By OkayGoal
Arsenal Women begin their long awaited pursuit of a first WSL title since 2019 this Sunday, travelling to Broadfield Stadium to face a Brighton side under new management and clearly still finding their feet.
Renee Slegers‘ side head into the campaign full of confidence after an encouraging pre-season, having beaten Crystal Palace, Manchester City, Paris FC, Charlton and Everton without much fuss.
Brighton, for their part, showed decent signs of their own, seeing off Brann, Watford, Crystal Palace and Genk before a heavy 3-1 defeat to Barcelona brought them back down to earth ahead of the new season.
There is a familiar itch among Arsenal supporters heading into this one. Despite being the most decorated club in the competition’s history, the Gunners have watched Chelsea and now Manchester City lift the trophy in recent years, and last season’s runners up finish will only sharpen the appetite to go one better this time round.
Brighton arrive with plenty of change behind the scenes, Arturo Ruiz replacing Dario Vidosic in the dugout following the Seagulls’ impressive run to the FA Cup final last season, a run that included dumping Arsenal out along the way at Borehamwood. That history alone should be enough to keep any complacency in check, and Arsenal have not actually won away at Brighton since November 2023.
On paper though, this Arsenal squad looks considerably stronger. Georgia Stanway slots straight into midfield after an outstanding individual campaign in the Bundesliga last season, while Ona Batlle brings fresh quality at right back. With Leah Williamson, Alessia Russo and Stina Blackstenius all rested and refreshed over the summer, there is a settled, dangerous look about this side even with several new faces still bedding in.
Brighton vs Arsenal women match info
Date: Sunday 6 August 2026.
Time: Kick off at 12 PM BST
Location: Broadfield Stadium, Crawley
Slegers has been keen to stress patience over hype in the buildup, pointing to the alignment and quality built within the squad over pre-season rather than getting carried away with expectations. But with Chelsea already dropping points against Aston Villa this weekend, the door looks slightly more ajar than usual for whoever seizes the moment early.
For Arsenal, a trip to Sussex represents exactly the sort of fixture a title chasing side needs to handle comfortably. Anything less than three points would raise eyebrows, and Gooners will be hoping their side sends an early message that this genuinely is their year to reclaim the crown.
Team News
Brighton women
Ruiz has a fully fit squad to choose from following the summer overhaul, with new arrivals Eleanor Heeps, Gabby George, Emilie Joramo, Lia Walti, Sophie Peskett, Nadia Krezyman and Emily Murphy all in contention.
Murphy has hit the ground running in pre-season, scoring in both of Brighton’s opening two friendlies, and could well be included from the off.
Walti is the standout name for Arsenal fans to watch, returning to face a competition she knows well after her move from Juventus.
Arsenal women
Slegers confirmed in her pre-match press conference that Daphne van Domselaar, Katie Reid and Michelle Agyemang remain on rehabilitation programmes and will miss out for today’s game.
But everyone else in the squad is available for selection.
Georgia Stanway is expected to start in midfield after her outstanding individual campaign in the Bundesliga last season, while Ona Batlle comes in as the new first choice right back. Leah Williamson, Alessia Russo and Stina Blackstenius all had a rare summer off and should be fresh and ready to go from the start.
Predicted Lineup
Brighton women predicted lineup: Loeck; Rule, Hayes, Vanegas, Olislagers; Symonds, Wälti, Kirby, Čanković; Seike, García.
Arsenal women predicted lineup: Rodríguez; Batlle, Williamson, Batlle, Catley; Little, Stanway, Caldentey; Smith, Russo, Blackstenius.