Arsenal Women begin their long-awaited quest for a first WSL title since 2019 this Sunday when they travel to Broadfield Stadium to take on a Brighton side who are under new management and clearly still finding their feet.
Renee Slagers’ side go into the new season with confidence after an encouraging pre-season, which saw them beat Crystal Palace, Manchester City, Paris FC, Charlton and Everton with ease.
Brighton put in a good performance, beating Bryan, Watford, Crystal Palace and Genk before suffering a 1-3 defeat to Barcelona, bringing them back to reality before the start of the new season.
There is a familiar longing among Arsenal fans as they face this moment. Despite being the most decorated club in the competition’s history, the Gunners have seen Chelsea and Manchester City lift the trophy in recent years, and last season’s runners-up only made them more hungry to go one better this round.
Brighton have brought a host of changes behind the scenes, with Arturo Ruiz replacing Dario Vidosic in the dugout, and the Seagulls enjoyed a stellar run in the FA Cup final last season, including knocking out Arsenal at Boreham Wood. That history alone should be enough to dampen any sense of complacency, and Arsenal haven’t actually beaten Brighton away from home since November 2023.
On paper, though, this Arsenal side looks much stronger. Georgia Stanway, who excelled in the Bundesliga last season, moves straight into midfield, while Ona Butler brings fresh quality at right-back. With Lea Williamson, Alessia Russo and Stina Blackstanius resting and recuperating over the summer, the team looks to have a stable, dangerous air about it, although there are a few new faces still getting in the mix.
Brighton vs Arsenal Women’s Match News
Date: Sunday, August 6, 2026.
Time: Starts at 12pm (BST)
Venue: Crawley Broadfield Stadium
Slegers has been keen to emphasize patience over hype during the build-up process, pointing to the squad and quality the team has built in pre-season rather than getting carried away by expectations. But with Chelsea already dropping points against Aston Villa this weekend, the door looks a little more ajar than usual for whoever gets their chance early.
For Arsenal, the trip to Sussex is exactly the kind of game the title-chasing side need to ease into. Anything less than three points will raise eyebrows, and Gunas hopes their team sends a message early that this is indeed their year to take back the title.
Team news
brighton women
After a summer overhaul, Ruiz has a fully fit squad to choose from, with new arrivals Eleanor Heaps, Gabby George, Emily Giolamo, Leah Volti, Sophie Pesquet, Nadia Kreizmann and Emily Murphy all in contention.
Murphy has impressed in pre-season, scoring in both Brighton friendlies and is likely to be included from the start.
Walti is the favorite name for Arsenal fans to watch, Back to face a game she’s familiar with Following her move from Juventus.
Arsenal Women
Slagers confirmed at the pre-match press conference that Daphne van Domsalal, Katie Reed and Michelle Agyeman are still undergoing rehabilitation and will miss today’s game.
But everyone else on the team has options.
Georgia Stanway, who impressed in the Bundesliga last season, is expected to start in midfield, while Ona Butler will be the new first-choice right-back. Leah Williamson, Alessia Russo and Stina Blackstenius have all had a great summer and should be fresh and ready from the start.
Predicted lineup
Brighton Women’s Football Team Predicted Lineup: Locke; Ruhl, Hayes, Vanegas, Olislages; Simmonds, Vardy, Kirby, Dankovic; Sek, Garcia.
Arsenal Women’s predicted lineup: Rodriguez; Butler, Williamson, Butler, Catley; Little, Stanway, Cardenti; Smith, Russo, Blake Stanius.