3️⃣ things to look out for in Arsenal and Chelsea's WSL clash | OneFootball

The WSL's most-played fixture returns on Saturday as Arsenal host Chelsea.

Here are three things you need to know before the clash in the capital.

A catalyst for champions

Both sides ended last season on a high, with Chelsea winning the WSL and Arsenal sweeping the Women's Champions League, but this term has been very different.

Sonia Bompastor's side are unbeaten after the opening seven games but their lead at the summit is down to one point with Manchester City snapping at their heels.

Meanwhile the Gunners' continental reign was supposed to propel them back into contention of a first domestic title since 2019 after finishing 12 points short.

Despite adding world-record signing Olivia Smith to their ranks, Renée Slegers has seen her charges stumble to open up a five-point chasm to their London rivals.

But the Blues' first win at the Emirates Stadium last season proved to be a catalyst for both clubs' success as the hosts installed Slegers in place of Jonas Eidevall.

A repeat of that dugout upheaval is highly unlikely this time around,  however the result could still have implications for the directions their seasons go in next.

📸 James Fearn - 2025 Getty Images

Style over substance

As in life, there is a clear contrast of style between north and west London with both teams evolving their respective tactics a potential explainer for their current form.

The hosts are not topping the table but they remain unsurpassed statistically for both the WSL's most completed passes and possession already this season.

Mariona Caldentey and Kim Little have been key to those metrics with the Ballon d'Or runner-up having the highest number of touches in the final third with 250.

Chelsea may not be scoring for fun in games now but have benefited from a direct approach on the flanks, using Ellie Carpenter and Sandy Baltimore as wing-backs.

Bompastor deploying a three-person defensive line offers greater freedom for the pair but her side have still been as porous of Arsenal's flat back four on occasions.

Whether the pass masters or wing wizards win out will be key to this contest.

📸 Richard Heathcote - 2025 Getty Images

Quick start will be key

Neither team is a stranger to flying out the traps in the current WSL

Both sides have racked up a joint record tally of eight first-half goals but their evenly matched status in that field favours Chelsea slightly more when dissected further.

The reigning champions have broken the deadlock five times in the opening 15 minutes, almost double any top flight counterpart, and have yet to surrender a lead.

Scoring early doesn't always pay off for Arsenal, who were sucker-punched by Aston Villa in their fourth game after holding Frida Maanum's tenth-minute opener.

However a quick start would ease the nerves of what promises to be a healthy home crowd at the Emirates and put Bompastor's side on the back foot.

📸 Michael Regan - 2025 Getty Images

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