Going into this weekend’s fixtures, there have been 1,962 goals scored in the Women’s Super League. Some tasty fixtures on Sunday could see that number cross the 2,000 mark.
Liverpool vs Birmingham – 12:00
Another week, another crunch fixture at the bottom of the table. Only one point separates these two sides in the league.
Liverpool have had an upturn of form of late, but didn’t really build on the signing of Rachel Furness in the winter transfer window.
Birmingham have won the last four Women’s Super League games between the two sides, having won six of the last nine.
The Blues won the reverse fixture at Damson Park 2-0, with Kerys Harrop and Lucy Staniforth scoring the goals.
Man City vs Arsenal – 14:00
Sunday will be Nick Cushing’s final game as Manchester City manager before Alan Mahon takes over for the near future.
It couldn’t really get any bigger than a huge top-of-the-table clash between two of the best sides the WSL has to offer.
Embed from Getty ImagesThis game could dictate so many things. It could decide who becomes the league champions at the end of the season. It could write one of these teams out of the narrative of the title race. This game is undeniably gargantuan.
Arsenal came out on top in the Continental Cup semi-final in midweek. However, that game was about as close as everyone expected, with Arsenal edging out a victory thanks to Dutch duo Vivianne Miedema and Danielle van de Donk getting goals.
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Embed from Getty ImagesThis game is like a rubber match for the two sides. They’ve never drawn in the WSL. Out of the 12 games they’ve played against each other, the sides have won six apiece.
Arsenal will be without new signing Caitlin Foord, who will be on international duty with Australia for the next two weeks.
Brighton vs Everton – 14:00
Everton fans are still waiting for the long-anticipated debut of Lionesses star Izzy Christiansen. That wait looks set to go on as their new signing will more than likely miss out on their trip down south to face Brighton this Sunday.
Brighton have never lost against Everton in the Women’s Super League, although they have drawn to the Toffees. Only Doncaster (6) have played Everton more times than Brighton (3) without losing.
Embed from Getty ImagesThis exact fixture last season was the last time Everton drew a game in the WSL (0-0 on January 13, 2019).
Everton will have to deal with early Brighton pressure if they are to come away with their first win against the Seagulls – Brighton have scored 67% of their goals this season in the first half.
Spurs vs Bristol City – 14:00
Bristol City have had an absolutely torrid time when it comes to injuries this season. The latest being ACL injuries to both Meaghan Sargeant and Elise Hughes.
The latter has returned to her parent club Everton, with her loan deal being cancelled due to the injury.
Both of these injuries happened in Bristol’s 1-0 loss to Liverpool. Now they have to pick themselves up to face a decent Spurs side.
It’s a Spurs side that looks even better following the loan signing of Emma Mitchell.
Embed from Getty ImagesSpurs won the reverse fixture 2-1, with Kit Graham scoring two crackers in the space of 73 seconds.
A win for City would see them move off the bottom of the WSL table, with Liverpool and Birmingham playing earlier in the afternoon.
Chelsea vs West Ham – 14:00
It was a whirlwind January for Chelsea. The signing of Sam Kerr and the 4-1 dismantling of Arsenal has increased expectation 10-fold.
Everything points to another Chelsea victory as Emma Hayes chases down the WSL title.
Embed from Getty ImagesWest Ham have made some very smart January additions and definitely look like a stronger team on paper. Especially with the signing of Grace Fisk, who has waltzed straight into the starting lineup at Rush Green.
READ MORE: Chelsea new favourites for WSL title after derby win
That being said, Chelsea are unbeaten in 18 WSL fixtures since losing to Birmingham in January 2019. Plus, West Ham haven’t kept a clean sheet away from home since December 2018.
A win on Sunday is incredibly important for Chelsea, with Arsenal and City squaring off.
Reading vs Man United – 14:00
After crashing out of the Conti Cup at the semi-final stage for the second season running, Manchester United have to travel to Reading to face a hearty Royals side.
With United being in its infancy as a club, there’s not much history to go on, but you can see what an incredible job Casey Stoney has done.
The Red Devils won the reverse fixture at Leigh Sports Village earlier this season, beating the Royals 2-0.
Embed from Getty ImagesFara Williams could become only the second player to register 10+ goal contributions in three consecutive seasons in the WSL with a goal or assist on Sunday.
The only other player to do it thus far is Beth England.
As always, you can watch all of the action this weekend live and free on the FA Player.
