Women's Football Weekend: What's at stake for every WSL club

Women's Football Weekend is days away, and every club in the WSL will be taking part, with matches set for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

It's extremely tight both at the top of the league and at the bottom going into the final stretch of the season, so here's what every club is playing for ahead of the weekend.

• How to watch every WSL Women's Football Weekend game on TV

1. Chelsea

After a period of time where Chelsea were second in the league, they've managed to go top once again. The side currently have a two-point lead and a game in hand, which puts them in a really good position to successfully defend their WSL title yet again.

That being said, unlike the two Manchester clubs who are also fighting for the title, Chelsea are in the Champions League, and after their loss to Barcelona in the 2021 final, the side are clearly hungry for European glory.

Emma Hayes will have to manage her squad well to ensure that form doesn't dip in the league. Manchester City is no easy task.

• How Chelsea made vital use of squad depth in Women's FA Cup quarter-final win

2. Manchester United

Manchester United will have been disappointed after they dropped to second in the table after their 1-0 loss to Chelsea just over a week ago, although a first ever top three finish and Champions League qualification was always the primary goal for the Red Devils coming into the season.

As the end of the season approaches, all they can do is pick up as many points as possible, Their run in is arguably more favourable than their rivals, with Arsenal and Manchester City to face at home.

But winning at Old Trafford against West Ham this weekend will be crucial.

3. Manchester City

Manchester City suffered a huge blow after getting knocked out of the FA Cup at the hands of Aston Villa. Gareth Taylor's team will have to put aside the shocking loss, and look to make a late push for the title.

They are level on points with Manchester United, but have a goal difference of +18 compared to +29 on the other side of twon.

They arguably have the most difficult remaining fixtures as well, having to face all three of United, Arsenal, and Chelsea, who they come up against this weekend. If they can manage big performances against the rest of the top four, they may have a fighting chance at domestic glory.

4. Arsenal

It would be a long shot for Arsenal to win the title at this point. Despite only being five points off of Chelsea, it's hard to imagine a scenario where all three clubs above the Gunners collapse so close to the end of the season.

The main objective that Arsenal can realistically aim for is a top-three spot, to qualify for the Champions League next season. Not playing in Europe's best competition would be a blow for the side that is just starting to show signs of getting back to what they once were a decade ago.

They have to make sure there are no banana skins on Saturday against a Tottenham side suddenly buoyed by a recent win.

5. Aston Villa

Aston Villa have had a fantastic season so far, and are showing no signs of letting up anytime soon. They sit fifth in the WSL table and are unbeaten in 2023 ahead of facing bottom club Leicester at home.

Their win against Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-final saw Rachel Daly score the winning goal in the 97th minute to knock out the three-time winners. Manager Carla Ward called it 'the biggest night' in the club's history, and the team will want to continue to impress in the league.

Should they finish the season in fifth, it would be a massive improvement on their ninth-placed finish last season, and a sign of what could come if the club are willing to put some proper investment in the team.

6. Everton

A few seasons ago, Everton, along with Manchester United, were tipped to become challengers to what was then the big three: Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City. While United have certainly made that a big four, Everton have failed to meet those expectations.

As of late, they've particularly struggled up front, having not scored a goal since their match in late January against West Ham. The Merseyside derby will be a perfect chance for them to find their shooting boots in front of big home support at Goodison Park.

7. West Ham

West Ham have dipped in form since last season, already accumulating nine losses, their overall total in the 2021/22 season. Their last league win came in December and questions may be asked about Paul Konchesky if his team's form continues to fall.

Going to Old Trafford, where they lost in 2021 and where Aston Villa got hit for five in December, is hardly a favourable way to get back to winning ways.

8. Liverpool

The Merseyside derby will be the perfect chance for Liverpool to build upon their 2-1 victory over Tottenham. Matt Beard's side are surely to stay in the WSL for a second season in a row and will be looking for revenge against Everton after the Blues defeated them 3-0 at Anfield earlier in the season.

9. Tottenham

Tottenham edged past Leicester to end a run of nine successive WSL defeats after sacking former manager Rehanne Skinner.

The goal for Spurs ahead of Women's Football Weekend, and for the rest of the season, is not to get dragged into a relegation battle. After their tough fixture against North London rivals, Spurs have some favourable fixtures, which should see them pick up enough points to remain in the league.

10. Reading

In the last three seasons, Reading have finished 5th, 7th, and 8th, respectively. They now sit in 10th, and boss Kelly Chambers has said that her sole focus is staying in the WSL, saying: "I’ve not thought about anything other than keeping the team up."

Reading have one of the smallest budgets in the league and are the only club in the WSL that are not backed by a men’s Premier League side, which has always proven to be a challenge. They play Brighton this weekend, followed by Leicester, the two clubs below them in the league, two huge opportunities from proper 'six pointers'.

11. Brighton

Brighton are only one point above the relegation spot as it sits going into Women's Football Weekend and it looks like it will come down to the wire in terms of who will be playing in the Championship next season.

The Seagulls do have an FA Cup semi-final lined up with Manchester United to look forward to and the slim possibility of a trophy may even galvanise this squad in the final matches of the season.

Their last WSL fixture will be at home against Leicester, which may end up being their most crucial game of the season. But starting with a trip to Reading on Sunday would be a huge boost.

12. Leicester

Leicester were more or less the better side in the first half against Spurs last week, but yet again were fruitless in front of goal.

This weekend, they will face an in-form Aston Villa before having to take the likes of Arsenal, and Chelsea.

As mentioned above, their last match of the season, against 11th place Brighton, may be what decides who goes down.

• Emile Heskey explains how Leicester Women have made 'massive strides' since 2020