Why Arsenal vs Manchester United is make or break for both WSL clubs

6th January 2026 Oliver Taliku

Two WSL giants clash this weekend and Arsenal vs Manchester United could be make or break for both teams and their seasons.

The Women’s Super League returns from winter break this weekend and it is certainly back with a bang.

Make or break for Manchester United

Manchester United have been good in the WSL this season, but not great.

As a result of their difficult start to the campaign United trail the league leaders by nine points heading into the new year.

Marc Skinner’s side lost two of their final four WSL games in 2025 and they will be hoping for a change of form straight away.

The league title is almost certainly out of grasp for the Red Devils now but their season isn’t by any means over.

Only the top three teams in the WSL can qualify for the Champions League – with first and second qualifying automatically.

Third place takes part in playoffs early next season. United qualified for Europe through the playoff route last year and they may be destined for the same again in 2026.

There is just one point separating United and Arsenal at the midway point in the season and their clash this weekend could turn the tables.

With Arsenal at home, they will be confident that they can pull off what could be a season defining win at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal’s season on the line

Arsenal vs Manchester United isn’t just a huge game for the visitors. The Gunners have just as much riding on the game as United – if not more.

As the reigning Champions League winners, seeing Arsenal drop out of Europe altogether just one year after their win would be a huge shock.

While United struggled for form to end the year Arsenal kicked on with a good run.

After being well behind their rivals in the table, six consecutive wins in all competitions sent Renee Slegers’ team into a commanding position.

A win for Arsenal would send them four points ahead of United in the standings. While the lead wouldn’t be an unassailable one, Arsenal would very much be in the drivers seat of their own destiny.

Arsenal catching up to Chelsea and gaining automatic Champions League qualification is also in the realm of possibilities.

The Blues are just two points ahead of Arsenal and the six-time reigning champs are struggling for form.

Chelsea not finishing in the top two is unheard of, but this season has been a complete outlier as Manchester City have taken control.

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About Oliver Taliku 481 Articles
Olly Taliku has worked with highly respected sports and gambling websites where he has produced hundreds of articles, as well as being published with Burton Albion and Chesterfield FC. At Burton Olly worked closely alongside the women's team, producing mainly matchday content including reports and interviews. He also has experience as an accredited Premier League and EFL writer for Prost International where he worked during the 2021/22 season to produce matchday content as an on location reporter. Olly specialises in women's football as well as long form SEO content plus news and tips. While he enjoys writing about all football, Olly supports Arsenal passionately as a lifelong fan of the club.