Preview: Arsenal Women vs Liverpool | Key Stats & Predictions | WSL Week 17
We look ahead to tomorrow's WSL clash at the Emirates with our Arsenal vs Liverpool prediction and preview. Can Renée Slegers' side overcome their European setback against Whiteley's in-form visitors?
📅 Date: Saturday, 22nd March 2025
⏰ Kick-off: 17:30 GMT
📍 Venue: Emirates Stadium
📺 How to Watch: Sky Sports
🔍 Match Context & Overview
Arsenal host Liverpool at the Emirates with both teams experiencing contrasting emotions. The Gunners are looking to bounce back from Tuesday’s 2-0 Champions League defeat in Madrid, while Liverpool arrive in a confident mood following their stunning 3-1 victory over Manchester United at Anfield.
Liverpool currently occupy sixth place—15 points behind Arsenal—but come into this fixture with renewed confidence after their impressive win over Manchester United. Despite their previous inconsistent form, Amber Whiteley's team has shown remarkable improvement, including an FA Cup upset over Arsenal recently.
🔴 Arsenal's Title Hope?
Currently second in the WSL, Arsenal's home form has been impressive with five wins from eight matches. Their attacking prowess is evident in creating a league-leading 61 big chances while scoring 41 goals in 16 matches (2.56 per game).
Renée Slegers' side must quickly regroup from their European disappointment, with the crucial second leg against Madrid looming next Wednesday. However, their domestic form has been excellent, with four consecutive WSL victories yielding 16 goals.
Defensively, Arsenal have been equally impressive at home, conceding just 7 goals in 8 matches. Their disciplined backline has contributed to 9 clean sheets from 16 matches this season, making them one of the toughest teams to break down in the league.
🔵 Liverpool's Resurgence
The transformation under interim manager Amber Whiteley has been remarkable. Three consecutive victories, including an FA Cup upset over Arsenal and that historic win against Manchester United, have lifted the Reds to sixth place. However, their away form (3W, 1D, 4L) suggests this will be their sternest test yet.
Liverpool's defensive improvements under Whiteley have been noteworthy, though they've still conceded 25 goals in 16 league games this season. Their counter-attacking style has proven effective in recent weeks, allowing them to maximise their offensive efficiency.
Liverpool will take confidence from their historic 1-0 victory at the Emirates on October 1, 2023. That result, coupled with their recent FA Cup triumph over the Gunners, proves they can overcome the odds in this fixture.
🔥 Key Battle Areas
Arsenal's attack vs Liverpool's defence will be crucial. The Gunners average 6.4 shots on target per match, while Liverpool have conceded 25 goals in 16 games. However, the visitors' recent defensive improvements under Whiteley cannot be ignored.
key stats:
Arsenal: 36 points from 16 matches (11W, 3D, 2L)
Liverpool: 21 points from 16 matches (6W, 3D, 7L)
Arsenal home goals: 26 scored, 7 conceded in 8 matches
Liverpool away goals: 8 scored, 15 conceded in 8 matches
🏆 Head-to-Head (Last 10 WSL Meetings)
Arsenal's historical dominance is clear:
Arsenal wins: 9
Draws: 0
Liverpool wins: 1
However, Liverpool's only victory came in their last visit to the Emirates (1-0, October 2023), while Arsenal won the reverse fixture 1-0 in December.
The goal statistics are particularly telling:
Arsenal have scored 21 goals against Liverpool
Liverpool have managed just 4 goals against Arsenal
In their 9 wins, Arsenal have scored 21 goals and conceded just 3
🔎 Players to Watch
Alessia Russo (Arsenal)
The striker has 10 WSL goals this season and will be crucial to Arsenal's attacking plans. Her movement and finishing could prove decisive against Liverpool's defence.
Katie McCabe (Arsenal)
Leading the WSL with 14 big chances created, her delivery from set-pieces and open play will be vital to breaking down Liverpool's defensive structure. In this particular fixture too, she has 1 goal and 3 assists from 11 matches.
Olivia Smith (Liverpool)
Liverpool's top scorer with 6 goals has shown clinical finishing, outperforming her xG by 2.5. She has 4 goals in her last 5 WSL games, showing scintillating form. Her counter-attacking threat could be key to Liverpool's chances.
📌 Prediction
Our AI model, trained on historical data and recent form, forecasts:
Arsenal win: 52%
Liverpool win: 28%
Draw: 20%
Key Factors:
Arsenal's strong home record
Liverpool's recent improvement under Whiteley
The Gunners' potential Champions League fatigue
Liverpool's previous Emirates victory
Both teams' current momentum
📢 Have Your Say!
Can Arsenal bounce back from their Madrid setback? Will Liverpool's resurgence under Whiteley continue? Which players will prove decisive in this crucial WSL clash? Drop your predictions in the comments!