2025-26 WSL Gameweek 6 Preview & Predictions
Chelsea–Tottenham headline Gameweek 6, Arsenal seek reset at the Emirates, Liverpool host City as bottom clubs fight to spark life into their seasons. Full Gameweek 6 preview & predictions.
🌍 Weekend Landscape
Gameweek 6 arrives with the WSL’s hierarchy beginning to settle — but a few fixtures carry the scent of surprise.
Chelsea vs Tottenham headlines Sunday’s slate, a meeting between the unbeaten champions and the season’s early overachievers. Spurs’ defensive structure will be tested against a Chelsea side rarely forgiving at Kingsmeadow.
At the Emirates, Arsenal face a must-win against Brighton after three without victory. The Seagulls, led by the outstanding Chiamaka Nnadozie, have been defensively resolute and could frustrate an Arsenal attack still searching for rhythm after late collapses in recent weeks.
Manchester United travel to Everton, aiming to extend their unbeaten run. United’s defence has been near-impenetrable, while Everton’s spark from opening day has dimmed amid creative struggles.
Further down, Aston Villa vs Leicester and London City Lionesses vs West Ham both carry weight at the bottom — Villa seeking consistency after a first win, LCL eyeing a third victory against a desperate West Ham side still pointless.
With clear favourites across the card, the intrigue lies in whether Brighton or Spurs can tilt the weekend narrative.
Aston Villa vs Leicester City
Sun 12 Oct, 12:00 PM | Villa Park (Birmingham) | Broadcast: Sky Sports Football
Model win probabilities: AVL 57% – 25% draw – 18% LEI
Baseline, Form & Squad
Aston Villa (8th):
Villa’s start was slower than hoped, but they broke through in Gameweek 5 with their first win, 2-0 over West Ham.
Prior to that, Villa had shown resilience: a 0-0 draw at Brighton and a dramatic 1-1 draw away at Arsenal, where Lucy Parker’s 90+5′ goal stunned the Emirates. That late equalizer exemplified Villa’s fighting spirit.
They’ve only conceded 4 goals in 4 matches – a solid defensive record – but scoring has been modest.
Forward Kirsty Hanson finally got on the scoresheet in the West Ham win, relieving pressure on an attack that had been averaging just 1 goal per game.
Leicester City (10th):
Leicester have shown grit in the early season. They earned a 1-0 win over Liverpool in Week 2 despite going down to 10 players, and more recently ground out a 1-1 draw with Everton in Week 5 to stop a three-game losing slide.
Their defeats (to Man Utd, Chelsea, Tottenham) were largely competitive – for example, they battled hard in a 0-1 loss at Chelsea, with goalkeeper Janina Leitzig making 7 saves to keep it close.
Scoring has been the Foxes’ main issue: only 3 goals in 5 games so far.
Leicester’s resilience under new manager Rick Passmoor is evident, but they’ll need more consistent offense to climb out of the relegation scrap.
Squad Value Snapshot:
Aston Villa ~€1.65m vs Leicester ~€1.01m – roughly 1.6× higher, hinting at a depth/quality edge for Villa on paper (both squads are among the league’s smaller budgets).
Head-to-Head:
Villa have only lost once in the last eight WSL meetings with Leicester (5W, 2D, 1L) – however, Leicester did manage to go unbeaten against Villa last season.
The Foxes earned a 0-0 draw at Villa Park and then notched a 3-0 home win in February 2025 in their most recent encounter, signaling they can trouble Villa when things click.
Villa will be wary of Leicester’s ability to nick tight games. Overall, this matchup has seen momentum swing back and forth, with Villa generally having the upper hand in earlier seasons, but Leicester proving they can turn the tables.
Prediction:
The model favours Villa at home (57%), but this has the profile of a low-scoring battle.
Villa’s defense has been solid, and Leicester often keep games close. One goal could decide it.
Given Villa’s new-found confidence and home advantage, we lean toward Villa edging it 1-0. Leicester’s lack of firepower may hurt them once again.
Most likely scorelines: 1-0, 1-1, 2-1.
Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur
Sun 12 Oct, 12:00 PM | Cherry Red Records Stadium (Kingston) | Broadcast: Sky Sports Main Event
Model win probabilities: CHE 75% – 17% draw – 8% TOT
Baseline, Form & Squad
Chelsea (1st):
The reigning champions remain unbeaten (4W-1D-0L) and sit on top of the table.
They have 13 points from 5 matches, with a balanced attack (11 goals scored) and a tight defense (3 conceded) reflecting control at both ends.
Aggie Beever-Jones has been the breakout star up front – she leads the team with 4 goals, and will look to continuing her “red-hot” scoring form on Sunday.
After a 1-1 draw at Man United last week (their first dropped points of the season), they will be eager to get back to winning ways.
Tottenham Hotspur (3rd):
Spurs have been the early surprise package of the season, they have won 4 of their first 5 matches under new coach Martin Ho.
They began with gritty clean-sheet victories (1-0 vs West Ham, 2-0 vs Everton), showing a knack for late goals and defensive resolve.
A humbling 1-5 home loss to Man City in Week 3 was a reality check, but Spurs responded with back-to-back narrow wins (2-1 at Leicester, 1-0 vs Brighton).
Their defense (6 goals against) has mostly held firm, and young forward Cathinka Tandberg (3 goals) has stepped up as the top scorer.
Spurs’ ability to edge tight games (often by one-goal margins) has propelled them into the top three, defying pre-season expectations, however, facing Chelsea’s firepower is a different level of test.
Squad Value Snapshot:
Chelsea ~€11.88m vs Tottenham ~€2.29m – Chelsea’s squad is 5× more valuable, underscoring the gulf in resources. On paper this is a heavyweight vs underdog matchup, despite Spurs’ high league position.
Head-to-Head:
Chelsea have never lost to Tottenham in the WSL. In fact, Chelsea have won every league meeting between these sides since Spurs joined the top flight.
Last season, Chelsea defeated Spurs 5-2 at home and 1-0 away, continuing a one-sided trend.
Spurs have struggled historically against the big clubs, however, they will draw confidence from their current form, but history is firmly against them here.
Prediction:
It’s top vs top on paper, but the model sees a clear Chelsea win (75%).
Spurs are riding a bit of momentum, but Chelsea’s home dominance and superior depth should prevail.
We expect the champions to control the match and claim a relatively comfortable victory.
Predicted score: 2-0 to Chelsea. Tottenham’s defense may hold out early, but Chelsea’s relentless pressure and experience should prevail.
Most likely scorelines: 2-0, 3-0, 2-1.
Everton vs Manchester United
Sun 12 Oct, 12:00 PM | Walton Hall Park (Liverpool) | Broadcast: Sky Sports Premier League
Model win probabilities: EVE 17% – 20% draw – 63% MUN
Baseline, Form & Squad
Everton (9th):
The Toffees’ campaign began with a bang – a 4-1 derby victory against Liverpool at Anfield in Week 1, fueled by Ornella Vignola’s stunning hat-trick on her WSL debut.
However, that dream start has given way to struggles. Everton lost the next three matches (to Tottenham, LCL, and Brighton) amid inconsistent attacking displays, before a 1-1 draw at Leicester in Week 5 finally stopped the slide.
They have 4 points (1W-1D-3L) and sit just above the drop zone.
Creativity has been lacking in recent games and as a result, attack has largely sputtered. Since Week 1 – Everton have scored 6 goals total, with Vignola accounting for 4 of those (67%).
Manchester United (4th):
United remain unbeaten (3W-2D-0L) through five games and are showing a formidable balance.
They boast the league’s best defense – only 2 goals conceded in 5 matches – and have kept three clean sheets already.
United opened their season with a 4-0 thrashing of Leicester and a 5-1 rout of LCL, flexing their attacking depth. They then held Arsenal 0-0 and drew Chelsea 1-1 in successive heavyweight clashes, underscoring the team’s resilience against top sides.
Standout performers include forward Melvine Malard (4 goals), who powered the Week 1 win with a brace and has been a creative spark up front.
With 11 points, United are firmly in the title mix and will view a trip to struggling Everton as an opportunity to grab another 3 points.
Squad Value Snapshot:
Everton ~€1.45m vs Manchester Utd ~€6.27m – United’s squad is about 4.3× more valuable, reflecting a significant quality gap on paper. United have one of the WSL’s deepest rosters, while Everton’s is among the least valued.
Head-to-Head:
Everton have never beaten Manchester United in the WSL since United’s promotion in 2019, (0W, 2D, 10L).
United’s record in this matchup is dominant, with several multi-goal wins. Last season, United won 1-0 at Walton Hall Park and 2-0 at home.
History and form favor the Red Devils heavily.
Prediction:
United are clear favourites (63% win) and for good reason.
Their defense has shut down far stronger attacks than Everton’s, and Everton have struggled to create chances in recent weeks.
Unless Everton’s home comforts inspire a drastic improvement, this looks like a match where United impose themselves easily.
We expect Manchester United to win 2-0, extending their unbeaten run.
Most likely scorelines: 0-2, 0-1, 1-3.
London City Lionesses vs West Ham United
Sun 12 Oct, 12:00 PM | Copperjax Stadium (Hayes Lane) | Broadcast: Sky Sports Mix
Model win probabilities: LCL 49% – 19% draw – 33% WHU
Baseline, Form & Squad
London City Lionesses (7th):
The newly promoted Lionesses have acquitted themselves well so far, earning 6 points (2W-0D-3L) despite a tough early schedule.
They were thumped by Arsenal (1-4) and Man Utd (1-5) in the first two weeks – getting a harsh introduction to top-tier attacking quality.
However, LCL made history in Week 3 with their first ever WSL win (2-1 at Everton), and added another scalp in Week 5 with a 1-0 home victory over Liverpool.
LCL’s defense has been vulnerable (14 goals conceded, second-worst in the league), which is perhaps expected as they adjust to the league’s pace.
But they have shown they can compete against bottom-half sides. A third win would further prove they belong at this level.
West Ham United (12th):
It’s been a nightmare start for the Hammers, who sit bottom of the table (0W-0D-5L). A lack of offense (just 2 goals scored) combined with a leaky defense (16 conceded, worst in the league) has been a disastrous combination.
West Ham have been on the wrong end of several thrashings: 1-5 vs Arsenal, 1-4 vs Brighton, 0-4 vs Chelsea – often falling behind early and then imploding.
Their closest brush with a point came in Week 1, a 0-1 loss at Tottenham via a late penalty, where they had matched Spurs for most of the game. Since then, confidence seems to have plummeted.
With one of the league’s least valuable squads (~€1.55m), West Ham have looked outmatched most weeks. They desperately need something positive to spark a turnaround, and this trip to a newly-promoted club might be their best chance yet to get on the board.
Squad Value Snapshot:
LCL ~€2.28m vs West Ham ~€1.56m – LCL’s squad is about 1.5× more valuable, suggesting a modest on-paper edge.
Head-to-Head:
This is the first ever WSL meeting between London City and West Ham, as LCL are in their debut top-flight season.
The two sides have met four times in the League Cup with West Ham having the upper hand, (3W, 1D, 0L).
West Ham have struggled in recent London derbies (they’ve lost to Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham already this season), while LCL will be aiming to make their home a fortress against another London rivals.
Prediction:
The model slightly favours LCL at home (49%).
A single goal could be the decider. The Lionesses have momentum after a win last round and will have home support, so we give them the nod to scrape a result.
Our prediction: LCL 1-0 West Ham. Expect a tense affair with few clear-cut chances.
Most likely scorelines: 1-0, 1-1, 0-0.
Arsenal vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Sun 12 Oct, 2:30 PM | Emirates Stadium (London) | Broadcast: BBC Two / iPlayer
Model win probabilities: ARS 72% – 17% draw – 11% BHA
Baseline, Form & Squad
Arsenal (5th):
The Gunners started the season in explosive fashion, with two big wins (4-1 vs LCL, 5-1 vs West Ham).
However, since Week 3 Arsenal have stumbled, failing to win in their last three matches. They were held 0-0 at Man United, then suffered a shock 1-1 home draw with Aston Villa after conceding a 90+5′ equaliser, and most recently fell 2-3 away at Man City.
Defensive lapses late in games have cost Arsenal points – they were “pegged back by Villa in stoppage time” and let a 2-2 draw slip to a late defeat at City.
With 8 points (2W-2D-1L), Arsenal are already playing catch-up.
On the bright side, they have 12 goals (tied second-most in the league) and plenty of firepower.
Arsenal’s priority will be tightening the back line and closing out games. This fixture at the Emirates – a bigger stage – could motivate a statement performance as they look to regain ground.
Brighton & Hove Albion (6th):
Brighton have shown remarkable defensive resolve this season. They’ve conceded just 4 goals in 5 games (one of the best defensive records in the league), including two clean sheets.
Their attack, however, has been inconsistent (6 goals total). The highlight was a 4-1 attacking outburst against West Ham in Week 3, but aside from that, goals have been hard to come by.
Their true star so far is goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. The Nigerian international has been outstanding since her summer move, immediately lifting Brighton’s defense.
Nnadozie’s presence gives Brighton a chance even against high-powered opponents like Arsenal. They will need their defense at its very best and perhaps a moment of magic on the counter to get something on Sunday.
Squad Value Snapshot:
Arsenal ~€9.44m vs Brighton ~€2.02m – Arsenal’s squad is nearly 5× more valuable, reflecting a huge gulf in talent depth. On paper the Gunners have a clear advantage in quality across the pitch.
Head-to-Head:
Arsenal traditionally dominate this matchup. In their last 10 WSL meetings, Arsenal have won 9, often by comfortable margins.
However, Brighton stunned Arsenal 4-2 in their most recent meeting last season, a result that still echoes as one of the upsets of the 2024-2025 season.
The Seagulls will be encouraged knowing they can beat Arsenal on a rare day, but Arsenal will be determined to avoid any repeat of that upset.
Aside from that shock, Arsenal’s victories over Brighton have frequently been lopsided (e.g. 5-0 in the first leg at the Emirates).
Prediction:
Arsenal are strong favorites (72% win chance) and will view this as a must-win to get back on track.
Brighton’s defense, led by the in-form Nnadozie, may frustrate the Gunners for stretches, but Arsenal have ample attacking weapons to eventually find the breakthrough.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Brighton. Expect Arsenal to come out with intensity after their recent slip-ups.
Most likely scorelines: 2-0, 2-1, 3-0.
Liverpool vs Manchester City
Sun 12 Oct, 4:45 PM | Anfield (Liverpool) | Broadcast: Sky Sports Premier League
Model win probabilities: LIV 17% – 21% draw – 62% MCI
Baseline, Form & Squad
Liverpool (11th):
It has been a grim season so far for Liverpool. They have lost all four of their matches (0W-0D-4L) and sit on 0 points, only above West Ham on goal difference.
The lone bright spot was scoring first in the Merseyside derby in Week 1 – but even that ended in a 1-4 collapse to Everton.
Since that opening day goal, the Reds have failed to score. Their attack has been virtually non-existent: 1 goals in 4 games, and going through a stretch of three consecutive shutout losses.
Defensively, Liverpool have conceded 8 goals, which isn’t the league’s worst, but with so little scoring support even 1-2 goals allowed have meant defeat.
The urgency is high to get points on the board, but hosting Man City will be their toughest test yet. Perhaps the famous Anfield atmosphere and pride can spur a better fight in this one.
Manchester City (2nd):
City boast the league’s most potent attack, with 15 goals scored in 5 games. After a 1-2 loss at Chelsea in the opener, they have stormed back with four straight wins.
They smashed Tottenham 5-1 away in Week 3 and put 4 past LCL in Week 4. In Gameweek 5, City pulled off a statement 3-2 win over Arsenal, sealed by 17-year-old Iman Beney’s late strike,
Their matches have been open and high-scoring, as they’ve also conceded 7, but their firepower usually compensates.
City’s one concern is that they can be a bit defensively lax at times, but in most games their offensive onslaught puts things out of reach. Against a struggling Liverpool, City will expect to create plenty of chances.
Squad Value Snapshot:
Liverpool ~€2.67m vs Man City ~€7.33m – City’s squad is about 2.7× more valuable, reflecting a major gap in quality.
Head-to-Head:
Manchester City have historically dominated this fixture with a (10W, 0D, 2L) record in their last 12 meetings.
City have won 4 of their 5 recent WSL meetings. Last season, City beat Liverpool 4-0 at home and 2-1 away.
Prediction:
Manchester City are firm favorites here (62% win per the model).
Liverpool’s confidence is in tatters, and their attack has offered almost no threat, while City are scoring for fun.
Unless City have an off day or Liverpool find a level we haven’t seen yet this season, it’s hard to see anything but an away win.
Predicted outcome: Man City win 3-0. Liverpool may raise their game somewhat at Anfield but City’s multitude of attacking options should prevail.
Most likely scorelines: 0-3, 0-2, 1-3.
Final Word
The top four sides are all expected to win, so the pressure is on each favourite to avoid slip-ups.
The bottom two clubs (Liverpool and West Ham) are desperate to get off the mark – their matches present slim opportunities, but an upset or even a draw could tighten the relegation battle significantly.
Keep an eye on potential upsets: Chelsea vs Spurs has a clear favorite, yet Tottenham’s strong form means they shouldn’t be completely written off.
Arsenal vs Brighton could be closer than the odds suggest given Brighton’s defensive grit (recall that Villa held Arsenal 1-1 with only a 26% pre-match chance, and Brighton themselves shocked Arsenal last season).
Although the model leans heavily toward the top teams this week, the WSL has already produced surprises – underdogs can and do flip the script.
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Missed last week? Catch the full Matchweek 5 Recap + analysis here.