By Catherine MacKenzie (5/9/25)
Above: Arsenal last season. Photo: Jay Patel / SPP.
Arsenal kick off their 2025-26 WSL campaign this Saturday following major European success.
The Champions League win was followed by the European Championship, where Arsenal’s hefty England contingent followed up the UWCL with the Euros trophy.
The team that won the UWCL in May is largely unchanged, with the main departure being Switzerland international Lia Wälti. A major reinforcement has come in the form of club-record signing Olivia Smith from Liverpool; a tribute to Wälti and introduction for Smith is set for the Emirates on Saturday.
The Gunners’ foe on this occasion is an unknown entity – one that nobody entirely knows how to define. London City Lionesses were promoted from WSL2 after clinching the title last season against runners-up Birmingham City, and they have made a major splash in the summer transfer market.
Additions include Netherlands international Danielle van de Donk from Lyon; Katie Zelem and Alanna Kennedy from Angel City; Nikita Parris from Brighton, and Grace Geyoro from PSG.
Ahead of a typical match, coaches and technical staff work together to work out the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. With such a new starting eleven, it is difficult to know how to prepare. Arsenal boss Renée Slegers alluded to this pre-match:
“It’s new. Of course, they’ve had their season in the WSL 2. This is also new for them and it’s new for us. That’s part of the challenge for us on Saturday. There are a lot of unknowns.
Of course, we’ve seen them play last season and we have a good idea of who they are and what they are. At the end of the day, we haven’t played against this team because it’s very new with a lot of new players.
Just as many unknowns for me as for you, I guess. Of course, we’re very happy and it’s an exciting project. The more investment, the better to grow the women’s game.”
Arsenal will be hoping to pick up points – champions Chelsea start their campaign with a tough home duel against Manchester City, in a game that could see the reigning champions stumble. Having picked up the Champions League, the WSL – and toppling their London neighbours – will be Arsenal’s major ambition this season.
Pre-match, Slegers confirmed that barring Leah Williamson, she has a fully fit squad to work with, and the squad is feeling positive ahead of the season:
“I feel we’re in a really good place. I think as a group of staff and players, we’ve tried to tackle everything that we think will impact us in the season early. We set a foundation during pre-season and we’ve done a lot of good work together.“
Arsenal v London City Lionesses kicks off at 13:30 UK time. The match will be broadcast on BBC Sport in the UK and on Stan Sport in Australia.
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