Women's Super League Predictions: Can Arsenal And Manchester United Close The Gap On Leaders Chelsea?

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This Sunday, Chelsea will aim for their first trophy under Sonia Bompastor by facing Manchester City, now led by interim coach Nick Cushing, in the Women's League Cup final at Pride Park. This match results in a reduced fixture list in the Women's Super League, offering Manchester United and Arsenal opportunities to close the gap at the top. The Gunners visit Everton on Friday, trailing Bompastor's unbeaten Blues by 11 points with a game in hand.

Meanwhile, Manchester United will play against Liverpool at Anfield. A win would bring them within five points of Chelsea. Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are set for a crucial match at the bottom of the table. Tottenham could surpass Brighton into the top five when they meet on Sunday. The Opta supercomputer predicts which teams might secure three points from these fixtures.

Since Renee Slegers took charge of Arsenal in October, only Chelsea has averaged more points per game than Arsenal's 2.5 in the WSL. Arsenal have won eight of their last nine league games, scoring four or more goals in each of their last three matches. They haven't scored four or more goals in four consecutive league games since October 2018.

Arsenal's Champions League qualification is likely their main goal this season. Their strong record against Everton should boost their confidence, having won eight of their last nine away matches against them. However, they drew 1-1 in this fixture last season. Everton remains unbeaten in their last four home matches.

Manchester United is enjoying a seven-game winning streak in the WSL and has a 76% chance of securing a Champions League spot according to the Opta supercomputer. A victory over Liverpool would match their best-ever run of eight consecutive wins between March and October 2023.

United aims to complete a double over Liverpool after winning 4-0 in December's reverse fixture. Liverpool has lost all four WSL matches at Anfield with an aggregate score of 7-1 but recently defeated Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter-finals under interim coach Amber Whiteley.

Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa

The first Sunday game is crucial for avoiding relegation as Crystal Palace seeks to narrow the four-point gap to Aston Villa. Palace has played more home games without a win than any other team (seven). They lost 3-2 to Villa earlier this season due to Ebony Salmon's late winner.

Aston Villa is winless in five league games this year, marking their longest wait for a victory at the start of a calendar year. Their opponents are converting shots at a high rate (17.9%), while Villa struggles defensively with 45% of shots on target resulting in goals.

Tottenham vs Brighton

The weekend concludes with Tottenham hosting Brighton as both teams aim to be best behind the top four. Spurs are unbeaten against Brighton in six meetings since losing away in October 2021. Brighton has never won away to Tottenham but earned draws on their last two visits.

Neither team is in good form; Tottenham lost three straight games while Brighton's momentum faded after starting well this season. Only Crystal Palace has a longer current winless streak than Brighton (seven games). Beth England poses a threat with her record eight WSL goals against Brighton.

The Opta supercomputer gives Spurs a slight edge due to home advantage, predicting they will win 54% of simulations compared to Brighton's 22.4% chance of victory and 23.6% chance of drawing.