As the Women’s Super League (WSL) returns from the winter break, excitement is building for an action-packed weekend. Gameweek 11 promises to be a thrilling round of fixtures, with top-of-the-table battles, relegation scraps, and intense London and Manchester derbies to look forward to. Chelsea currently hold a six-point lead at the top, while Crystal Palace find themselves in the relegation zone, fighting for survival.
This week, we have six exciting matchups spread across three days, with two London derbies and a highly anticipated Manchester showdown taking place. As we look ahead to these fixtures, here are our predictions for each of the WSL games in Gameweek 11.
Liverpool vs Brighton
The weekend kicks off on Friday evening with a clash between Liverpool and Brighton at St. Helen’s Stadium. Brighton have been one of the surprise packages of the season, continuing to exceed expectations and sitting comfortably in the top five. Their high-flying form has been spearheaded by Dario Vidosic, who will be looking to lead his team to another victory as they seek to secure a European spot for next season.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have struggled to replicate their form from previous seasons. Sitting eighth in the league, they’ve had a challenging start to the 2024/25 campaign, with just nine points from their opening ten matches. Their recent form has been inconsistent, and they will need a strong performance to challenge Brighton’s attacking threats.
Brighton will be confident heading into this match after a string of impressive results, while Liverpool will be hoping to turn their season around with a much-needed win. Despite playing at home, Liverpool are likely to face a tough task against a well-organized and motivated Brighton side.
Prediction: Liverpool 1-3 Brighton
Everton vs Aston Villa
On Saturday, two teams struggling near the bottom of the WSL table will meet at Walton Hall Park, as Everton take on Aston Villa. Everton, who have had a tough season so far, will be buoyed by their remarkable 2-1 win over Manchester City just before the Christmas break. That upset may provide the Toffees with a boost in confidence, and they will be hoping to build on that result as they welcome Villa to Merseyside.
Aston Villa have also endured a turbulent season, and their struggles were compounded by the recent sacking of head coach Robert de Pauw. Interim manager Shaun Goater now has the task of turning around Villa’s fortunes. Despite a strong summer transfer window, the Villans have been unable to deliver the consistent performances required, and they find themselves in the lower half of the table with just nine points.
This game presents an opportunity for both sides to get back on track. Everton’s winter signings could play a crucial role in improving their squad depth, while Villa will be looking for a response under Goater’s leadership. With both teams in need of points, expect a closely contested affair.
Prediction: Everton 2-2 Aston Villa
Tottenham vs Leicester City
Tottenham will host Leicester City at Brisbane Road Stadium in what looks to be an intriguing matchup. Despite the large gap between the two teams in the league standings, with Tottenham sitting comfortably in sixth place and Leicester battling relegation in 12th, the Foxes are only five points behind Spurs. This makes the encounter crucial for both teams, as Leicester fight for survival and Tottenham look to maintain their solid league position.
Tottenham have exceeded expectations this season, and despite early questions about head coach Robert Vilahamn’s tactics, Spurs have been impressive. They’ve found a balance between attacking flair and defensive stability, and a win here would push them closer to the top-four spots.
Leicester, on the other hand, have struggled with form and depth. With just one win all season, they are hovering dangerously above the relegation zone. To have any chance of staying up, Leicester will need to find a way to break down Tottenham’s defense and get vital points. However, with Tottenham’s impressive squad and attacking threats, Leicester will face an uphill battle.
Prediction: Tottenham 3-1 Leicester City
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace
Arsenal, one of the WSL’s most formidable teams, will welcome Crystal Palace to Meadow Park on Sunday. The Gunners have been in superb form, having gone unbeaten since October 2024. They will be the heavy favorites for this match, as they continue to push for the title and compete at the top of the table.
Crystal Palace, however, are in a dire situation. They find themselves at the bottom of the league standings and have struggled all season to compete with the stronger teams in the WSL. Palace have been beaten by heavy margins in their encounters with Chelsea and Manchester City, including a 7-0 loss to the Blues and a 3-0 defeat to City.
Arsenal will be expected to dominate this fixture, and with the likes of Vivianne Miedema, Caitlin Foord, and Kim Little in their ranks, the Gunners have the attacking power to put Palace under immense pressure. Crystal Palace will be hoping to scrape a point from this match, but with the form Arsenal are in, it seems unlikely that the Eagles will get much from this one.
Prediction: Arsenal 4-0 Crystal Palace
West Ham United vs Chelsea
The first London derby of the weekend sees West Ham United face off against Chelsea at Chigwell Construction Stadium. West Ham have done well to distance themselves from the relegation zone, but they are still within reach of the bottom three, sitting just three points above the drop. The Hammers will need to improve their form if they are to avoid being dragged back into the fight for survival.
Chelsea, on the other hand, have been in imperious form this season. Sitting six points clear at the top of the table, Emma Hayes’ side will look to continue their winning streak as they push for another WSL title. Their attacking prowess, led by Sam Kerr and Fran Kirby, has been devastating, and they will be the favorites to win this derby.
West Ham have given Chelsea a challenge in previous encounters, with close results, but they have yet to defeat the Blues in their 15 meetings. Given Chelsea’s strong form and West Ham’s vulnerability, it seems unlikely that the Hammers will be able to secure a victory in this encounter.
Prediction: West Ham 0-2 Chelsea
Manchester City vs Manchester United
The final game of the weekend is one of the most highly anticipated fixtures in the WSL: the Manchester Derby at the Etihad Stadium. Manchester City, who have endured a difficult season plagued by injuries, will be desperate to bounce back from a turbulent period. Head coach Gareth Taylor will need to rally his team and ensure they perform at their best in this crucial derby.
On the other hand, Manchester United have had a strong season so far and will be looking to capitalize on City’s injury woes. Marc Skinner’s side are in contention for a top-three finish, and a win here would propel them ahead of City in the league standings. United have shown resilience and will be hoping to exploit City’s vulnerabilities.
Although City are traditionally the stronger team in this fixture, United’s good form and City’s injury problems mean that this could be a tight contest. United’s attacking strength could give them the edge in what promises to be an exciting derby.
Prediction: Manchester City 1-2 Manchester United
Conclusion
Gameweek 11 of the WSL is set to deliver a weekend of thrilling football, with key matchups that will shape the race for the title, the fight for European spots, and the battle to avoid relegation. From the exciting London derbies to the high-stakes Manchester showdown, this round of fixtures promises plenty of drama, intensity, and action. Keep an eye on the results as the WSL continues to deliver world-class women’s football!
