Women’s Super League: Weekend Preview

The WSL rolls into week two with plenty of intrigue, as early-season narratives begin to take shape. From Arsenal’s push for tactical “layers” under Renée Slegers, to Sam Kerr’s anticipated return for Chelsea, here’s everything you need to know ahead of this weekend’s fixtures.

Friday 12 September

Manchester City v Brighton (7:30pm)

Manchester City’s start to the season couldn’t have gone much worse: defeat to Chelsea on opening day and another wave of injuries that feel worryingly familiar to last season’s struggles. Manager Andrée Jeglertz confirmed Alex Greenwood is back in training, but Grace Clinton remains sidelined and Lily Murphy awaits specialist review for a shoulder injury picked up against Chelsea.

There is positive progress for Rebecca Knaak, Kerolin and Aoba Fujino, but City still look stretched.

Historically, City have dominated this fixture — winning 12 of 14 meetings with Brighton — though both victories last season were by just a single goal. Expect City to control possession, but Brighton’s organised counter-attack, led by Mina Tanaka and Elisabeth Terland last season, has previously asked questions.

Likely XIs:

• Manchester City: Yamashita; Casparij, Rose, Prior, Ouahabi; Lohmann, Hasegawa; Miedema, Hemp, Beney, Shaw.

• Brighton: Nnadozie; McLauchlan, Rule, Minami, Olislagers; Symonds, Čanković; Seike, Haley, Kirby, Agyemang.

West Ham United v Arsenal (7:30pm)

Arsenal kicked off with a statement win last week, but Renée Slegers is already calling for more tactical unpredictability, saying she wants to “build so many layers” into the Gunners’ play. She knows, however, that West Ham is never an easy trip: “Historically it’s always been a hard game for Arsenal.”

Arsenal’s new signing Olivia Smith is already impressing, while West Ham will look to striker Shekiera Martinez, who added a new dimension in the second half of last season. The Hammers were disciplined against Spurs in their opener but undone by a late Bethany England penalty.

The Gunners have dominated this head-to-head, winning 13 of the 15 league meetings, including home and away last season. West Ham, though, will hope the Chigwell Construction Stadium proves a difficult away day again.

Likely XIs:

• West Ham: Szemik; Denton, Nystrom, Zadorsky, Hanshaw; Gorry, Siren; Ueki, Piubel, Asseyi; Martinez.

• Arsenal: van Domselaar; Fox, Reid, Catley, McCabe; Little, Maanum; Caldentey, Kelly, Smith; Russo.

Sunday 14 September

Aston Villa v Chelsea (12:00pm)

All eyes will be on Sam Kerr. Sonia Bompastor confirmed that the Australian striker, who has been recovering from long-term injury, is “ready” and could make her long-awaited return. Chelsea opened with a narrow win over City, showing early resilience, and the reigning champions will be aiming for back-to-back victories.

Villa, under Carla Ward, have ambitions of breaking into the top four this season. Rachel Daly and Alisha Lehmann remain key, but how they deal with Chelsea’s attacking firepower — especially if Kerr is unleashed — could define this clash.

Leicester City v Liverpool (12:00pm)

Leicester have historically enjoyed this fixture, completing the double over Liverpool in 2022/23. Liverpool, however, will be desperate for a response after a humbling 4-1 defeat to Everton in the Merseyside derby.

Leicester will look to exploit Liverpool on transitions, while Matt Beard’s side must tighten up defensively and be more clinical. A big test of character awaits for the Reds.

London City Lionesses v Manchester United (12:00pm)

United’s season has started awkwardly, knocked out of the Champions League qualifying by BK Häcken after logistical chaos left their boots stranded in transit. Marc Skinner’s side must quickly regroup domestically, and a trip to newly promoted London City is a potential banana skin.

The Lionesses are still finding their WSL feet, but expect them to be combative at home. United, led by Ella Toone and Geyse, will be under pressure to deliver a statement performance.

Everton v Tottenham Hotspur (2:30pm)

Everton couldn’t have scripted a better start: a 4-1 derby win over Liverpool at their new home, Goodison Park. Ornella Vignola’s dream debut hat-trick lit up the occasion, and Brian Sørensen confirmed there are no new injury concerns.

Tottenham edged West Ham thanks to Bethany England’s late penalty, but performances remain inconsistent. Away at an Everton side full of momentum, this will be a real test.

The Storylines to Watch

• Sam Kerr’s comeback: Will Chelsea finally unleash their star striker against Villa?

• Arsenal’s “layers”: Can the Gunners add tactical depth and avoid predictability at West Ham?

• Everton’s energy: Goodison Park and a derby win have the Toffees buzzing — can they keep it up vs Spurs?

• Liverpool’s response: After a derby humiliation, Leicester away is no easy bounce-back fixture.

The WSL is only in week two, but already narratives of resilience, reinvention, and momentum are beginning to emerge.