late arrival into scoring positions is something that most defences have absolutely no answer for.
If you want to play it a bit safer you can go for striker Elisabeth Terland but given Arsenal’s defensive frailties this season we like the odds of Clinton popping up with a goal.
Man United Women v Arsenal Women Bet Builder Tips
Match odds: Draw
Both teams to score: Yes
Grace Clinton to score anytime
- A Multi Match Bet Builder with these bets pays at approximately 13/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
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