Can Brighton keep up the pace?
Liverpool vs Brighton – Friday January 17, kick-off 7.30pm, live on Sky Sports
After some problems in the WSL, Brighton were the surprise of the season. They are the team closest to the top four and have spent time in the top three in the first half of the campaign.
But given their team's pedigree, perhaps it shouldn't be a shock. Brighton have made smart signings in recent years, particularly the summer signings of Fran Kirby and Nikita Parris, serial winners in their own right.
By adding them to a squad that already included Vicky Losada, Pauline Bremer and Maria Thorisdottir, the Seagulls are finally showing the potential they had beneath the surface. Let's also not forget the impact of manager Dario Vidosic in their recent successes.
Brighton are a mirror image of last season's Liverpool – who finished fourth, six points above Manchester United – with teams taking turns looking to break the stranglehold at the top of the table.
The Reds will be disappointed to have just nine points on the board, although injuries have played a role. They already took steps to alleviate these circumstances in January, signing Sam Kerr from Bayern and loaning Julia Bartel from Chelsea.
Both teams will be looking to get going in Friday's match, live on Sky Sports – Brighton to show they are not half-season wonders, and Liverpool to get their campaign back on track.
Plenty to build on for Everton and Aston Villa
Everton vs Aston Villa – Saturday January 18, kick-off 5.30pm
Only goal difference separates Everton and Aston Villa in the middle of the WSL table. Both sides are on nine points apiece – the same number of goals with which Villa defeated Bristol Rovers in the FA Cup last weekend.
The increase in form continues under Shaun Goater, who is in charge after the departure of Robert de Pauw. Villa also defeated West Ham 3-1 in the final WSL match of 2024.
But it was Everton's 2-1 win against a depleted Man City on December 15 that raised eyebrows. They absorbed the pressure and hit their opponents on the counter, to devastating effect.
Although their FA Cup tie was postponed, the Toffees will hope to achieve the same feat when they take on Aston Villa, who are also looking for a boost further down the table.
Returning players could play a key role in the Manchester derby
Man City vs Man Utd – Sunday January 19, kick-off 6.45pm, live on Sky Sports
In terms of injuries, it hasn't been the easiest season for either Manchester club. Manchester City has seen absences for Vivianne Miedema, Lauren Hemp, Khadija Shaw and Alex Greenwood. Manchester United also had to make do without Ella Toone.
But the good news is that Miedema and Toone have returned to action, scoring goals. Both scored in FA Cup action this weekend, with the Man Utd midfielder scoring a fantastic goal.
Both players can change the game whether they start or not, and can play a key role in turning the game in their side's favor in what could be a tight battle.
There is currently one point separating them in the table. Man Utd are currently outside the top three on goal difference but could surpass their city rivals with a win this weekend. Man City will also want to keep pace with Chelsea at the top as they hope to mount a title challenge in 2025.
Why Chelsea needs to get off to a flying start
West Ham vs Chelsea – Sunday 19 January, kick-off 3pm
Despite being the undisputed leaders of the WSL, there is a dip in Chelsea's latest bid for the title. They drew 1-1 against Leicester in their last league match and worked hard on it. It also ended their 100 percent winning record.
They have since won two games against Real Madrid in the Champions League and Charlton in last weekend's FA Cup tie, as well as a winter training camp in Portugal, but the result in Leicester may continue to rankle in some people's minds.
When they take on West Ham, they will want to put that right as they turn their attention back to league matters. Although Chelsea have a six-point lead over Man City in second place, it only takes a few results to make that a difficult situation.
But Chelsea are nothing if not ruthless winners. A draw against Leicester still kept them unbeaten and provided the Blues with a timely reminder of how tight the WSL can be. They don't want another one this weekend.
Slegers continues audition for Arsenal
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace – Sunday January 19, kick-off 2pm
It was quite a job for Renee Slegers. Arsenal's interim boss has guided her side to 11 games unbeaten in all competitions, putting them in the top three on goal difference.
Results are one thing, performance is another. Under Slegers, the Gunners have found both. The fluidity has returned, the goals are flowing and the football is entertaining – everything Arsenal are known for.
And yet there is still no announcement about a new permanent boss, despite the departure of Jonas Eidevall in October. The progress made under Slegers has certainly made her a shoo-in for the main job.
Arsenal return to the Emirates on Sunday and take on the bottom team in the league at Crystal Palace. They hope to pick up where they left off as Slegers continues her audition for a permanent job.
Can Tottenham maintain their unbeaten run?
Tottenham vs Leicester – Sunday 19 January, kick-off 12.30pm
Before the winter break, Tottenham were on a run of four games unbeaten in all competitions, including two in the WSL. These six points represent more than 50 percent of their total for the season so far.
However, this series was over a month ago and they face a Leicester side who held Chelsea to a draw before the winter break.
They looked sharp in defense and frustrated a usually free-flowing Blues, and will have had more time on the training pitch to improve. Another draw – or better yet, a win – would be crucial in their bid for WSL survival.
We could also see a debut from goalkeeper Lize Kop, who signed for Spurs from the Foxes this week. She has been handed the number 1 shirt and will provide competition for Becky Spencer, who has conceded 23 goals in 10 WSL games this season – only Crystal Palace have shipped more.
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