The Barclays Women’s Super League is built on great rivalries. From the Merseyside Derby to the North London Derby and the Manchester Derby, these fixtures carry history, pride and season-defining moments. Below is your definitive guide to the 2025–26 WSL derbies with quick links to in-depth match previews on Queen of the Pitch.
WSL Merseyside Derby: Liverpool vs Everton — Gameweek 1
The season opens with fireworks on Merseyside. Intensity, quick transitions and a roaring crowd usually define this one.
- Why it matters: Early momentum and bragging rights in one of the league’s most passionate rivalries.
- Ones to watch: Set-piece threats and wide-area duels often swing this fixture.
WSL London Heavyweight: Arsenal vs Chelsea — Gameweek 8
A clash that often shapes the title race. Expect elite pressing, high-quality chance creation and fine margins.
- Why it matters: Six-pointer feel between perennial contenders; statement result potential.
- Ones to watch: Midfield tempo-setters and inverted wingers in the half-spaces.
WSL North London Derby: Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal — Gameweek 9
North London pride on the line. Spurs target disruption; Arsenal chase control and incision.
- Why it matters: Rivalry energy meets tactical chess — transition control is key.
- Ones to watch: Full-back vs winger matchups and second-phase set pieces.
WSL Manchester Derby: Manchester City vs Manchester United — Gameweek 9
A packed stadium and high-octane football. City usually seek territory; United look for incisive breaks.
- Why it matters: City pride and top-four ramifications wrapped into one.
- Ones to watch: Box entries from midfield and near-post runs on crosses.
WSL Title Tilt: Chelsea vs Arsenal — Gameweek 13
Round two of a modern classic. Momentum swings, game-state management and bench impact could decide it.
- Why it matters: Title race leverage and head-to-head tie-break optics.
- Ones to watch: Press-resistant 6s and late-arriving 8s attacking the box.
WSL Merseyside Derby: Everton vs Liverpool — Gameweek 19
Reverse fixture with points at a premium. Expect tight margins and set-piece value late in the season.
- Why it matters: Momentum swing for the run-in — survival or European push context.
- Ones to watch: Goalkeeper distribution under press and second-ball recoveries.
WSL North London Derby: Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur — Gameweek 19
Derby energy at the sharp end of the campaign. Arsenal seek control; Spurs chase chaos and quick strikes.
- Why it matters: Table position pressure plus local pride — a potent mix.
- Ones to watch: Overlaps vs cut-back lanes and late set-piece routines.
WSL Manchester Derby: Manchester United vs Manchester City — Gameweek 19
High stakes and high volume — the return Manchester Derby could shape European qualification.
- Why it matters: Local supremacy and end-of-season positioning.
- Ones to watch: Press triggers in the first phase and switch-of-play vulnerabilities.
Enjoy this guide? Share it with fellow fans and keep an eye on our previews for tactical breakdowns, predicted XIs and key matchups ahead of every derby day.