Saturday 5 September
Liverpool vs. Arsenal
The last time these two sides met in the league was in July when Liverpool ran out 3-1 winners. There is now 5 points separating the Gunners in 4th from their rivals in 6th but the current champions do have a game in hand. Another victory this weekend for Matt Beard’s side would see them close that gap and extend their unbeaten streak in the league to three games. A win for Arsenal however would see them keep pace with WSL 1 leaders Chelsea and the chasing pack of Man City and newly promoted Sunderland.
Bristol Academy vs. Birmingham Ladies
Out of touch with the rest of the league, this fixture sees the WSL 1’s two bottom clubs fight it out in a battle of pride. Both sides have won just one game this season and have conceded a whopping 30 goals between them. Back in April they played out a 0-0 draw but Birmingham will come in to this weekend’s game full of confidence following their 2-0 victory over the Vixens in the Continental Cup just last week. Another performance like that would give the West Midlands side a 5 point breathing space on Bristol.
Sunday 6 September
Chelsea vs. Notts County
Sitting pretty at the top of the WSL 1 table and three points clear of second placed Sunderland, the title is Chelsea’s to lose. But Notts County won’t make it easy for the Londoners as they look to seek revenge for their 1-0 defeat in the FA Cup final last month. Since that defeat, County have gone five games unbeaten in all competitions, scoring an impressive 19 goals in the process. Not to be outdone, Sunday’s hosts have won four on the trot including a 6-0 and 8-0 victory over Millwall Lionesses and London Bees of the WSL 2 respectively.
Manchester City vs. Sunderland
This weekend’s stand out fixture is without a doubt the meeting between title chasing Manchester City and Sunderland. Man City are currently two points behind their opponents but have a game in hand so would leapfrog their North East rivals in to 2nd place with a win. These two sides met in just the second game of this year’s WSL 1 season where this weekend’s visitors were narrowly edged out by a solitary goal from City’s Nikita Parris. The Manchester outfit, filled with England internationals such as Toni Duggan and Jill Scott, have not lost a game since returning to action following the World Cup break.
