Arsenal Women host Manchester United on Saturday in a crucial six pointer for Champions League qualification. The Gunners sit just one point above United in the WSL table and victory at Emirates Stadium would give them a strong buffer, while defeat leaves them playing catch up in the race for Europe.

The match marks Arsenal’s return from the winter break following a busy week that saw Renee Slegers sign a new contract and Jodie Taylor promoted to Technical Director. However, the immediate focus is on securing three points against Marc Skinner’s side in what promises to be a tense encounter.

Kick-off: 12:30 GMT, Saturday, January 11, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
TV: Sky Sports (UK)

Cooney Cross Absent For Personal Reasons

Arsenal will be without Kyra Cooney Cross who has returned to Australia for personal reasons. Daphne van Domselaar is not quite ready to return from a quad injury while Chloe Kelly remains out with a knee problem. Jenna Nighswonger will not be in the matchday squad as she negotiates a loan move.

New signing Smilla Holmberg from Hammarby will be in the squad alongside recalled goalkeeper Naomi Williams. Manu Zinsberger and Katie Reid are out with ACL injuries. The absence of Cooney Cross means Mariona will likely drop into the deeper midfield role she has occupied for much of the last year.

United Strengthened in January

Manchester United have been busy in the transfer window, adding full back Hanna Lundkvist from San Diego Wave and centre forward Lea Schuller from Bayern Munich. Skinner was dealt a poor hand over the summer with a very small squad handling Champions League qualifiers and the group phase.

Predicted Lineup:

Arsenal (4-3-3): Borbe; Fox, Williamson, Catley, McCabe; Little, Mariona, Maanum; Mead, Russo, Smith

Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Tullis Joyce; Lundkvist, Le Tissier, Janssen, Sandberg; Miyazawa, Zigiotti; Park, Malard, Awujo; Schuller

Also read: Arsenal Women disable social media comments after sexist backlash to new signing

Manchester United Women have recalled Keira Barry and Evie Rabjohn from their loan spells at Sunderland after just over six months in the Championship.

The duo return to Old Trafford to reinforce Marc Skinner’s squad as United compete across four competitions in the second half of the season.

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Barry proved more influential during her time with the Black Cats, scoring three goals in 11 appearances. Rabjohn featured just six times in the Championship as the 20-year-old continues her gradual return from an ACL injury sustained last season.

Limited Funds for January Business

Skinner made it clear before the winter break that United could be busy in the January transfer window. The Red Devils have already recruited Lea Schuller from Bayern Munich in a statement signing, but much like the men’s team, United Women don’t have significant funds to work with this month.

It remains unknown whether Skinner will dip back into the market before the window closes. With United still competing in four competitions, reinforcements may be needed given the amount of football remaining before the end of the season.

Other Loanees Remain at Clubs

Barry and Rabjohn weren’t the only Manchester United players sent on loan this season. Lucy Newell has been playing for Birmingham City while Jess Simpson took her talents to Southampton for the campaign.

Emma Watson completes the list of loanees, currently playing for Everton where she has struggled for game time. There is no indication United will recall any other players from their loans as they would have already made that decision early in the window.

The returns provide Skinner with additional depth as United look to maintain their top four position in the WSL.

Also read: Arsenal Women Set to Recall Goalkeeper Naomi Williams From Bristol City Loan Spell After Injury To Key Star

Ella Toone has been awarded an MBE as part of the New Year Honours List 2026 following England’s victory at Euro 2025. The Manchester United midfielder is among several Lionesses recognized for their role in securing back to back European Championship titles, with captain Leah Williamson receiving a CBE.

Former United defender Alex Greenwood, along with Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway, also received MBEs. Toone played a key role in England’s success in Switzerland after helping Manchester United secure Champions League football for the first time this season.

Dedication to Late Father

The 26 year old dedicated the honour to her father, who died from prostate cancer in 2024. “To be awarded an MBE is an incredible honour and something I’m deeply proud of. Representing England and being part of a team that has won the Euros twice has helped change the landscape of women’s football, these memories will stay with me forever.”

Toone added: “This recognition is also incredibly personal because I want to dedicate it to my dad, who I lost to prostate cancer last year. He was my biggest supporter, from the very first kick of a ball, and I know he’d be so proud.”

The midfielder also stated she wants to use her increased profile to raise awareness about prostate cancer and the importance of early detection.

Key Player for Club and Country

Toone overcame serious personal issues following her father’s death to fight back admirably for United. She was instrumental in helping Marc Skinner’s side qualify for the Champions League and remains a key player in the squad.

The attacking midfielder has made nine appearances in the WSL this season with three goals and two assists, totaling 1,135 minutes across all competitions. She will play a crucial role as United look to maintain their European spot in 2026.

Also read: Ella Toone Stars With Goal and Three Assists as England Thrash China 8-0 at Wembley in Dominant Display