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20 March 2025

Manchester City Hosts Chelsea In WSL Showdown This Weekend

After recent Champions League defeat, Chelsea seeks revenge against City in critical match.

In an exciting upcoming weekend for the Women's Super League, all eyes will be on the meticulous matchups that promise both drama and competitive spirit. On Sunday, March 23, 2025, Manchester City will once again square off against Chelsea, renewing a rivalry steeped in recent history.

In their last encounter on March 19, 2025, Manchester City claimed a decisive 2-0 victory over Chelsea in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, effectively ending Chelsea's record-equalling 31-game unbeaten streak. The defeat was especially poignant for Chelsea’s head coach Sonia Bompastor, marking her first loss since taking charge in place of Emma Hayes. As these two teams prepare for their third meeting in March alone—a remarkable feat as it marks the first time two top-flight clubs have faced one another three times in a single month in the WSL era—both teams are eager to claim dominance.

City's win in the Champions League left the Blues looking for immediate revenge on a bigger stage. Chelsea remains undefeated in the WSL this season and will aim to extend their lead as they go into this weekend’s clash. Comparatively, they’ve won six of the last eleven WSL matches against City, showcasing their historical edge, although City’s recent form indicates they will not go down without a fight.

This weekend's fixtures also see Arsenal, who suffered a 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid in their Champions League quarter-final earlier in the week, facing Liverpool. Arsenal has not just had an impressive season historically, winning 18 of their last 24 meetings with the Reds, but they’ve also found a resurgence at home, securing victories in their last five WSL matches, each with at least four goals.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace will travel to Walton Hall Park to face Everton, having recently secured their second win of the season. Everton, with an impressive track record, remains unbeaten in their last nine WSL games against newly-promoted teams, though they’re seeking redemption after a recent defeat to Arsenal. The supercomputer gives Everton a significant advantage with a 59% win probability against the Eagles, while Crystal Palace only sits at 19.6%, reflecting their struggles on the road this season.

As the action continues, Tottenham will look to deal with their poor run of form as they face West Ham United, a London derby pivotal for both clubs seeking to improve their standings. Spurs have lost every one of their last four games, creating pressure as they face a West Ham side buoyed by their performance which recently allowed them to distance themselves from the relegation zone.

In other matches, Leicester will host Brighton, aiming for a strong performance at home. The Foxes have recently found their footing at the King Power Stadium and enter their game against Brighton with a mindset of continuing that success, despite Brighton wanting to capitalize on their recent winning momentum.

The final match on Sunday sees Aston Villa take on Manchester United at Villa Park. Villa has struggled immensely, having lost their last five matches consecutively under manager Natalia Arroyo, who has yet to taste victory in her short tenure. Interestingly, United has never lost to Villa in their previous nine WSL meetings, setting the odds heavily in favor of the Manchester side, who are undeterred by their last match ending a seven-game winning streak against Liverpool.

Throughout the league, several players showcase remarkable form this season. From Chelsea’s Vivianne Miedema, who has played pivotal roles in previous encounters against the Blues, to Everton’s Toni Payne, who has recently made the difference with notable contributions in her last four outings, attendees can expect a display of talent and excitement.

Every match holds weight in the standings, whether it’s at the top or bottom, with crucial points on the line for teams desperate to enhance their positions. As the WSL prepares for an exhilarating matchday 17, the rivalry, the pressures, and the aspirations will surely generate a weekend filled with unforgettable moments for fans and players alike.