25/04 - 20:00
It’s been a thrilling, record-breaking WSL season that finally comes to a conclusion this Saturday.
We’ve seen Manchester United enter the traditional top three to make a four-way tussle that now comes down to two potential league winners this weekend.
But really, does anyone think that Chelsea won’t be champions once again? Well, let’s see in this week’s preview…
Reading v Chelsea
But even a draw seems unlikely considering the gulf between top-of-the-league Chelsea and bottom-of-the-league Reading.
For the Royals a very unlikely victory – and Leicester City not winning their game – is the only way to stay in the top flight next season.
However, we only need to cast our mind back to December 2021 to see the last (and only) time Reading defeated Chelsea. Deanne Rose’s early goal was enough for a 1-0 win that day. Could it happen again?
West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur
A clash between eighth and ninth in the league on the final day with not too much riding on it.
The Hammers won their first league game of 2023 (!) against Leicester on Sunday and a win against Spurs would fill the old cliché of London buses for what is fittingly a derby game in the capital.
Tottenham’s disappointing season is almost over which will give the club time to rebuild. Vicky Jepson’s team defeated Reading at the weekend and another win could give Spurs some extra confidence going into next season.
Manchester City v Everton
Indeed, overall City’s form has been poor in the final weeks of the season with just two wins from their last five games.
So, considering City’s predicament and the fact that Everton will finish sixth no matter what. This game could well serve as a send-off party for Izzy Christiansen. The former City and current Toffees player announced her retirement early today and this will be a fitting final game.
Liverpool v Manchester United
While it’s not impossible, we don’t imagine it will happen. Instead, Marc Skinner should be proud of how his team has performed this season with a first-ever cup final, a Champions League place secured, and taking the title down to the wire.
Of course, Liverpool won’t need any more motivation than ensuring that United don’t end up winning the title on their home turf. Matt Beard’s team have been improving toward the end of the season and have lost just two of their last eight games.
Brighton & Hove Albion v Leicester City
The Seagulls are safe from relegation despite losing their last two games against Arsenal and Everton. Melissa Philipps does seem to have improved Brighton and they can show that on Saturday by defeating Leicester – a side that put three past them without reply in the reverse fixture back in January.
Meanwhile, the Foxes aren’t totally safe from relegation just yet but they are very almost there. Reading need to defeat league-leaders Chelsea while Leicester have to lose away to Brighton. Of course, there’s still a chance.
Arsenal v Aston Villa
A point is enough for Arsenal to guarantee third place while a defeat to Aston Villa would also need a goal swing against them to see the Gunners go down to fourth.
Still, Jonas Eidevall will want to see his team return to winning ways after losing 2-0 to rivals Chelsea last time out.
Villa meanwhile can finish the season with style after a hugely positive season. Rachel Daly is likely to finish the WSL season as the top scorer with the England international having scored 21 this season – three more than Bunny Shaw.
Despite those improvements, Villa have played Arsenal twice already this season losing both by margins of three goals. A win in this one would be their first ever over the North London club.
It all comes down to this!
— Barclays Women's Super League (@BarclaysWSL) May 25, 2023
Watch the final day of the #BarclaysWSL live on @SkySports and @BBCOne 🙌 pic.twitter.com/eec2bRtNfk
