This week, the second round of League Cup fixtures started with Liverpool beating Durham 2-1 on Thursday night. Liverpool have only managed to win in the League Cup this season, as they remain winless in the WSL—the likes of Carrie Holland and their new signing, the Scottish Sam Kerr.
Charlton Athletic v Portsmouth
Portsmouth withdrew from the tie due to an unprecedented injury crisis and could not field a safe squad. Charlton announced the cancellation and ticket refund arrangements. WSL football will advise Charlton of the competition's outcome. The South Coast team's withdrawal came from having 13 unavailable players and only nine available for selection. It is not confirmed if Portsmouth will have players recovered to play after the international break.
Tottenham v Birmingham City
Tottenham lost 1-0 to Chelsea, though the game was very tight. They were able to defend well against the Blues due to their high line. They did not have much opportunity in front of goal, but they kept the title holder only to one game. Birmingham City in WSL2 won 4-0 against Ipswich. Spurs remain fourth in the WSL above the likes of Arsenal.
Confirmed most of his squad are available for selection: “Everyone has been training this week. Apart from the long-term injuries – Ella [Morris] and Luana [Bühler] – everyone is in contention.” Tottenham has had the upper hand historically in recent ties between these clubs (Spurs have been unbeaten in the most recent four meetings per club records). This is the first League Cup meeting between the sides.
Amy Merricks, Birmingham city manager, said: “For us, I love these games, and the team relishes these games. This is what we’re absolutely about. We want to defy the odds… When we have the ball, we must be tidy, composed, but brave. We want to go forward, so we want to play to our identity.”
London City Lionesses v Leicester City Women
A classic cup test, ambitious London City Lionesses welcome established Leicester City to test their pressing game and energy against Leicester’s structure and WSL experience. Leicester has been steady in the league; London City has been competitive and pushing to translate intensity into results. The midfield battle will be decisive: Leicester’s control and structure vs. City’s pressing, energy, and direct transitions. Watch which side wins the second ball and how each manager reacts with substitutions in the second half.
Crystal Palace v Ipswich
Ipswich have shown good lower-tier form, and Palace seek consistent results at home. Expect early caution, set-piece importance, and a tactical midfield battle. The side that manages late substitutions and game management best will likely progress.
Brighton v Southampton
Brighton manager Dario Vidošić addressed squad readiness and the recent Maelys Mpomé incident: “We have to be ready. Southampton have attacking threats we must be prepared for — it’s about focus and being switched on from the first whistle.” Vidošić also updated that Mpomé had a positive report after her recent stretcher incident and may be available to contribute when appropriate. Southampton’s preview included no fresh absentees.
Southampton: An unbeaten run and recent derby wins have built team confidence. Brighton: Brighton has had a mixed run in the WSL, with rotation across competitions. Brighton previously beat Portsmouth in a Cup encounter; they also lost narrowly to Arsenal in league play.
Dario Vidošić “We have to be ready. Southampton has attacking threats, so we must be prepared for it’s about focus and being switched on from the first whistle.”
Sunderland v Sheffield
Sunderland, in good recent form, hosts a Sheffield United side coping with recent squad surgery absences. In this game, Sunderland will look to take advantage of United’s constrained bench. Sheffield United confirmed two players (Connie Scofield and Joy Ralph) are recovering from operations and are unavailable, which reduces United’s rotation options. In recent meetings, Sunderland has held the upper hand, with multiple wins in a row.
Everton v Nottingham Forest
Everton will use possession and width to stretch Forest. Forest will stay compact, force long balls, and hope to catch Everton on turnovers. If Everton takes early control and converts chances, the tie should be theirs; if Forest frustrates, the match could go to late drama.
Newcastle United v Manchester City
City are the favourites in the game, though rotation will likely occur. Newcastle will be organised at the back. Andre Jeglertz said: “For the team, I still think the highest level is fantastic, but after each game we find things that we need to improve at… We have more levels that we can try to achieve in the coming months.” Manchester City have won all the games since their opening loss to Chelsea and have maintained and grown into the WSL.
City’s midfield control and depth of attackers will be key; Newcastle must be disciplined, block the channels and try to create quick, direct chances. Expect City to keep the ball and give squad players eager to stake a claim minutes.
Bristol City v Aston Villa.
Villa are favourites, but Bristol City at home is tough to break down; cup rotation will be a factor for both managers. Villas are generally stronger in league play; Bristol City relies on home organisation to frustrate opponents. Villa’s width and chance creation will outperform Bristol’s low block and compact shape. Key moments will likely come from set pieces or quick transitions.
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