Saturday 27th May 2023 draws close the curtains on what can only be described as a thrilling season at the Women’s Super League, with many twists and turns along the way. With Chelsea out in front, is it a done deal that they will lift the trophy again?
All 12 teams had a lot to prove this year, but how do they look heading into the final match day?
West Ham vs Tottenham:
Both teams enter this fixture on the back of a win. A win for Tottenham will place them above West Ham in the table on goal difference, which is something Bethany England’s clinical ability may be able to do. Both Viviane Asseyi and Dagny Brynjarsdottir have a respectable 6 goals each, so getting near the box will be threatening for Spurs.
Reading vs Chelsea:
The Blues remain as key favourites to replicate last season's success, with just 1 point needed from this meeting. Reading will be in search of all 3 points to stay in the WSL next season, but the likelihood is slim, as Emma Hayes’ side are in incredible form. Guro Reiten is a key player in every attacking sense, as she has created 10 goals this season, but also found the net 8 times, her last being against Arsenal in their last home game.
Manchester City vs Everton:
Although City have just missed out on a Champions League spot, after their loss in the Derby last week, the 3 points are vital to conclude the league on a high. From a personal perspective, Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw will be looking to score as many goals to overtake current Golden Boot leader Rachel Daly, in which 3 are needed to draw and 4 to reach Vivianne Miedema’s all-time record. For Everton Jess Park has been a weapon up top, so Brian Sorensen’s side won’t let CIty grab any points with ease.
Liverpool vs Manchester United:
An impressive victory over Chelsea in their first game set the tone for an exciting season for the promoted club, one which has comfortably secured them another season in the WSL. The 3 points are more important for United, as a slip up from Chelsea would see United lift the trophy. With Alessia Russo’s contract running out immediately when the whistle goes on this game, a win is likely to keep her at the club. The Champions League is another incentive for the England striker.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Leicester City:
Brighton have secured their spot in the WSL next season, so it will be Leicester who will look to gain at least 1 point to stay above Reading. Leicester have won twice in their last two games, one being a 3-0 wipeout earlier on in January, so Brighton will have a lot of work to do to secure any points.
Arsenal vs Aston Villa:
Although a game with no significance to table positioning, both teams will want to end the season with momentum ahead of next year. Arsenal’s injury crisis does mean Jonas Eidevall doesn’t have his best squad out, but as seen in the London Derby last week they are a strong side willing to battle. Jen Beattie and Lotte Wobben-Moy create a defensive wall at the back, which will be needed to prevent current Golden Boot leader, Rachel Daly, from scoring. If Daly finds the net just once in this game, she will go joint with Arsenal’s Vivianne Miedema for the WSL goal scoring record- Meadow Park would be an ironic place for it.
Only one fixture to go for each of the teams. Who will lift the trophy? And who will fall to the Championship?
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