The final international break of 2024 is officially over and the Women’s Super League (WSL) returns for two final matches before the Christmas break.
Chelsea they are currently five points clear at the top of the league table, and have yet to drop a point under Sonia Bompastor. A battle at the bottom of the table means three teams remain in relegation danger, with Crystal Palace, Leicester City and West Ham United on five points.
Heading into the ninth game week, Liverpool’s visit to Manchester United is a great one to consider. There will also be an important bottom-of-the-table clash in east London as West Ham host Crystal Palace.
Before the ninth day of the WSL, 90 minutes has predicted all the matches of the weekend…
The WSL kicks off at Leigh Sports Village when Manchester United host Liverpool in the first game of a Super Sunday. The Red Devils will be looking to regain the momentum they had at the start of the season against a team that chased them throughout the 2023/24 campaign.
Liverpool overcame United in both league meetings last season but have struggled to find their footing so far in 2024/25. Matt Beard’s side will be keen to right recent wrongs as they travel to Greater Manchester.
United have proven to be very strong at the back, keeping six clean sheets in the league so far. On the other hand, Liverpool have struggled defensively, conceding 12 goals to United’s three.
Both sides have lacked the creative edge in recent weeks and will be keen to put in a far more inspiring display when they meet. With neither side in a constant groove, the contest is sure to be a tight one.
Prediction: Manchester United 1-1 Liverpool
It’s been a turbulent start to the WSL season for Tottenham Hotspur, having managed just two wins in eight games. Robert Vilahamn’s side will be keen to take advantage of an injury-riddled Everton side as they host the Toffees at Brisbane Road Stadium.
Despite a slow start, Everton are back in WSL action after a 1-0 win over Liverpool in the Merseyside derby last month. Brian Sorensen’s side are currently 9th in the league table, just one point above the relegation zone. They have conceded 13 goals, only scored three, with a difference of -10.
Spurs will be desperate for their second home win of the season and should have enough to come out on top.
Prediction: Tottenham 2-0 Everton
Manchester City will need to do well this weekend if they are to stay within striking distance of Chelsea at the top of the table.
Gareth Taylor’s side will be without Lauren Hemp and Vivianne Miedema for the meeting with Leicester City at the Joie Stadium this Sunday. The Cityzens have yet to prove their mettle without Hemp, losing to Chelsea before narrowly edging Hammarby before the international break.
The Foxes have struggled to build momentum under Amandine Miquel, with just one game in eight so far. It will be another tough challenge for Leicester on Sunday, with Man City’s attack expected to make a big dent in the Foxes’ defence.
Prediction: Manchester City 4-0 Leicester City
A battle in the top half of the table will be one to watch as Dario Vidosic comes face to face with his biggest challenge yet.
Brighton will travel to west London to face unbeaten Chelsea at Kingsmeadow. The Seagulls are currently third in the WSL table with five wins, two losses and one draw.
Vidosic turned heads the last time his side faced a top team, losing 5-0 in an emphatic drubbing by Arsenal. Brighton will need to be less stubborn in their game plan against the Blues if they are to remain unpunished.
Chelsea should prevail once again, with Bompastor’s Blues continuing to look more ruthless with each passing game.
Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Brighton
Arsenal return to the Emirates Stadium this weekend when they host Aston Villa on matchday nine. The Gunners will be looking to make it eight games unbeaten under interim manager Renee Slegers.
This encounter brought all the drama of the 2023/24 season as the Reds came from behind to win 2-1 thanks to a last minute winner from Alessia Russo. The stakes may not be as high this year, but Arsenal should have the firepower to get the job done.
They will also have the advantage of the home fans, and a shaky Villa side may struggle to play under pressure. Robert de Pauw’s start to life at Birmingham isn’t looking great on the stat sheet, with the team picking up just one win. The performances may tell a different story as the Villans produced an impressive turnaround against Chelsea and Man City.
Time will tell whether or not Arsenal can maintain their positive momentum under Slegers, but the Gunners should be able to slip over the line on Sunday.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Aston Villa
A London derby awaits at the Chigwell Construction Stadium as West Ham United host Crystal Palace in a bottom-of-the-table clash.
Rehanne Skinne’s West Ham side have had a difficult start to the 2024/25 campaign, with just one win in the 2024/25 campaign so far. The Irons narrowly avoided the relegation zone last season, and Sunday’s game against the Eagles will be a must-win if they are to survive the drop again.
As for the visitors, Crystal Palace’s last place in the WSL feels a little unfair after some impressive performances. The Eagles have shown glimpses of positive football since their promotion to the top flight, and a win against the Irons will be exactly what they need to kick-start their campaign.
The contest is sure to be a topsy-turvy affair, with both teams desperate for the three points that will catapult them out of the relegation zone. West Ham’s speedy frontline of Riko Ueki and Viviane Asseyi will certainly test the Eagles, but Palace’s fortitude can see them through to victory.
