The stakes couldn’t be higher as the WSL kicks off its first game week of 2025. For the league’s top teams, this is no time for slip-ups—the fight for dominance is more intense than ever.
The weekend action begins on Friday evening with a fiery mid-table clash between Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion, promising a high-energy start to the new year. The drama builds toward a thrilling finale on Sunday as Manchester City hosts Manchester United in the highly anticipated Manchester Derby.
City faces a tough test, grappling with a string of injuries, but their fortunes received a massive lift last week with the return of Vivianne Miedema. Meanwhile, Arsenal will look to start 2025 strong as they take on Crystal Palace. Dropping points is not an option for Renee Slegers’ side as they aim to keep pace in the race for a coveted top-two spot.
With every point crucial and no room for error, this weekend is set to deliver an unmissable start to the WSL’s new year.
Note: All times below are UK-time.
Which matches will be played this weekend?
Friday January 17th:
- 19:00 Liverpool vs. Brighton & Hove Albion
Saturday January 18th:
- 17:30 Everton vs. Aston Villa
- 12:30 Tottenham Hotspur vs. Leicester City
- 14:00 Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace
- 15:00 West Ham United vs. Chelsea
- 18:45 Manchester City vs. Manchester United
The Women’s Football Blog game of the weekend
This weekend, all eyes are on the highly anticipated Manchester Derby—The Women’s Football Blog game of the weekend. Manchester City, who began the season in electrifying form, now face a challenging period with injuries sidelining several key players. The Citizens will likely be without captain Alex Greenwood, star forwards Lauren Hemp and Khadija Shaw, as well as Sandy MacIver and Risa Shimizu, both still recovering from ACL injuries.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Just one point separates the two teams in the standings, but both trail league leaders Chelsea by 6 and 7 points, respectively. For City and United, this is a must-win clash to keep their title hopes alive and avoid slipping further behind in the race.
United received a significant boost last week with Ella Toone returning from a calf injury, adding creativity and energy to Mark Skinner’s side. But the question remains: will they have what it takes to outplay City at the Etihad?
With pride, points, and title ambitions on the line, this derby promises to deliver drama, passion, and high-quality football. Fans won’t want to miss it.
