The League Cup is back, with all teams in the WSL and WSL2 taking part. The games start today as part of a group stage followed by a knockout round. The group stage is regionalised. Teams like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United are exempt from the group stage as they are in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. They will enter at the quarter-final stage. Only the group winner will progress from each group.
Only three clubs have ever won this trophy since its inception in 2011. Arsenal have won it seven times, last in 2024; Manchester City have won it four times, last in 2022; and Chelsea have won it three times and are the current holders.
Group A
- Manchester City
- Everton
- Nottingham Forest
- Newcastle United
Group B
- Liverpool
- Sheffield United
- Sunderland
- Durham
Group C
- Southampton
- Brighton
- West Ham
- Charlton
- Portsmouth
Group D
- Ipswich Town
- Crystal Palace
- Leicester City
- London City Lionesses
Group E
- Aston Villa
- Birmingham City
- Bristol City
- Tottenham
The group stage begins 24 September 2025 and runs until 23 November 2025. The final is scheduled for Sunday 15 March 2026 but no venue has been decided upon.
My prediction for which five teams might progress from the group stage (i.e. win their group):
- Manchester City (Group A)
- Liverpool (Group B)
- Brighton (Group C)
- London City Lionesses or Leicester City (Group D)
- Aston’s Villa (Group E)
Manchester City v Everton
City have recently beaten Spurs 5-1 in a strong attacking display though it could have been more with a Bunny Shaw penalty being saved. Though they do have injury concerns especially Lauren Hemp who is out with an ankle injury after being subbed off in the 22nd minute of their recent fixture and seen in a protective boot. Everton have had two back-to-back poor performances at their new home of Goodison losing 2-0 to Spurs and then 2-1 to newly promoted London City Lionesses. Even without Hemp, City’s depth and confidence should give them control. Everton may try to slow the tempo, stay compact, force City mistakes, but likely to struggle creating consistent danger.
Spurs v Aston Villa
Spurs have had a mixed start with a late win against West Ham thanks to a penalty and a 2-0 win over Everton after two games they were the only team not to concede until they conceded five goals against City. Villa's last game was supposed to be against Liverpool but was postponed due to the passing of ex-Liverpool manager Matt Beard. So villa have not played for 10 days since they lost 3-1 to Chelsea but did bring the fight to the holders. I would say given Spurs have played more recently will only benefit them early on in the season. Though Spurs are lacking in front of goal and their defence was horrific against City with Villa could capitalise on.
Martin Ho, Spurs manager said: “No matter if it's a cup or it's a game every day after one another, I won't change the team. I'll make sure that the strongest team goes out to win the games. I want to win every cup game, I want to win every league game. I'm just going to rotate for the sake of the cup. And I will make sure the strongest team goes out.”
West Ham v Charlton
West Ham ended last season in a high and we’re performing well including beating Arsenal but they are currently bottom of the table as they have not taken anything front the games they have played. They have struggled in both attack and defence. Charlton are underdogs but may have less pressure, possibly more cohesion for this match. West Ham should try to dominate, but they need to avoid sloppy defending. Charlton was likely to defend deep and try set-pieces or counterattacks. Possible that West Ham win but by less than many expect.
Crystal Palace v London City Lionesses
Palace have struggled, both in scoring and results; London City Lionesses just got their first WSL win and seem to be improving. Momentum is with the Lionesses. London City won 2-1 against Everton after loosing badly 4-1 to Arsenal and 5-1 to Manchester Unnite though both being title contenders. Isobel Goodwin opened her score tally this season with two goals at Goodison Park.
London City have a relatively new team 16 summer signings and not much or at all pre-season prep and bonding this team connection will be a work in process throughout the season. Lionesses may come in confident and aggressive; Palace may be vulnerable especially if their defence is brittle. Expect a tight match but opportunity for an upset.
Portsmouth vs Brighton
Portsmouth open their Subway Women’s League Cup campaign tonight at Westleigh Park, looking to improve on last season’s group-stage exit. The Blues face a tough pool once again, drawn alongside West Ham, Southampton, Charlton, and first opponents Brighton.
The Seagulls, managed by former Australia international Dario Vidošić, enjoyed a record 5th-place WSL finish last term and arrive in confidence after Sunday’s 4-1 win over West Ham. Vidošić’s squad includes high-profile names such as Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie, recently ranked the world’s 4th best goalkeeper, England veteran Fran Kirby, and teenage star Michelle Agyemang — fresh from her Young Player of the Tournament award at EURO 2025 and back on loan from Arsenal.
Portsmouth will need to be disciplined and clinical to test a Brighton side that has started to find rhythm early in the season. Victory would mark a huge statement for Jay Sadler’s team in a group packed with top-flight opposition.
Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle United
Forest face a stern test against ambitious Newcastle. Both sides are relatively untested at this level, but Newcastle’s resources and squad depth give them a slight edge. Forest will rely on structure and home advantage, while Newcastle will try to dictate through midfield.
Durham vs Sheffield United
Durham are always competitive in cup formats and physical at home, while Sheffield United are still finding rhythm in the Championship. Expect a close, hard-fought tie with chances at both ends — possibly settled by a single goal.
Liverpool vs Sunderland
Liverpool will want to make a statement after mixed early-season form in the WSL. Sunderland, strong in the Championship, are dangerous underdogs but face a tough test away. Expect rotation from Liverpool but enough quality to edge it, especially with Shanice van de Sanden and Sophie Roman Haug fit and firing.
Ipswich Town vs Leicester City
Ipswich, enjoying the occasion of hosting top-flight opposition, face a Leicester side with greater depth and higher tempo. Leicester will likely rotate but still expect to control possession. Ipswich will rely on defensive grit and home support to stay in the game.
Birmingham City vs Bristol City
A Championship clash that should be finely balanced. Birmingham are difficult to beat at St Andrew’s, while Bristol City, freshly relegated, have ambitions to bounce back and may use this competition for momentum. Could be the tightest game of the night.
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