The Women’s Super League returns this weekend after a month-long winter break.
Here we have a look at a few of the key speaking factors because the motion resumes.
Title tussle on the Emirates
The standout within the spherical of fixtures getting issues again below approach is a blockbuster showdown between the league’s high two. Arsenal host Chelsea on the Emirates Stadium on Sunday mendacity three factors behind Emma Hayes’ champions, with a recreation in hand. Jonas Eidevall’s Gunners, heading into the second a part of the season with each Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema sidelined by ACL accidents, have new faces in Netherlands worldwide Victoria Pelova and Denmark’s Kathrine Kuhl, and have additionally this month recalled Brazil winger Gio from Everton.
Mancunian chasing pack
The two golf equipment instantly behind that pair concluded their WSL video games for 2022 by taking a degree apiece from a derby assembly as Manchester United and Manchester City drew 1-1 on the Etihad Stadium. United, who’ve two factors fewer than Arsenal and three greater than City as they appear to safe Champions League soccer for the primary time, return with one other conflict towards north-west neighbours, internet hosting Liverpool on Sunday. City, on the identical day, journey to a West Ham outfit which might be at present fifth within the desk, 4 factors behind them having performed a recreation extra.
New begins for Lionesses
The resumption begins with a match on Saturday that’s set to see some England gamers make debuts after January strikes. Aston Villa entertain Tottenham having introduced in Jordan Nobbs from Arsenal, in addition to fellow midfielder Lucy Staniforth from Manchester United. Spurs have made probably the most eye-catching signing of the window to this point by bringing in ahead Bethany England from Chelsea, for what’s reported to be file charge between WSL golf equipment.
Scheuer in at Brighton
There has additionally been a managerial change for the reason that final matches earlier than the break – second-bottom Brighton have a brand new boss, with Jens Scheuer being appointed as successor to Hope Powell. The German’s first recreation on the helm is at Leicester, the aspect mendacity beneath them, nonetheless and not using a level to their title this time period after 9 video games. If the Foxes, with Willie Kirk in cost since November following Lydia Bedford’s departure, can win on the King Power Stadium on Sunday, it’s going to cut back the hole between the perimeters to 4 factors.
Everton look to select up the place they left off
The weekend’s different recreation is Sunday’s contest between Everton and Reading – who’ve the identical quantity of factors as Brighton – at Walton Hall Park. The sixth-placed Toffees’ final league outing, the ultimate WSL match earlier than Christmas, noticed them ship what boss Brian Sorensen has rated as their greatest efficiency since he took cost final summer season, a 3-0 victory at Tottenham. The Dane mentioned: “I think that should be our benchmark and then improve from there, that’s what we want to see.”
