The 2024/25 Women’s Super League (WSL) season has been a thrilling one, with the battle at the bottom intensifying as clubs fight for survival. The winter break offers a brief respite, but for many clubs, it also marks a crucial point in the season where every point counts. With just four points currently separating 7th and 12th place, the relegation battle is far from over, and the next few months will determine which teams will be fighting for survival and which will be relegated to the Championship.
In this article, we take a deep dive into the teams currently in danger of relegation, evaluating their form, squad depth, and what they need to do in the second half of the season to stay in the WSL. While the title race at the top of the table often steals the headlines, the relegation struggle in the Women’s Super League is just as captivating and unpredictable.
The Relegation Fight in the WSL: A Tight Contest
The WSL‘s relegation zone has seen a lot of action so far this season, with teams in the lower half of the table constantly shifting positions. While the top six clubs generally dominate the conversation, it is the battle for survival that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
Currently, the teams in the most danger of relegation are Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Everton, Leicester City, and West Ham United, although the margins are incredibly tight. Just four points separate 7th place from 12th place, and with several teams within reach of the drop zone, the second half of the season will be crucial for these clubs. Let’s take a closer look at each of these teams and assess their chances of avoiding relegation.
Crystal Palace: Can They Avoid the Drop?
Crystal Palace have had a tough start to their first-ever WSL campaign, and their journey to survival will not be easy. The season began disastrously for the Eagles, who were humiliated 7-0 by Chelsea on the opening day, a result that set the tone for their early struggles. Despite this setback, manager Laura Kaminski has shown resilience, and her young squad has continued to fight in every match.
Kaminski’s Crystal Palace side have faced tough opposition in their opening matches, but they have shown moments of promise. Against top teams like Chelsea and Manchester City, there were periods in the game where Palace actually managed to take control of the momentum, despite the eventual heavy defeats. This spirit and refusal to back down from difficult situations are promising signs for a side that will undoubtedly be fighting relegation until the very end.
The key to Palace’s survival will be their ability to strengthen their squad in the winter transfer window. Kaminski has already received praise from Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish, who has been supportive of the club’s efforts to stay in the league. If the Eagles can secure some key signings and bring in experienced players, especially in attack, they could yet escape relegation.
Another boost for Palace could come in the form of star forward Elise Hughes, who is recovering from an ACL injury. Hughes’ return to fitness could be a major asset in their survival bid, as the team desperately needs more firepower up front.
Aston Villa: A Managerless Team in Danger
Aston Villa are another club that finds themselves perilously close to the relegation zone. Although they are currently in 12th place, they are just four points clear of the drop, which means they are very much in the thick of the relegation battle. Villa have shown some flashes of promise this season, but their lack of consistency and a managerial change have caused serious concerns about their ability to stay in the WSL.
The club is currently without a permanent manager after Carla Ward’s departure, and that has left Villa in a state of uncertainty. The team has struggled to find form under interim management, which has left them vulnerable to being dragged into the relegation zone.
Aston Villa’s squad has some quality players, but they have not been able to gel as a unit so far this season. Without strong leadership and a clear tactical plan, it is hard to see how Villa can pull themselves out of danger. The January transfer window will be a critical period for the club, and they will need to strengthen their squad if they are to avoid a relegation battle in the second half of the season.
Everton: The Toffees’ Fight for Survival
Despite a tough start to the season, Everton have shown that they are more than capable of surviving in the top tier. Under the guidance of manager Brian Sorensen, the Toffees have managed to pick up some impressive results, including a crucial draw against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium and victories over Liverpool and Manchester City. These results demonstrate that Everton have the potential to compete with the top teams, and they have already shown signs of improvement as the season has gone on.
Everton have benefitted from the leadership of Sorensen, who has been able to get the best out of his players and lead them to key victories. The completion of the club’s ownership transfer has also provided some stability and allowed Everton to make their first moves in the transfer market, including the signing of French striker Kelly Gago. This acquisition could provide Everton with the firepower they need to secure their survival.
As long as Everton can maintain their form and continue to show resilience, they should have enough to stay in the WSL. The team has a solid core, and their ability to perform in key matches has demonstrated that they are a club capable of avoiding the relegation zone.
West Ham United: Struggling, But Still in the Fight
West Ham United have been stuck in the relegation battle for consecutive seasons, and it looks like another tough year for the Irons. Despite a difficult start to the campaign, West Ham have shown signs of improvement, thanks in large part to their forward, Viviane Asseyi, who has been the standout performer for the club. Asseyi’s ability to score goals has been a major factor in West Ham’s survival hopes.
Last season, West Ham were able to make some key signings in the January window, including captain Katrina Gorry, who played an important role in their survival. The club will need to replicate that success in the upcoming winter transfer window to give themselves the best chance of staying up. West Ham’s reliance on Asseyi will also be a concern, as they lack depth in attack.
If West Ham can strengthen their squad and keep their key players fit, they should have enough to avoid relegation. However, they are not out of the woods yet, and their position in the table remains precarious.
Leicester City: The Foxes’ Struggles and Injury Crisis
Leicester City are arguably the most concerning team in the relegation race. Manager Amandine Miquel has had to deal with a host of injury problems that have decimated Leicester’s attacking options. With most of their forward players sidelined, the Foxes have struggled to compete in the league, and their position in the table reflects their difficulties.
Despite their struggles, Miquel has shown that she has the managerial acumen to guide Leicester through tough times. However, injuries have hampered her efforts, and it will be difficult for the Foxes to compete without a fully fit squad. The winter transfer window will be crucial for Leicester if they are to strengthen their attacking options and stay competitive in the second half of the season.
Leicester’s ability to stay up will depend on their ability to navigate these injury problems and make the necessary signings in January. If they can bring in some new talent and keep their key players fit, Leicester may have enough to survive. However, the odds are stacked against them, and they face an uphill battle to stay in the WSL.
Prediction: Leicester City to be Relegated
While the battle for survival remains incredibly tight, the prediction here is that Leicester City will be the team to drop down to the Championship at the end of the season. Their ongoing injury crisis and lack of firepower up front have left them vulnerable, and unless they can make significant improvements in the transfer market, they will struggle to stay afloat in the WSL.
The other teams in the relegation zone, including Crystal Palace, West Ham, Aston Villa, and Everton, all have the potential to improve and secure their place in the top-flight, but Leicester’s injury woes and lack of depth give them the greatest cause for concern.
While it is impossible to predict relegation with certainty, Leicester’s struggles make them the most likely candidate to face the drop in the 2024/25 season. However, as we have seen in past seasons, the relegation battle in the WSL can often surprise us, and there is still plenty of time for teams to change their fortunes before the end of the campaign.
